Olympics 2024: From Karnam Malleswari‘s bronze in Sydney to hopes of repeat from Mirabai Chanu in Paris, India's Weightlifing Legacy Awaits New Chapter

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Karnam Malleswari has a special in the history of India at the Olympics. On September 19, 2000, when the powerful and determined girl hailing from Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh had lifted 240kg total to win a bronze medal, it was simply sensational.

This was the first medal from an Indian lady at the Summer Olympics and will, forever, be remembered as something special. One needs do a deep dive into how Malleswari became a champion in weightlifting.

Hailing from a family which was low middle class, many dissuaded Malleswari from taking the sport at home. It was her family which egged her on. Perhaps, when she shifted to New Delhi in the 90s and then became part of the elite camps run by the Sports Authority of India, Malleswari had realised the importance of scientific training methods and how important it was to train with guidance.

The Indian government had always supported her, but few knew that it was the Hinduja foundation which supported wrestlers in the period 1993-94 onwards when they needed food supplements and protein supplements.

Those days, in the late 90s, the depth in Indian weightlifting was deep. Someone like Kunjarani Devi was unlucky not to have won an Olympic medal. However, both Malleswari and Kunjarani were very strong at the Asian level and the World Championship, where they won medals in large numbers.

By the time Malleswari was ready to board the flight to Sydney 2000 Olympics, she was projected as a medal hope. Her track record and training were in sync, and in coach Leonid Taranenko, she had had a guide and mentor who ensured she was in great shape. Reaching the Olympics well in advance, Malleswari had prepared well, in terms of training and ready to face the pressure.

Sadly, before she left India, there were negative media reports on her being "unfit, overweight" and eating junk food. Malleswari was seething with rage and chose the Olympic stage on September 19, 2000 to explode into brilliance.

Her weightlifting bronze medal was iconic and defied the image that Indian women were not medal prospects. Today, as the Government of India supports to the hilt lady athletes and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) has ensured there will be a gender balance at the Paris Olympics 2024, Malleswari is indeed the trendsetter.

A first Olympic medal in the Olympics from an Indian lady will always be respected. And today, Malleswari has ensured she has a huge image as someone who dared, dreamed and set a nice trend. After all, it has been Malleswari's dream, someone after her won an Olympic medal as well, in weightlifting.

India looks at Mirabai Chanu as a medal prospect for back-to-back second Games in the Paris Olympics 2024. Malleswari has always been appreciative of Mirabai's hard work. Even when the short statured Mirabai had flopped in the 2016 Olympics, in Rio, Malleswari backed her. Sure enough, Mirabai won a bronze medal in Tokyo, three years ago, and is now hoping to do better in Paris.

There are similarities between Malleswari and Mirabai. Both have that mindset to conquer the odds and lift themselves on the big stage. To make a comparison between 2000 Sydney and 2024 Paris would be a bit odd.

Yet, Malleswari was willing to speak. "In our time, we never got so many facilities. I am not complaining or offering any excuse, but elite athletes in India today have access to best of things. From coaches to training and overseas camps and scientific inputs, the Prime Minister has taken personal interest. Narendra Modiji has been paying so much attention to India's preparations and that makes me happy," said Malleswari.

Today, Malleswari runs her own academy in Yamunanagar, Haryana and keeps track of Indians in the Olympics arena. "We have no dearth of talent and there is a system in place. If India could win medals in Tokyo during the pandemic, we must win more medals in Paris," she said.

Asked about Mirabai, she offered her expert opinion. "Injuries are part of the game but each time Mirabai has fought back so strongly. Her training is very hard and she has ensured she will peak on the big stage. I don't think what happened with her in the last Asian Games in China will affect her. She is very strong in the mind and has spent time in strengthening," added Malleswari.

How is it for one champion to see a new medal winner emerge? "It is a matter of pride we have so many elite athletes who can win medals in Paris. I will be happy to see each medal won and being celebrated. The Olympics is the pinnacle of sports and each Indian will pray for the success. For me, sports is part of my life. I also nurture talent and wish India attains greater heights," concluded Malleswari.

As for Mirabai, she is training in Paris with coach Vijay Sharma. She is calm and composed and her event on August 7 will be watched with great interest. The world knows, she can be dangerous.