Introduction: -
The top 10 Personalities in Indian Athletics have undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades. Initially marked by limited infrastructure and recognition.
Legendary figures like Milkha Singh and P.T. Usha paved the way, inspiring future generations.
In recent years, athletes like Neeraj Chopra, Hima Das, and Avinash Sable have brought global attention to Indian track and field with record-breaking performances.
The growing success at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics reflects India's rising stature in athletics, driven by talent, training, and a renewed national focus on sporting excellence.
India has produced legendary athletes who’ve inspired generations. Milkha Singh, “The Flying Sikh,” showed unmatched grit. PT Usha blazed trails globally.
Neeraj Chopra made history in the javelin. Vishwanathan Anand ruled global chess. Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup win changed Indian cricket forever.
These ten stars, across diverse sports, reflect India's spirit of resilience, excellence, and pride, igniting dreams in every aspiring athlete across the nation.
1. Milkha Singh – The Flying Sikh
Milkha Singh, popularly known as The Flying Sikh, was one of India’s greatest athletes and a legendary sprinter who inspired generations with his determination and resilience.
Born on October 20, 1929 (some records state 1935) in Govindpura, now in Pakistan, Milkha Singh witnessed the horrors of the Partition, losing his parents and facing immense hardship in his early life.
Despite these challenges, he rose to become a national icon in athletics.
He served in the Indian Army, where his talent for running was discovered. Milkha Singh won gold medals in the 1958 Asian Games (200m and 400m) and the 1958 Commonwealth Games.
He became the first Indian male athlete to win a gold medal in an individual event at the Commonwealth level.
However, his most memorable performance was at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he narrowly missed a bronze medal in the 400m final, finishing fourth in a photo finish.
After his incredible performance in a race in Pakistan, then-Pakistani President Ayub Khan nicknamed him The Flying Sikh.
His life story is a symbol of perseverance, patriotism, and grit. Milkha Singh passed away in 2021, but his legacy continues to inspire athletes and Indians worldwide.
2. P. T. Usha – Queen of Indian Track and Field
Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha, popularly known as P. T. Usha, is one of India’s most iconic athletes and a legendary figure in Indian sports history.
Born on June 27, 1964, in Kerala, Usha was fondly nicknamed the "Payyoli Express" for her lightning speed on the track. Her dedication, discipline, and talent earned her the title "Queen of Indian Track and Field."
Usha rose to fame in the 1980s, with her most memorable performance coming at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where she narrowly missed a bronze medal in the 400m hurdles by 1/100th of a second.
Despite the heartbreak, she won the hearts of millions and brought global recognition to Indian athletics.
Throughout her career, Usha won over 100 international medals, including multiple golds at the Asian Games and Asian Championships.
Her dominance in sprint and hurdle events inspired a generation of athletes in India.
After retiring, she continued to contribute to sports through the Usha School of Athletics, nurturing young talent. In 2022, she was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, and in 2023.
She became the first woman president of the Indian Olympic Association. P. T. Usha remains a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and national pride.
3. Anju Bobby George – Long Jump Pioneer
Anju Bobby George is a trailblazer in Indian athletics, best known for her remarkable achievements in the long jump. Born on April 19, 1977, in Kerala.
She emerged as one of India’s most celebrated track and field athletes, inspiring generations with her dedication and success.
Anju’s breakthrough came in 2003 when she won the bronze medal at the World Championships in Athletics held in Paris.
This achievement was historic — she became the first Indian athlete ever to win a medal at a World Championship in Athletics.
Her jump of 6.70 meters not only set a national record but also put Indian athletics on the global map.
Throughout her career, Anju consistently excelled in international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics.
Her achievements earned her numerous honours such as the Arjuna Award in 2002 and the prestigious Padma Shri in 2004.
Beyond her medals, Anju Bobby George is celebrated for breaking barriers in a sport traditionally dominated by athletes from other countries.
4. Neeraj Chopra – Olympic Gold Medallist (Javelin)
Neeraj Chopra – Olympic Gold Medalist (Javelin)
Neeraj Chopra is a celebrated Indian track and field athlete who made history by winning the gold medal in javelin throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the pandemic.
With a remarkable throw of 87.58 meters, he became the first Indian to win an Olympic gold in athletics, marking a historic moment for the country.
Born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Haryana, Neeraj showed early promise in sports.
He joined the Indian Army in 2016 and continued to hone his skills with discipline and dedication. His rise in the international circuit was swift, with gold medals in the 2016 World U20 Championships, 2018 Commonwealth Games, and 2018 Asian Games.
Neeraj's Olympic triumph brought him immense national recognition and sparked greater interest in athletics among Indian youth.
Known for his humble demeanour and focused mindset, he has become a role model and sports icon.
In addition to his Olympic success, he won a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships and became the World Champion in 2023, further solidifying his status as one of the world’s best javelin throwers.
Neeraj Chopra continues to inspire millions with his achievements and dedication to Indian sports.
5. Hima Das – The Dhing Express
Hima Das, affectionately known as the "Dhing Express, "is an Indian sprinter from Dhing, Assam.
She was born on January 9, 2000, She rose to prominence in 2018 by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal.
In a track event at the IAAF World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland, clocking 51.46 seconds in the 400 meters.
Her remarkable achievements continued at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, where she secured a silver medal in the 400 meters with a national record time of 50.79 seconds.
Additionally, she contributed to India's victories in the women's 4×400 meters relay and the mixed 4×400 meters relay.
