They have conquered the world stage, overcome setbacks and inspired millions. Meet six exceptional women whose journeys continue to shape the future of Indian sport.
By Nichola Marie
PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu’s victory at the 2026 Japan Open was more than the end of a title drought — it was a reminder of the resilience that has defined her extraordinary career. After navigating injuries, changes in coaching and a challenging run of form, the two-time Olympic medallist returned to the top with renewed confidence, defeating world No. 4 Chen Yufei and three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi to clinch her maiden Japan Open Super 750 title.
For Sindhu, however, success has never been about a single tournament. Her unwavering self-belief has carried her through difficult phases. “I never doubted myself,” she said, crediting her experience, hard work and determination for helping her overcome setbacks.
A firm believer in the importance of evolving with the game, she worked closely with her coach, physio and strength and conditioning team. By focusing on sharper movement, smarter recovery and reducing unforced errors, she found an approach that paid rich dividends in Japan.
Despite an illustrious career that includes Olympic medals, a World Championship title and Commonwealth Games gold, Sindhu remains driven by one dream above all else: Representing India on the biggest stage and standing on the podium as the national anthem plays. For her, that honour remains the ultimate achievement.
Mirabai Chanu
History beckoned and Mirabai Chanu answered with characteristic grit. At the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, she became the first Indian weightlifter to win three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals. Yet, for the Olympic silver medallist, the latest triumph represents far more than another addition to an already glittering résumé.
Reflecting on her journey, Chanu admits that the road has been anything but easy. “I faced many challenges,” she says, acknowledging the injuries, setbacks and relentless demands of elite sport. But rather than allowing those obstacles to define her, she chose to stay focused on the process, drawing strength from her family, coaches and support team.
Her success in Glasgow was built not just on physical preparation but on mental resilience — a quality that has become synonymous with her career. Even after rewriting the record books, Chanu’s sights are already set on the next challenge. The Asian Games remains the one major title she is determined to add to her collection, and she views every competition as another opportunity to improve.
For Chanu, medals are milestones, not destinations. It is the pursuit of excellence, the courage to overcome adversity and the honour of representing India that continue to fuel one of the country’s most inspiring sporting journeys.
Sharmila Dhankar
For Sharmila Dhankar, a gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was far more than a sporting triumph — it was the culmination of a life defined by extraordinary courage. By becoming the first Indian para athlete to win Commonwealth Games gold in athletics, she etched her name in history. But the journey to the top was anything but easy.
Living with the effects of polio since childhood, Dhankar endured years of domestic abuse before finding the strength to rebuild her life through sport. She has described her transformation as “narak se swarag” — from hell to heaven. Athletics became her path to healing, purpose and self-belief.
Competing at the highest level demanded not only physical strength but immense mental resilience. “I faced many hardships, but I never gave up,” she says, crediting her family and coaches for standing by her through every challenge.
Today, at 40, her achievement extends far beyond the medal podium. Her message to women facing abuse is both heartfelt and empowering: “Don’t suffer in silence. Stand up for yourself.” Her remarkable journey is proof that courage can triumph over circumstance, and that sport has the power to transform lives, restore dignity and inspire countless others to believe that a brighter future is always possible.
Gyaneshwari Yadav
A bronze medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow marked a defining moment in Gyaneshwari Yadav’s journey, built on perseverance and quiet determination. Competing against some of the world’s best weightlifters, she delivered when it mattered most, adding another proud chapter to India’s rich weightlifting legacy.
Her journey to the podium, however, has been anything but straightforward. Hailing from Chhattisgarh, she has overcome financial challenges, injuries and the relentless demands of elite sport to establish herself on the international stage. Every setback, she believes, has made her stronger. “I never stopped believing in myself,” she has said, a mindset that continues to fuel her pursuit of excellence.
For Yadav, success is never the result of individual effort alone. She is quick to acknowledge the role of her coaches, family and support staff, emphasising that every medal is a shared achievement. “This medal belongs to everyone who stood by me,” she says.
While the Commonwealth podium is a significant milestone, her ambitions stretch much further. With her sights firmly set on the Asian Games and the Olympics, she remains committed to pushing her limits. Her journey is a reminder that discipline and belief can transform even the toughest challenges into remarkable achievements.
Harjinder Kaur
More than another podium finish, Harjinder Kaur’s silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was a testament to years of perseverance and determination. Upgrading the bronze she won in Birmingham four years ago, the Punjab weightlifter once again demonstrated that consistency is as valuable as brilliance on the international stage.
The daughter of a landless farmer in Punjab, Kaur has never lost sight of where she came from. She hopes her latest achievement will help improve the lives of her family, saying she dreams of buying farmland so her father no longer has to work on leased land. “Now I want to buy land for my father,” she said after her silver-medal performance — a goal that means as much to her as standing on the podium.
Despite the pressure of competition, Kaur remained focused on the task at hand. “My focus was only on doing my job,” she reflected, crediting her composure for helping her deliver when it mattered most.
For Kaur, every medal carries a deeper purpose. It is not just about personal success but about honouring her family’s sacrifices and proving that humble beginnings can be the foundation for extraordinary achievements.
Bindyarani Devi
Once again, Bindyarani Devi demonstrated why she is among India’s most dependable weightlifters. At the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Manipur athlete claimed bronze in the women’s 58kg category, adding to the silver medal she won in Birmingham four years ago. Her latest podium finish is a testament to consistency, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
A former taekwondo practitioner who switched to weightlifting, Devi has steadily built an impressive international résumé through years of disciplined training and perseverance. The Glasgow medal is another milestone in a journey that has seen her overcome challenges while adapting to a new weight category and the ever-rising standards of international competition.
Reflecting on her achievement, Devi said, “I am feeling very good after winning the medal for the nation.” Looking ahead, she remains firmly focused on the future, adding, “I will give my best to secure a medal in the Asian Games also.” True to her grounded nature, she dedicated the medal to her family and coach, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her journey.
For Devi, every medal is not just a reward for hard work but another step towards greater goals. Quietly determined and deeply committed, she continues to inspire with her resilience, humility and relentless pursuit of excellence.
