Independence Day 2024: Top 13 sportspersons of independent India

Sports has been an integral part of India’s culture. From dominance in hockey as a newly independent nation to the shift towards cricket, India’s interest in sports has been ever-present.

As the country celebrates their 78th Independence Day, some of the athletes - Olympians and world champions - have made their talents tell across different spheres. They've brought India glory and laurels and been an inspiration for many.

A look at some of India's greatest sportspersons:

Sushil Kumar

Sushil Kumar is the only Indian wrestler to win two Olympic medals. PTI

Sushil Kumar is one of India’s most accomplished wrestlers, securing two Olympic medals: a bronze in Beijing 2008 and a silver in London 2012. He also won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in Indian wrestling and inspiring future generations. However, his life hit a downturn after being charged with murder of a junior wrestler and was arrested.

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Neeraj Chopra

With a gold and silver, Neeraj Chopra is India's most successful individual Olympics athlete. JSW image

Neeraj Chopra is a javelin thrower who made history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His performance has not only elevated the profile of Indian athletics globally but also inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue excellence in track and field.

PT Usha

Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha. Image: PT Usha X account

PT Usha, often referred to as the "Queen of Indian Track and Field," is a legendary sprinter who won numerous medals at the Asian Games and Asian Championships. She narrowly missed an Olympic medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, finishing fourth by a fraction of a second. She is now the president of the Indian Olympic Association.

Milkha Singh

The legendary Milkha Singh. Image: X / @Media_SAI

Milkha Singh, known as the "Flying Sikh," is one of India’s most iconic athletes. He won gold medals in the 1958 and 1962 Asian Games and finished fourth in the 400m at the 1960 Rome Olympics. His story of perseverance and achievement continues to inspire athletes across India and the world.

Abhinav Bindra

Abhinav Bindra became India's first individual Olympic gold medallist in Beijing. Reuters

Abhinav Bindra is India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, achieving this historic feat in the 10m air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His success marked a significant milestone in Indian sports, highlighting the importance of precision and mental fortitude in competitive shooting.

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is the only batter to score 100 hundreds in international cricket. Reuters

Sachin Tendulkar, often referred to as the "God of Cricket," is one of the greatest batters in the history of cricket. With a career spanning over two decades, he holds numerous records, including the most runs and centuries in international cricket, and played a pivotal role in popularising the sport in India.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli during a practice session at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, South Africa. PTI

Virat Kohli is one of the most prolific batsmen in modern cricket and a former captain of the Indian cricket team. Known for his aggressive batting style and exceptional leadership, he has numerous records to his name, including the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs, making him a global cricketing icon.

Viswanathan Anand

File image of Indian Grandmaster and chess icon Viswanathan Anand. PTI

Viswanathan Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, is one of the greatest chess players of all time. He became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988 and has played a crucial role in popularising chess in India, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts and players across the country.

Leander Paes

Leander Paes (R) won the bronze medal in singles tennis at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. AFP

Leander Paes is one of India’s most successful tennis players, particularly in doubles and mixed doubles formats. With eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles, he has been a dominant force in international tennis. His bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics was India’s first individual Olympic medal in 44 years.

Mary Kom

Hailing from Manipur, Mary Kom is a record six-time amateur world champion. PTI

Mary Kom, a six-time world boxing champion, is one of India’s most celebrated athletes. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and has been a pioneer in women’s boxing, advocating for gender equality and inspiring young women across India to pursue careers in sports.

PV Sindhu

PV Sindhu returns a shot during the Women's Singles Group stage match against Maldives' Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq at the 2024 Summer Olympics. PTI

PV Sindhu is one of India’s most successful badminton players, having won multiple World Championship medals and an Olympic silver medal in 2016, followed by a bronze in 2021. Her achievements have not only brought glory to India but have also significantly increased the popularity of badminton in the country.

Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri retired this year after 19 years as an Indian footballer. PTI

Former captain of the Indian football team, Chhetri is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in international football. He has played a pivotal role in elevating the status of Indian football globally. He retired from the sport earlier this year.

Balbir Singh Sr.

Balbir Singh Sr. won three Olympic gold medals in men's hockey. PTI File Photo

Balbir Singh Sr. was a legendary field hockey player, known for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities. He was a key member of the Indian team that won three consecutive Olympic gold medals (1948, 1952, and 1956). His contributions to Indian hockey are remembered as some of the greatest in the sport’s history.