Karnam Malleswari’s journey from a small village in Andhra Pradesh to becoming India’s first female Olympic medalist is a testament to her resilience and determination. Born on June 1, 1975, in Voosavanipeta, she grew up in a family that valued sports. Her father, Karnam Manohar, was a college-level football player, and her four sisters were actively involved in weightlifting. However, it was her mother, Shyamala, whose unwavering belief in Malleswari’s potential became the cornerstone of her success.
Early Challenges and Determination
At the age of 12, Malleswari faced a significant setback when a local coach deemed her too frail for weightlifting, suggesting she should stay home to help her mother. Undeterred, she found strength in her mother’s encouragement and began training independently, laying the foundation for a remarkable career. Reflecting on this period, she once said,
“He told me that I wasn’t built for weightlifting. He said I was too weak and thin to lift weights and that I should stay at home to help my mother.”
Discovery and National Recognition
In 1990, accompanying her elder sister Krishna Kumari to a national training camp ahead of the Asian Games, Malleswari’s raw talent caught the attention of Leonid Taranenko, an Olympic and world champion weightlifter coaching Indian athletes. Impressed by her potential, he recommended her to the Bangalore Sports Institute. This opportunity marked her transformation from an aspiring athlete to a national sensation. That same year, she debuted at the Junior National Weightlifting Championships, shattering nine national records in the 52kg category. A year later, she secured a silver medal in her first senior national championship, signaling her arrival on the national stage.
International Triumphs
Malleswari’s international breakthrough came in 1993 when she won a bronze medal at the World Championships in the 54kg category. Her hunger for success led to back-to-back gold medals at the World Championships in 1994 and 1995, making her the first Indian woman weightlifter to achieve such a feat. She also clinched a silver medal at the 1994 Asian Games and replicated this achievement in the 63kg category at the 1998 Asian Games, showcasing her adaptability and perseverance.
Historic Olympic Achievement
The pinnacle of Malleswari’s career came at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Despite concerns about her fitness and competing in a newly introduced weight category, she remained focused. Lifting 110 kg in the snatch and 130 kg in the clean and jerk, she achieved a total of 240 kg, earning her a bronze medal. This made her the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal and the first Indian weightlifter, male or female, to do so. Her bronze was India’s sole medal at those Games, turning her into a national icon and inspiring countless aspiring athletes.
Reflecting on her achievement, Malleswari remarked,
“I was not affected by what people said about me. I know what I should do, and what I should not.” Source: Olympics
She also said :
“It is a great feeling [to be the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal]. I feel proud that I was the first one to overcome the hurdles that women athletes face.”
Accolades and Honors
Malleswari’s stellar achievements earned her several of India’s highest sporting honors:
- Arjuna Award (1994): Recognizing her outstanding contributions to weightlifting.
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (1999): India’s highest sporting honor, awarded for her consistent excellence.
- Padma Shri (1999): Celebrating her impact on Indian sports.
Life Beyond Competition
In 1997, Malleswari married fellow weightlifter Rajesh Tyagi. Karnam Malleswari’s weightlifter-husband, Rajesh Tyagi sacrificed his career because she was better than him
The Olympic medalist retired from weightlifting after she couldn’t score at the 2004 Olympics and is now working as a Chief General Manager at the Food Corporation of India. After retiring post the 2004 Olympics, she remained deeply connected to sports. In June 2021, she was appointed the first Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sports University, dedicating herself to nurturing future athletes and contributing to sports development in India. She said:
“Before my marriage, it was my mother who supported me. And after marriage, my husband took over that role. He helped me through all the obstacles I faced in my career. What is truly great about his support is that he was a national-level weightlifter. But he understood that I had more potential and talent. So, he compromised his career and told me that he would take care of everything so that I can go onto the next level and achieve my dreams.”
Legacy
Karnam Malleswari’s story is not just about medals but about breaking barriers and challenging societal norms. From a young girl deemed too frail for weightlifting to an Olympic medalist, her journey exemplifies resilience and the power of belief. She continues to inspire future generations, proving that with determination and support, extraordinary achievements are possible.
-Edited By: Rajshree Upadhyaya
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