In 2019, despite battling a back injury, Hima Das made a stunning comeback by winning five international gold medals in just 19 days, showcasing her resilience and dedication to the sport.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Hima Das was appointed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Assam in 2021.
Her journey from the rice fields of Assam to global athletic podiums has inspired countless individuals, earning her the affectionate nickname "Dhing Express" and solidifying her status as a national icon in Indian athletics.
6. Dutee Chand – Sprint Sensation
Dutee Chand is one of India’s most inspiring and celebrated athletes, known for her exceptional speed and resilience on the track.
Born on February 3, 1996, in Jajpur district of Odisha, Dutee’s journey from a small village to international athletics stardom is truly remarkable.
She specialises in the 100-meter and 200-meter sprint events and has been a trailblazer in Indian athletics.
Dutee gained widespread attention when she won the gold medal in the women’s 100 meters at the 2018 Asian Games, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve this feat in 36 years.
Her performance shattered stereotypes and brought renewed focus on Indian sprinters on the global stage.
Known for her explosive starts and powerful stride, she is often dubbed the "Sprint Queen" of India.
Apart from her sporting achievements, Dutee has also been a prominent advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights in India.
She openly discussed her struggles with hyperandrogenism and fought a landmark case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport to challenge regulations restricting female athletes.
Dutee Chand continues to inspire millions with her speed, courage, and determination, making her a true sprint sensation and a symbol of hope for aspiring athletes across the country.
7. Tintu Luka – Middle-Distance Runner
Tintu Luka is a prominent Indian middle-distance runner specialising in the 800 metres event.
Born in Kerala, she has been one of India’s leading athletes in track and field.
Tintu gained recognition for her strong performances in national and international competitions, including the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
She represented India at the 2012 London Olympics, marking a significant milestone in her career. Known for her speed, endurance, and tactical racing skills.
Tintu has inspired many young athletes across the country. Beyond her athletic achievements, she is celebrated for her dedication and contribution to popularising middle-distance running in India.
8. Krishna Poonia – Discus Thrower
Krishna Poonia is a celebrated Indian discus thrower and former Olympian, renowned for her trailblazing achievements in athletics.
Born on May 5, 1982, in Agroha, Haryana, she rose from humble beginnings, often training by milking buffaloes to build strength.
Her dedication led her to become the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in track and field at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where she also contributed to India's historic sweep of all three medals in the women's discus event.
Poonia represented India in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, finishing seventh in the latter with a throw of 63.62 meters, making her the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic discus final.
She set a national record with a 64.76-meter throw in Hawaii in 2012
Beyond sports, Poonia transitioned into politics, winning the Sadulpur Assembly seat in Rajasthan in 2018 as a Congress candidate .
She was appointed President of the Rajasthan State Sports Council in 2022 and serves on the Athletics Federation of India's Athletes Commission.
Honoured with the Padma Shri and Arjuna Award, Poonia's legacy extends beyond athletics, inspiring future generations of women in sports and public service.
9. Seema Antil Punia – Veteran Thrower
Seema Antil Punia, born on July 27, 1983, in Khewda village, Sonipat, Haryana, is a distinguished Indian discus thrower.
She began her athletic journey at age 11, initially competing in hurdles and long jump before transitioning to discus throw.
Her breakthrough came in 2000 when she clinched the gold medal at the World Junior Championships in Santiago, Chile, earning her the moniker 'Millennium Child'.
However, due to a positive drug test for pseudoephedrine, she was stripped of the title and issued a public warning
Punia has represented India in four Olympic Games (2004, 2012, 2016, and 2020), consistently competing at the highest level.
Her career highlights include winning a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon and securing silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2006, 2014, and 2018 .
Her personal best throw stands at 64.84 meters, achieved in Kyiv in 2004
10. Murali Sreeshankar – Long Jump Prodigy
10.Murali Sreeshankar, born on March 27, 1999, in Palakkad, Kerala, is a prominent Indian long jumper.
Coached by his father, S. Murali, a former triple jumper, Sreeshankar began his athletic journey as a sprinter before transitioning to long jump at age 13.
He quickly rose through the ranks, securing a bronze at the 2018 Asian Junior Athletics Championships with a jump of 7.47 meters.
By 2022, he set a national outdoor record of 8.36 meters at the Federation Cup.
That same year, he made history by winning silver at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, marking India's first-ever silver in men's long jump at the event.
In 2023, Sreeshankar achieved a personal best of 8.41 meters at the National Inter-State Championships in Bhubaneswar.
He also clinched silver at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics .
Despite a knee injury in April 2024 that ruled him out of the Olympics, Sreeshankar remains a leading figure in Indian athletics.
He was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2023 for his outstanding contributions to sports.
Conclusion :
Continued support for sports is vital as it fosters physical health, teamwork, and discipline among individuals.
It nurtures talent, promotes community spirit, and offers opportunities for youth to excel and stay engaged positively.
Sports also contribute significantly to a nation’s identity and international reputation.
Ongoing investment ensures better infrastructure, coaching, and competitive platforms, which elevate performance standards.
Young athletes can find powerful motivation in the journeys of sports icons who have overcome challenges with determination and passion.
These role models embody perseverance, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities essential for success in any field.
By studying their dedication and resilience, young athletes learn that setbacks are stepping stones, not barriers.
Drawing inspiration from these legends encourages them to dream big, work hard, and stay focused on their goals.
Ultimately, these icons remind young athletes that with commitment and belief in themselves, they too can achieve greatness and leave a lasting impact in the world of sports.
