India has finally won two medals at the Paris Olympics. With Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh clinching Bronze medals for India, the country has added two medals to its tally. So far, in the Paris Olympics, both medal winners hail from Haryana, showcasing the state’s prowess not only in combat sports but also in shooting events.
Haryana has produced the most Olympic medalists for India. Let’s take a closer look at the Olympic medal winners and their respective states.
Maharashtra
Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, also known as KD Jadhav, won the first-ever individual medal for independent India. He secured the Bronze medal in Men’s Bantamweight Wrestling at the Helsinki 1952 Olympics. He hails from the Indian state of Maharashtra.
West Bengal
A state renowned for its legendary football names, West Bengal also boasts an Olympic medalist in tennis. Leander Paes, born and raised in West Bengal, won India’s first-ever Olympic medal in tennis. He clinched the Bronze medal at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
Telangana
While Haryana may be a powerhouse for medals, Telangana has also produced four notable Olympic medalists:
- Karnam Malleswari made history with her Bronze medal in Women’s 54kg Weightlifting at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, becoming a trailblazer for weightlifting in India.
- Saina Nehwal showcased her badminton prowess with a Bronze medal in Women’s Singles at the London 2012 Olympics.
PV Sindhu further elevated the state’s profile with her impressive performances: she won Silver in Women’s Singles Badminton at the Rio 2016 Olympics and followed it up with a Bronze medal in the same event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. - Gagan Narang earned a Bronze medal in Men’s 10m Air Rifle Shooting at the London 2012 Olympics, adding to the state’s rich Olympic legacy.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s first Olympic medal came from Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore at the Athens 2004 Olympics. This was also India’s first medal in shooting. Rathore won Silver in Men’s Double Trap Shooting.
Punjab
Abhinav Bindra brought the highest honor to Punjab with his Gold medal in Men’s 10m Air Rifle Shooting at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Bindra’s victory was a major boost to Indian shooting.
Haryana
Haryana has been a dominant force in Indian wrestling and other sports, with several athletes achieving Olympic success:
- Vijender Singh earned a Bronze medal in Men’s Middleweight Boxing at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
- Sushil Kumar made his mark with a Bronze medal in Men’s 66kg Wrestling at the Beijing 2008 Olympics and followed it up with a Silver medal in the same category at the London 2012 Olympics.
- Vijay Kumar claimed a Silver medal in Men’s 25m Rapid Pistol Shooting at the London 2012 Olympics.
- Yogeshwar Dutt won a Bronze medal in Men’s 60kg Wrestling at the London 2012 Olympics.
- Sakshi Malik added to Haryana’s Olympic glory with a Bronze medal in Women’s 58kg Wrestling at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
- Ravi Kumar Dahiya brought home a Silver medal in Men’s 57kg Wrestling from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
- Bajrang Punia secured a Bronze medal in Men’s 65kg Wrestling at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
- Neeraj Chopra made history with his Gold medal in Men’s Javelin Throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
- Manu Bhaker achieved a Bronze medal in Women’s 10m Air Pistol Shooting at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- Sarabjot Singh and Manu Bhaker also won a Bronze medal in Mixed Team 10m Air Pistol Shooting at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Manipur
- Mary Kom, also known as the pride of Manipur, clinched a Bronze medal in Women’s Flyweight Boxing at the London 2012 Olympics, reflecting her prowess and dedication.
- Mirabai Chanu continued the state’s success with a Silver medal in Women’s 49kg Weightlifting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Assam
Lovlina Borgohain earned a Bronze medal in Women’s Welterweight Boxing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, bringing recognition and pride to Assam with her impressive performance.
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