Malleswari's career is marked by numerous accolades. She won the world title in the 54 kg division in 1994 and 1995. She also placed third in 1993 and 1996. In 1994, she secured a silver medal at the World Championships in Istanbul. The following year, she won the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Korea in the same category.

In 1995, Malleswari set a record lift of 113 kg at the World Championships in China. By then, she had already amassed 29 international medals, including 11 golds. Her national and international success was recognised with multiple awards, such as the Arjuna Award and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.

At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Malleswari lifted a total of 240 kg—110 kg in the "snatch" and 130 kg in the "clean and jerk" categories. This feat earned her a bronze medal, making her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. It was also India's only medal at those Games.

Personal Life

Malleswari was born into a Punjabi family in Chandigarh and has four sisters. She began her weightlifting career at age 12 under coach Neelamshetty Appanna. Recognising her potential, she moved to Delhi for better training and joined the national camp in 1990. Four years later, she became a world champion in weightlifting.

In 1997, Malleswari married fellow weightlifter Rajesh Tyagi. They have a son who was born in 2001. Although she planned to return to competition at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, she withdrew due to her father's death. She retired after not scoring at the 2004 Olympics.

Currently, Malleswari lives with her family in Yamunanagar, Haryana. She works as Chief General Manager (General Administration) at the Food Corporation of India. In June 2021, she was appointed as vice-chancellor of Sports University by the Delhi government.

Awards and Recognition

Malleswari's contributions to sports have been widely recognised. She received the Arjuna Award in 1994 for her achievements in weightlifting. In 1999, she was honoured with both the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award and the Padma Shri award.

Her legacy continues to inspire many young athletes across India. As vice-chancellor of Sports University, she aims to nurture future sports talents and contribute to India's sporting success.