As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, here are our nation’s top women athletes who make us proud with the grit and determination they show on the field. Here they are:
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, here are our nation’s top women athletes who make us proud with the grit and determination they show on the field. Here they are:
Saina Nehwal (Badminton)
The 23-year old who is our country’s best badminton player by far, Saina Nehwal has taken huge steps towards superstardom. Her biggest moment was clinching a bronze at the London 2012 Olympics and remains one our brightest stars in the Indian sporting arena. Even though the likes of PV Sindhu have made huge strides, credit must go to Saina for taking Badminton in India on to another level and today, many girls are vouching to be India’s next Saina Nehwal!
Jhulan Goswami (Cricket)
The Indian Women’s cricket team might not be as popular their counterparts but there are some Indian women cricketers who have made huge strides as far as cricket for women is concerned in India. One of them is Jhulan Goswami who is considered as the fast women bowler in the world. Former India skipper, Goswami can deceive the opposition with her looks with a ball that can hit at 120kph!
Deepika Kumari (Archery)
Ranchi may just not be popular for cricketer MS Dhoni, well it’s also the birthplace of Indian archery sensation – Deepika Kumari. Winning silver medals in four stages of last edition of the World Cup and also to go with that, a gold in the Asian Championship at Chinese Taipei in November last year, Deepika Kumari has come of age. An Arjuna Awardee in Archery, Deepika is now targeting the Olympics with the main bull’s eye being the Gold medal for India.
MC Mary Kom (Boxing)
Women’s boxing was just another sport in the country until MC Mary Kom came along. The Manipuri has transformed the sport in the country when she won a bronze in the women’s category boxing in the 2012 Olympics. If that was not all, Mary Kom has also started India’s first female-only fight club at her hometown to teach thousands of girls to defend themselves against sexual violence. Bollywood actress, Priyanka Chopra will be seen depicting Mary Kom on the bigger screen.
Dipika Pallikal (Squash)
Squash in our country is still yet to reach the heights of popularity but the likes of Dipika Pallikal are leaving no stone unturned to make this sport accepted. The Chennai star who was the first Indian woman squash player to be ranked in the Top 10, has won 3 titles till date. Pallikal who recently got engaged to cricketer Dinesh Karthik, has what it takes to be the numero uno sport women in India and definitely unfurl the tricolour in all parts of the world.
