Paris 2024: Who Was the First Indian Olympic Medallist in Weightlifting? Know All About Her

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In myKhel's latest edition of stories in the build-up to the Paris 2024, we look into the history of Indian weightlifting at the Olympics.

Karnam Malleswari's journey to Olympic glory isn't just a story of personal triumph; it's a watershed moment for Indian sports. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she hoisted a total of 240kg in the women's 69kg category, clinching a history-making bronze medal.

This feat not only made her the first Indian woman to ever stand on the Olympic podium, but also the first Indian weightlifter, male or female, to claim an Olympic medal.

Malleswari's unwavering determination and exceptional talent shattered barriers and inspired a generation of female athletes to come.

From Humble Beginnings to Sporting Greatness

Karnam Malleswari was born on 1 June 1975 in Voosavanipeta, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Malleswari, born into a sports-loving family, found unlikely inspiration in her non-athletic mother. Despite initial discouragement from a coach for being too slight, her journey began when she accompanied her sister to a national camp.

A keen eye for talent led Olympic champion Leonid Taranenko to recognize her potential. His recommendation to the Bangalore Sports Institute set her on a record-breaking path. Malleswari dominated the national scene, shattering nine records in her first junior championship in 1990 and claiming a silver medal in her senior debut the following year.

World Champion and Olympic Trailblazer

Malleswari's international success began with a bronze medal at her world championship debut in 1993. The next year, she scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman weightlifter to win a world championship gold.

Malleswari secured the world title in the 54 kg weight division in both 1994 and 1995 and achieved third place in 1993 and 1996.

In 1994, she earned a silver medal at the World Championships held in Istanbul. In 1995, she claimed victory at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Korea in the 54 kg category. That same year, she set a record with a lift of 113 kg to win the World Championships in China.

Even before her Olympic triumph, Malleswari was already a two-time world champion in weightlifting, boasting 29 international medals, including 11 golds.

Despite facing doubts due to a recent lack of world championship medals and competing in a new weight class, Malleswari rose to the challenge at the Sydney Olympics.

At the Sydney Games, Malleswari displayed fierce determination in the 69kg weightlifting event. Matching her competitors in the snatch category, she remained close behind in the clean and jerk.

Malleswari lifted 110 kg in the "snatch" and 130 kg in the "clean and jerk" categories for a total of 240 kg.

In a daring attempt to secure gold, she narrowly missed a challenging 137.5kg lift, resulting in a well-deserved bronze medal. This achievement cemented her legacy as a groundbreaking figure in Indian sports.

Malleswari's journey wasn't without setbacks. After taking a maternity break in 2001 and training intensely for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, she had to withdraw due to her father's passing.

A severe back injury further hampered her performance at the 2004 Athens Olympics, leading to her retirement from the sport.

Though the 2000 Olympic bronze medal remained her final international triumph, it serves as a permanent reminder of her immense contribution. Malleswari's groundbreaking achievement shattered barriers and paved the way for a new era of success for Indian women athletes.

In addition to her national and international medals, Malleswari received the Arjuna Award in 1994, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 1999, and the Padma Shri in 1999.