Happy Women's Day 2024: Sania Mirza To Mary Kom; Women Athletes Who Broke Barriers And Shattered Records To Inspire Globally; In Pics

Mirabai Chanu has propelled Indian weightlifting to new heights with her remarkable achievements. Crowned world champion in 2017, she secured her second world weightlifting championships medal, a silver, at the Bogota 2022 meet. Chanu boasts an impressive record at the Commonwealth Games, clinching back-to-back golds at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022 following her silver medal win at Glasgow 2014. Additionally, she holds a bronze medal from the 2020 Asian championships. However, her most illustrious moment came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she triumphantly secured a silver medal in the 49kg category, showcasing a resilient comeback from her disappointing performance at the preceding Summer Games in Rio 2016. (Image: ANI)

She was mocked for wearing tennis skirts, trolled for marrying love of her life but Sania carried on doing her job. Taking inspiration from the legendary Serena Williams, who made a remarkable comeback to tennis after becoming a mother, Sania Mirza is gradually reestablishing her presence in the sport. After welcoming her son in late 2018, the Indian tennis ace dedicated herself to maternal responsibilities. However, 2020 marked Sania Mirza's return to the court. Navigating the challenges of returning to professional tennis is undoubtedly demanding, but Mirza attributes her resilience to her unwavering passion for the game, which continues to drive her towards reclaiming her position in the sport. (Image: ANI)

Wrestling holds a prestigious place in India's Olympic history, with athletes like KD Jadhav in 1952 and more recently, Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt, consistently bringing home medals for the country. However, it wasn't until Rio 2016 that India celebrated a breakthrough in the women's category. Sakshi Malik made history by becoming the first Indian woman to secure an Olympic wrestling medal, claiming bronze in the 58kg category. In a tense bronze medal match against Kyrgyzstan's Aisuluu Tynybekova, Sakshi Malik found herself in a precarious position with mere seconds remaining. Yet, displaying incredible skill and determination, the Indian wrestler executed a decisive move, toppling her opponent and securing the coveted bronze medal. (Image: ANI)

Only a select few Indians have experienced the honor of standing on the Olympic podium adorned with a silver medal, with wrestler Sushil Kumar being the sole other Indian to achieve the remarkable feat of winning two individual Olympic medals. Sindhu, the first Indian woman to accomplish this feat, made history with her stellar performances at Rio 2016. Her achievements not only propelled badminton to greater prominence but also solidified India's position as a formidable contender at the pinnacle of the sport, particularly with her historic triumph at the BWF World Championships. (Image: ANI)

Coming from a small village in Manipur, MC Mary Kom has been a pioneer in Indian women's boxing. She came from a small town to clinch an Olympic medal and has set a remarkable precedent for female athletes in India across various fronts. From securing six world titles to making a triumphant comeback to the ring after childbirth, Mary Kom embodies the epitome of inspiration for aspiring Indian women athletes. Despite her extraordinary accomplishments, Mary Kom encountered the pervasive notion that boxing is predominantly a male domain. Nevertheless, the Indian icon chose to respond to such skepticism in a manner that showcased her prowess and determination. (Image: ANI)

Saina Nehwal's bronze at London 2012 marked a historic moment as India celebrated its first badminton medal at the Olympic Games. She is the first name in women's badminton in modern days that your associate with. Her return with the medal fron London not only solidified her status as an icon for Indian youth and aspiring Olympians but also sparked a wave of inspiration nationwide. Since then, Nehwal has continued to amass medals, including impressive performances at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, further cementing her legacy. (Image: X/SainaNehwal)

Jhulan Goswami, a pioneering force in Indian women's cricket, has redefined the game with her remarkable talent and tenacity. As the leading wicket-taker in women's ODIs, she has shattered records and barriers, serving as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the nation, shaping the landscape of women's cricket in India. (Image: ANI)

Mithali Raj, a trailblazer in Indian women's cricket, has rewritten the narrative of the sport with her stellar performances and leadership. As the leading run-scorer in women's ODIs, she has inspired a generation with her skill, resilience, and unwavering dedication, paving the way for the future of women's cricket in India. (Image: ANI)