New Delhi, India — Indian sportswomen shone brightly in 2024, showcasing extraordinary determination and skill on the global stage. From the Olympics to the Paralympics and beyond, these 12 women proved that gender stereotypes have no place in sports. Their remarkable achievements have inspired a new generation of young girls to dream big and chase their aspirations.
Manu Bhaker: A Historic Olympian
Manu Bhaker etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal at the 2024 Olympics. Her two bronze medals marked her as the first Indian woman to win multiple medals in the same sport. A multitalented athlete, Manu also excels in martial arts, boxing, and skating.
Avani Lekhara: A Paralympic Legend
Avani Lekhara continued her inspiring journey by clinching two gold medals at the 2024 Paralympics, breaking her own records and exemplifying resilience and determination.
Sheetal Devi: Breaking Barriers in Archery
Seventeen-year-old para-archer Sheetal Devi made history by winning bronze in the mixed compound archery team event, becoming India’s youngest Paralympic medalist. Born with a unique congenital defect, she shoots using her lips, feet, and shoulders, demonstrating incredible perseverance.
Diana Pundole: Racing Against Norms
Diana Pundole shattered stereotypes by becoming the first Indian woman to win the 2024 MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship. A mother of two and former teacher, Diana proved that personal responsibilities are no barrier to success.
Preethi Pal: Defying Odds in Athletics
Preethi Pal won two bronze medals in the T35 100- and 200-meter events at the 2024 Paralympics, overcoming cerebral palsy with sheer determination and hard work.
Sheetal Raj: Conquering Peaks
Sheetal Raj became the first Indian woman to climb Mt. Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest mountain in the world. An experienced mountaineer, she inspires others to embrace adventure and face challenges head-on.
Manisha Ramadass: A Trailblazer in Para-Badminton
Manisha Ramadass made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic medal in badminton. Diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, she became a world champion and ranked first in para-badminton within her debut year.
Deepthi Jeevanji: A Gold Standard in Athletics
Deepthi Jeevanji brought pride to India by winning gold at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships and bronze in the 400-meter T20 event at the Paralympics, becoming the first Indian athlete with an intellectual disability to achieve this feat.
Rupa Bayor: Taekwondo Excellence
Rupa Bayor, from Arunachal Pradesh, became the first Indian taekwondo athlete to rank among the top 10 Poomsae globally. She rose to ninth in her category, finding strength in taekwondo after personal hardships.
Rakshitha Raju: Visionary Achievements
Rakshitha Raju made history at the 2024 Paralympics by competing in the T11 1500m event and winning gold at the Asian Para Games, showcasing her unwavering determination despite her vision impairment.
Simran Sharma: Overcoming Challenges
Simran Sharma, guided by coach Abhay Singh, secured bronze in the T20 200-meter event at the 2024 Paralympics, proving that visual impairments cannot deter success.
Bilquis Mir: A Trailblazing Juror
Bilquis Mir, a kayaker and canoeist from Kashmir, became the first Indian woman to serve on the jury at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Breaking social barriers, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes.
A Legacy of Inspiration
These 12 trailblazers have not only brought glory to the nation but also dismantled barriers in traditionally male-dominated arenas. Their stories underscore the importance of encouraging young girls to pursue sports without the confines of stereotypes.
As India celebrates their achievements, these women remind us that with determination and support, there are no limits to what can be accomplished in the world of sports.
