Categories: General Studies

First Indian Woman to Win Olympic Medal, Know Her Name

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.

First Woman to win an Olympic Medal

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.

Early Life and Training of Karnam Malleswari

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.

Career Highlights of Karnam Malleswari, First Woman to win an Olympic Medal

Malleswari’s career is decorated with numerous accomplishments:

  • World Championships: She won the world title in the 54 kg division in 1994 and 1995 and earned a bronze medal in 1993 and 1996.
  • Asian Championships: In 1995, she won gold at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Korea.
  • Medals: Over her career, Malleswari accumulated 29 international medals, including 11 gold medals.

Awards and Recognition

Malleswari’s contributions to sports have been recognized with several prestigious awards:

  • Arjuna Award (1994): Awarded for outstanding achievements in sports.
  • Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1999): India’s highest sporting honor.
  • Padma Shri (1999): A civilian award recognizing her exceptional service in the field of sports.

Personal Life of Karnam Malleswari

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.

Akansha Arora

My role as a content writer specializing in current affairs at Adda247 involves meticulously researching and crafting compelling articles aimed at guiding and informing candidates preparing for National and State Level Competitive Government Exams. With a dedication to educational excellence, I strive to keep our candidates abreast of the latest developments and trends in current affairs. By providing insightful and engaging content, I aim to ensure that aspiring candidates are well-prepared and informed for their examinations.

Recent Posts

Current Affairs Capsule PDF (27 June 2026)

National News Mahesh Dixit Appointed New Intelligence Bureau Director The Government of India has appointed…

5 hours ago

IAF Equips 40 Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jets with BrahMos Missiles, Strengthening Long-Range Strike Capability

The Indian Air Force (IAF) strengthened the long range precision strike by getting around 40…

9 hours ago

India Sets Record with 7 Schools Shortlisted for World’s Best School Prizes 2026

Indian schools have achieved the milestone as total 7 Indian schools secured places in Top…

9 hours ago

India Launches World’s First Nuclear Process Heat-Based Hydrogen Production Facility

India achieved the milestone as it commissioned the world’s first hydrogen production facility, which is…

10 hours ago

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi to Visit India for 16th India-Japan Annual Summit from July 1 to 3

Honorable Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to visit New Delhi from 1st to…

11 hours ago

India-Seychelles Defence Partnership: How the Strategic Alliance Is Strengthening Security in the Indian Ocean

The India-Seychelles defense partnership has been emerged as the key pillar of maritime security in…

11 hours ago