Karnam Malleswari Biography

 Karnam Malleswari is an Indian former weightlifter and Olympic bronze medalist. She was born on June 1, 1975, in Amadalavalasa, Andhra Pradesh, India. Malleswari is considered one of India's most accomplished and celebrated female athletes.

Malleswari's journey in weightlifting began when she was just 12 years old. She initially trained in powerlifting but soon transitioned to weightlifting under the guidance of coach Neelamshetty Appanna. She showed great promise in the sport and quickly rose through the ranks.

In 1992, at the age of 17, Malleswari participated in her first major international competition, the Asian Weightlifting Championship, where she won a silver medal. This success marked the beginning of a remarkable career in weightlifting.

Malleswari's most significant achievement came at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal. Competing in the women's 69 kg category, she lifted a total of 240 kg (110 kg in snatch and 130 kg in clean and jerk) to secure the bronze medal. Her historic achievement brought pride and recognition to Indian weightlifting and inspired a generation of athletes.

Throughout her career, Malleswari won several other accolades, including gold medals at the World Weightlifting Championships and the Commonwealth Games. She also set multiple national records in her weight category.

Malleswari's success in weightlifting brought her numerous awards and honors. She received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honor, in 1995. She was also honored with the prestigious Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1999.

After retiring from competitive weightlifting, Malleswari has remained involved in the sport. She has taken up coaching and has been actively promoting weightlifting in India. She has also been an inspiration to aspiring athletes, especially young girls, who look up to her as a role model.

Karnam Malleswari's journey in weightlifting has made her a legend in Indian sports history. Her dedication, hard work, and groundbreaking achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport and continue to inspire generations of athletes in India and beyond.