Famous Indian Athletes

Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha is a renowned Indian sports administrator and former track and field athlete. With a career spanning over four decades, she has made significant contributions to Indian athletics since 1979. Usha has achieved remarkable success, including winning multiple gold and silver medals in the Asian Games. She is widely recognized as the "Queen of Indian track and field." Recently, she was appointed as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, elected as the president of the Indian Olympic Association, and became the Vice Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, making history as the first nominated MP to hold this position.

Santhi Soundarajan is a renowned track and field athlete from Tamil Nadu, India, known for her exceptional achievements in middle distance track events. She has secured numerous international medals for India and her home state of Tamil Nadu, showcasing her talent and determination in the sport. Notably, she made history by becoming the first Tamil woman to clinch a medal at the Asian Games. Despite facing challenges, including a controversial disqualification, Santhi Soundarajan's professional journey exemplifies her dedication and prowess in the field of athletics.

Milkha Singh, also known as "The Flying Sikh," was an Indian track and field sprinter who achieved great success in the sport. He won gold at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games and represented India at multiple Olympic Games. Singh's notable race was the 400 meters final at the 1960 Olympics, where he finished fourth. Despite facing challenges in his early life, Singh became a revered sporting icon in India and was recognized with prestigious awards for his remarkable athletic achievements.

Krishna Poonia is a renowned Indian discus thrower and track-and-field athlete with a successful career marked by significant achievements. She is a two-time participant in the Olympics, having competed in the 2008 and 2012 Games. Poonia has also won a gold medal at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Besides her sporting accomplishments, she is a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri and Arjuna Award. Poonia has transitioned into politics, representing the Congress party and serving as a former MLA from the Sadulpur constituency in Rajasthan. In 2022, she was appointed as the President of the Rajasthan State Sports Council.

Anju Bobby George is a retired Indian athlete who achieved historic milestones in long jump. She won a bronze medal at the 2003 World Championships in Athletics, becoming the first Indian athlete to do so. Anju later secured a gold medal at the IAAF World Athletics Final in 2005. She received prestigious awards like the Arjuna Award, Khel Ratna, and Padma Shri for her contributions to sports. Anju also competed in the 2004 Athens Olympics, finishing 5th with a personal best. In 2021, she received the BBC lifetime achievement award for best athlete in India and currently serves as the vice-president of the Athletics Federation of India.

Malathi Krishnamurthy Holla is an accomplished international para athlete from India, having won numerous medals in various prestigious events. She has represented India in Paralympics, Asian Games, World Masters, Commonwealth Games, and Open Championships. Despite undergoing 34 surgeries, Malathi has shown remarkable resilience and determination. She works as a Manager in Syndicate Bank and also founded Mathru Foundation, a charitable trust that provides support to children with disabilities, particularly focusing on helping polio victims from rural areas. Malathi's inspiring journey is captured in her authorized biography, "A Different Spirit."

Shital Mahajan Rane is an accomplished Indian extreme sportsperson and skydiver with a remarkable career. She holds eight world records in skydiving and is recognized for her pioneering achievements. Mahajan made history as the first woman to execute an accelerated free fall jump over Antarctica and the youngest woman to jump over both the North and South Poles. Her impressive feats have earned her prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 2011.

Shiva Keshavan is a highly accomplished athlete with a remarkable career in luge. As a six-time Olympian, he made history as the first Indian representative to compete in luge at the Winter Olympic Games. Known for his speed and skill, Keshavan set a new Asian speed record of 134.3 km/h, surpassing the previous record. His achievements include winning a gold medal in the 2011 Asian Luge Cup in Nagano, Japan, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport at an international level.

Mary D'Souza Sequeira was a pioneering Indian female Olympian who excelled in both track and field events as well as field hockey. She achieved significant success in international competitions, winning medals at the Asian Games and setting records in track and field events. D'Souza also represented India in field hockey tournaments and later became a sports officer for Indian Railways, where she coached and recruited athletes. Her dedication to sports was recognized with the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award in 2013.