Karnam Malleswari, born on June 1, 1975, is a retired Indian weightlifter who made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. Her remarkable journey in sports is marked by numerous achievements and accolades.
In 2000, at the Sydney Olympics, Malleswari lifted a total of 240 kg—110 kg in the snatch and 130 kg in the clean and jerk—securing the bronze medal. This victory was significant as she became not only the first Indian woman but also the first Indian weightlifter, male or female, to achieve this honor. Her medal was India’s only podium finish at the 2000 Olympics, solidifying her legacy in Indian sports.
Malleswari was born into a Telugu Brahmin family in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. From a young age, she showed great potential in sports, starting her weightlifting career at the age of 12 under the guidance of coach Neelamshetty Appanna. Her talent was quickly recognized by the Sports Authority of India, leading her to join the national camp in 1990.
Malleswari’s career is decorated with numerous accomplishments:
Malleswari’s contributions to sports have been recognized with several prestigious awards:
In 1997, Malleswari married fellow weightlifter Rajesh Tyagi. They have a son together, born in 2001. Despite the demands of motherhood and her career, she aimed to compete in the 2002 Commonwealth Games but withdrew after her father’s death. Malleswari eventually retired after the 2004 Olympics.
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