For years, Indian sports were largely defined by male athletes. Still, a powerful shift has been underway, led by extraordinary Indian women athletes who have broken barriers, challenged norms, and redefined what it means to be a champion. These athletes have excelled in their respective fields and inspired a generation to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender or background.
From athletics and boxing to cricket and gymnastics, Indian women have made their mark on the global stage, often in the face of immense odds. Their stories are not just about winning medals; they are about resilience, courage, and the determination to create change.
These women have become icons of strength and ambition, encouraging young girls nationwide to step onto fields, into arenas, and onto podiums with pride.
Here, we celebrate the top 10 women athletes India has produced, remarkable individuals who have redefined the landscape of sports in India and beyond.
Dipa Karmakar
The daring and powerful acts in the vault competition made Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar famous. She became the first Indian female gymnast to qualify for the Olympic Games after an excellent performance in the vault finals, where she secured fourth place at Rio 2016. She grabbed international attention for her courage and skill when she attempted the daunting Produnova vault.
Her phenomenal journey not only roused interest, funding, and hope for a budding unit of aspiring gymnasts across India but also became a landmark moment in Indian sportswomen's achievements, bringing overdue attention to this sport.
Manu Bhaker
At the 2024 Olympics, Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first Indian woman to take home a medal in shooting. Because of her outstanding performance, she won two bronze medals, becoming the first Indian woman to win multiple shooting medals in a single competition. Manu is well-known for her ability to remain composed under pressure and her technical accuracy, but her success extends beyond shooting; she is also a skilled boxer, skater, and martial artist.
Her adaptability and tenacity place her among the famous Indian female athletes, inspiring a new generation.
Shantha Rangaswamy
As the first female captain of the Indian women's cricket team, Shantha Rangaswamy created history. She became the first among Indian women cricket players to hit a six and score a Test century during her 15-year career, which included 16 Test matches and 19 ODIs. Outside of the field, she contributed as an All-India Radio commentator before making history as the first female member of the BCCI Apex Council.
As a player and a respected voice in cricket administration, Shantha is remembered for having pioneered Indian women's cricket.
Diana Pundole
On August 18, 2024, Diana Pundole, a Pune-based teacher and mother of two, became the first Indian woman to win a national racing championship title. At the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship, a mixed-gender competition that has historically been dominated by men, she won the saloon division. She started her journey in 2018 after placing in the top six of a nationwide talent search for female motorsports competitors.
Diana's commitment to racing and family life allowed her to compete internationally, including at the Hockenheimring and Dubai Autodrome. In addition to shattering gender stereotypes, her triumph earned her a place among the best Indian women sportspersons, inspiring many to pursue careers in motorsports.
Deepa Malik
As the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Paralympic Games, Deepa Malik is a groundbreaking athlete who took home silver in the shot put at Rio 2016. With incredible grit and determination, Deepa, who was paralyzed from the chest down due to a spinal tumor, turned hardship into success. She has won numerous medals in international swimming, shot put, and javelin competitions.
Beyond sports, she is an Arjuna Award winner and motivational speaker who has inspired millions with her strength, determination, and solid spirit in the face of adversity.
Mary Kom
Mary Kom, affectionately referred to as ‘Magnificent Mary,’ is a boxing legend and one of India's most renowned athletes. She overcame adversity in a male-dominated sport, rising from modest beginnings in Manipur to international recognition as a six-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist (London 2012). Her drive and determination are evident in her return to the grit after becoming a mother.
Mary's discipline, humility, and outstanding fighting spirit have served as an inspiration to a generation of athletes. She is still a potent representation of persistence, especially for women who are trying to achieve in the face of hardship.
Oinam Bembem Devi
Known as the ‘Durga of Indian Football,’ Oinam Bembem Devi is a pioneer in the field of Indian women's football. She is from Imphal, and her remarkable influence on the game is evidenced by the fact that she was the first Indian woman football player to be awarded the Padma Shri. She was instrumental in India's gold medal victories at the SAFF Women's Championships (2010, 2012, 2014) and the South Asian Games (2010, 2016).
Bembem has encouraged many girls in the Northeast to play football professionally and had a successful time with the Maldivian team New Radiant.
Sania Mirza
Sania Mirza is a pioneering figure in Indian tennis, credited with bringing the sport into the national spotlight for women. A former world No. 1 in doubles and winner of multiple Grand Slam titles, she has achieved international acclaim through her powerful game and strong determination. Her fearless presence on the court and confident personality off it have made her a role model for aspiring athletes.
Sania’s success has helped redefine the perception of women in Indian sports, proving that excellence knows no gender boundaries.
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu has emerged as one of the most successful and admired Indian women's badminton players. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a silver medal at the Olympics in Rio 2016, and further cemented her legacy with a bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Known for her fierce smashes and relentless determination, Sindhu has also won the World Championship title and multiple international titles.
Her achievements have elevated Indian badminton on the global stage and continue to inspire young athletes across the country to pursue excellence in sports.
Avani Lekhara
Avani Lekhara, a para-shooter from Jaipur, Rajasthan, has etched her name in history as the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals. After a car accident at age 11 left her paralyzed from the waist down, she turned to shooting, inspired by Abhinav Bindra's autobiography. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, she clinched gold in the 10m air rifle SH1 event and bronze in the 50m rifle 3 positions. She defended her 10m title at Paris 2024, setting a new Paralympic record.
Her achievements have earned her accolades like the Khel Ratna and Padma Shri, making her a symbol of resilience and excellence in Indian sports.
These women are united not only by their rankings and medals but also by the cultural impact they have had. In addition to fighting against poor infrastructure and demanding their place in the national sporting narrative, they have questioned traditional gender roles. They have demonstrated that Indian women can succeed in all sports, from precision games to power sports, from fields to courts.
Additionally, these athletes have played a significant role in generating interest in their respective sports at the grassroots level. The repercussions of their success can be seen all over India, from a rise in academies devoted to training female athletes to an increase in girls' athletic participation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these inspirational Indian women athletes did not just win games; they changed the game. They made sports a space where talent, not gender, defines success. They made millions of young girls believe that it is possible to dream beyond boundaries, to play, to lead, and to win. India’s sporting future is brighter because of them.
