APRIL 15: Renowned Olympic medalist and celebrated Indian athlete Karnam Malleswari met with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his visit to Yamunanagar. The meeting served as a moment of recognition and appreciation for Malleswari’s remarkable contributions to Indian sports, both as a trailblazing athlete and as a dedicated mentor to emerging talent across the country.
Karnam Malleswari, a pioneering weightlifter, etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. Her bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 remains a proud chapter in the annals of Indian sporting excellence. Since her retirement from competitive sports, she has dedicated herself to identifying and nurturing young athletes, channeling her experience and passion into building the next generation of champions.
Prime Minister Modi, known for his commitment to promoting sports and fitness in India through initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India Movement, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his admiration for Malleswari. In his post, he wrote, “Met Olympic medalist and noted athlete, Karnam Malleswari in Yamunanagar yesterday. India is proud of her success as a sportswoman. Equally commendable is her effort to mentor young athletes.”
This public acknowledgment from the Prime Minister reflects the government’s continued support for athletes, not only during their years of competition but also in their roles as mentors and national icons after retirement. Malleswari’s ongoing efforts to uplift young talent mirror the broader vision of strengthening India’s sports ecosystem, promoting inclusivity, and building grassroots participation in athletics.
The meeting also resonated with the larger message of celebrating women achievers and their vital role in shaping India’s future. Malleswari’s journey — from breaking barriers in international sports to guiding aspiring athletes — serves as an inspiration for young sportswomen across the nation.
Her interaction with the Prime Minister also underscores the importance of recognizing sports figures who continue to contribute meaningfully off the field. The encouragement from the highest office in the country is expected to further energize youth-oriented sports initiatives and reaffirm the government’s commitment to building a stronger, more competitive sporting culture in India.
