Born: 1975 (Voosavanipeta, Andhra Pradesh)
Biography:
Karnam Malleswari, born on June 1, 1975, is a retired Indian weightlifter who made history as the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Olympics. Her remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport have made her an inspiration for future generations.
Malleswari’s journey to success began at a young age. She was born in a Karnam family in Voosavanipeta near Amadalavalasa, a hamlet in Andhra Pradesh. Growing up with four sisters, she was determined to make a name for herself in the world of weightlifting.
At the age of 12, Malleswari started her career and was trained under the guidance of coach Neelamshetty Appanna. Recognizing her immense talent, the Sports Authority of India spotted her and offered her the opportunity to train in Delhi for better prospects. Moving to the city, Malleswari embarked on a path that would eventually lead her to become a great athlete.
In 1990, she joined the national camp and honed her skills relentlessly. Four years later, her dedication and hard work paid off as she emerged as the weightlifting world champion in the 54-kg class. This victory was just the beginning of her illustrious career.
Malleswari continued to dominate the weightlifting arena with her exceptional performances. In 1994 and 1995, she clinched the world title in the 54 kg division, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with. She also won silver at the World Championships in Istanbul in 1994 and claimed victory at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Korea in the same year.
In 2000, Malleswari etched her name in the annals of Olympic history. At the Sydney Olympics, she showcased her incredible strength and determination by lifting 110 kg in the snatch and 130 kg in the clean and jerk categories, totaling a remarkable 240 kg. This extraordinary feat earned her the bronze medal, making her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. Additionally, she became the first Indian weightlifter, male or female, to secure an Olympic medal.
Malleswari’s medal was not just a personal achievement but a groundbreaking moment for Indian weightlifting. It was the only medal that India secured in the 2000 Olympics, highlighting her exceptional talent and contribution to Indian sports.
In addition to her Olympic success, Malleswari amassed an impressive collection of national and international medals throughout her career, including 11 gold medals. Her unwavering spirit and dedication to the sport led to numerous accolades. In 1994, she received the Arjuna Award, a prestigious recognition for exceptional achievements in the field of sports. In 1999, she was honored with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sporting honor, and also the civilian Padma Shri award.
Beyond her remarkable career, Malleswari embraced motherhood in 2001, a year after winning the Olympic bronze medal. Balancing her personal life with her athletic pursuits, she continued to inspire others with her resilience and determination. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw from the 2002 Commonwealth Games due to the untimely demise of her father. Malleswari made her final appearance at the 2004 Olympics, retiring from the sport after failing to make an impact.
Currently, Karnam Malleswari resides in Yamunanagar, Haryana, with her husband, fellow weightlifter Rajesh Tyagi, their son, and their joint family. In addition to her achievements in weightlifting, she serves as the Chief General Manager (General Administration) at the Food Corporation of India.
Karnam Malleswari’s indomitable spirit, trailblazing accomplishments, and unwavering dedication have paved the way for future generations of Indian women in weightlifting and sports in general. Her legacy will forever be remembered, and she will continue to serve as a guiding light for aspiring athletes.
Awards:
– Arjuna Award, 1994
– Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, 1999
– Padma Shri, 1999