Independence Day 2023: Five all-time sporting stars for India

Dhyan Chand (L), P.T. Usha (R)

Independence Day 2023: In a country of sports lovers where people stick to their screens for hours to watch Olympic events or travel miles away to catch a cricket match live, there is no dearth of names who have justified the passion for this field.

The history of Indian sports is replete with legendary players who have represented the country internationally and excelled in their respective sports. Although this list is extensive, on the occasion of Independence Day, we take a look at five all-time sporting stars for India.

Dhyan Chand - Hockey

Dhyan Chand (Pic: Getty Images)

Recognised as the Wizard of Hockey, Major Dhyan Chand is an unforgettable name in the history of Indian field hockey. He was well-known for his smooth stick-work and goal-scoring ability. He made it to the Indian hockey team during the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam, where they won a gold medal on their debut appearance. Dhyan Chand won three Olympic medals in his glorious career. His contribution to Indian sports is so significant that his birthday (29^th August) is commemorated as National Sports Day in the country.

Sachin Tendulkar - Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar (Pic: AFP)

The God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, has taken India to new heights in cricket. There are very few batting records lists which do not have his name at the top. He carried the nation's expectations throughout his international career spanning over two decades, becoming the highest run-scorer for India. His unparalleled legacy unravelled in front of millions of fans as his teammates lifted the legend on their shoulders to celebrate their victory at the 2011 World Cup, which was Tendulkar's last before he retired.

Karnam Malleswari - Weightlifting

Karnam Malleswari (Pic: AFP)

Karnam Malleswari, whose remarkable achievements remain relatively unnoticed in today's world, was the first woman to win a medal for India at the Olympics. She won a bronze medal in weightlifting at the Sydney Games in 2000. She achieved a significant milestone in a major boost for sportswomen in the country. Malleswari was also the first Indian woman weightlifter to win a gold at World Championships.

P.T. Usha - Athletics

P.T. Usha (Pic: AFP)

P.T. Usha, who dominated the track and field athletics for almost two decades, is an important figure in the history of Indian sports. An year after she missed a historic medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, she went on to win five gold and one bronze medal at the 1985 Asian Championships - a feat that is still unachieved by any other Indian sprinter. She has won 11 Asian Games medals and 23 Asian Athletics Championships medals. The Payyoli Express, as she was fondly called, was a crowd favourite and an idol for many youngsters. In 2022, she also became the first woman president of Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Also Read: 2023 Asian Games: Full list of qualified Indian athletes at the quadrennial event

Mary Kom - Boxing

Mary Kom (Pic: AFP)

The boxing queen of India, Mary Kom, has several achievements to her name. Not only did she rightfully own a place in a sport once considered male-dominated, but also inspired other women to pursue it. The legendary boxer won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics. In 2018, she became the first woman boxer to win six World Championships titles. Her career is also studded with continental success - seven medals at Asian Championships and two medals at the Asian Games. She also added a Commonwealth Games medal to her achievements in 2018.