Indian women in sports have had quite a year.
From becoming the first RCB franchise to win WPL to clinching record-breaking medals during the Olympics and Paralympics, Indian sportswomen have brought immense glory to the country.
The year 2024 has witnessed women in sports excelling in male-dominated arenas, including equestrian, hockey, blind cricket, handball, golf, cricket, badminton, boxing, weightlifting, and more. They have showcased perseverance, passion, and unwavering excellence.
Women’s success in sports also serves as a great exemplar for younger girls in the country who can learn lessons on resilience and determination. These women in sports have not only broken barriers but are also inspiring generations and promoting inclusivity in sports.
As 2024 draws to a close, Women Entrepreneurs Review takes a look back at some of the most inspiring women from Indian sports and their moment of glory in the past year.
Divyakriti Singh Becomes First Female Equestrian to receive Arjuna Award
Divyakriti Singh, a Jaipur girl, became the first Indian woman to receive the Arjuna Award for equestrian sports in January 2024. She trained in Germany and won a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games. She was ranked No.1 in Asia and No.14 in the World in the Global Dressage Rankings.
A stunning victory for the Asian Games gold medalist in equestrian sports, the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, offered Divyakriti Singh the coveted Arjuna Award on Tuesday at a prestigious ceremony in the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
Divyakriti, a 23-year-old from Rajasthan, has been the sole representative from the region to receive the Arjuna Award in the current year, making her the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Asian Games in Equestrian. The last sportsperson to receive the Arjuna Award from Rajasthan was back in 2018.
Paris Olympics 2024: Manu Bhaker wins Bronze; becomes 1st Indian Female to Win Shooting Medal
Shooter Manu Bhaker created history by winning a Bronze medal at the Paris Olympics in July 2024. The young shooter from Haryana became the very first Indian woman shooter to scoop a medal at the Olympics. Manu came third in the women's 10m air pistol final held at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre in Paris. Manu had suffered a bout of bad luck three years ago at the Tokyo Olympics. But overcoming the losses from last time, the 22-year-old shooter brought India its maiden medal in shooting and made the entire nation proud.
Manu’s Bronze medal came ending India’s 12-year-long wait for a shooting medal at the Olympics. With this win, Manu joined the exclusive and elite group of shooters including Abhinav Bindra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar, and Gagan Narang to notch a win at the Olympics in shooting. She added another bronze medal at the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event with Sarabjot Singh.
Panthoi Chanu Becomes First Female Indian Footballer to Play in South Australian WPL
Indian women's footballer who is also the national team goalkeeper, Panthoi Chanu made history by becoming the first Indian football player to play professionally in Australia. Panthoi cracked the deal that would keep her with the South Australian Women's Premier League team, Metro United which will be held in September 2024.
She was selected after taking part in the 'Women In Sports' Elite trials, which were organized in collaboration with the Football Players Association of India, Women in Sports, and the AMPL Foundation in March 2024. Her sporting career achieved a significant milestone when she joined the ranks of other prominent players like Jyoti Chauhan, Kiran Pisada, and M.K. Kashmina. Panthoi hails from a native village in Manipuri, Keirak where she began playing as a defender and a left-wing player.
18 Y-O Neelam Bhardwaj become Youngest Indian Woman to Score Double Century
Uttarakhand's 18-year-old female cricketer, Neelam Bhardwaj, became the youngest Indian woman to score a double century in a List A match in December 2024. She scored an unbeaten 202 runs off 137 balls, including 27 fours and two sixes, in the Senior Women's One Day Trophy for Uttarakhand. Her performance helped the team secure a 259-run victory over Nagaland, securing a 371/2 in 50 overs.
Neelam surpassed Shweta Sehrawat's double-century record claimed earlier this year smashing 242 for 150-ball. Her batting showcased elite timing, prowess, and acceleration, earning her a place among the greatest Indian women cricketers.
Para-Racer Deepthi Jeevanji secures Bronze Medal at Paris 2024 Paralympics
India's women's para-racer, Deepthi Jeevanji won a bronze medal in the Women's 400m T20 event at the 2024 Paralympics at the Stade de France in 55.82 seconds in September 2024. Deepthi's performance showcased her speed, stamina, and determination, adding to India's third track medal in Paralympic Games history, following Preethi Pal's double bronze win.
Deepthi set a world record before entering into the Paralympics 2024 with a 55.04s time, surpassing Turkey's Aysel Onder in the heats. Ukraine's Yuliia Shuliar won the silver medal at the World Championship. After a few close misses by para-shooter Avani Lekhara at 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 and Bhagyashree Jadhav in the Women's shot put F34 final, securing 5th positions, whereas Pooja Jatyan failed to capitalize on a match arrow in Women's individual recurve, resulting in her exit from the quarterfinals, Deepthi's medal was crucial for India.
