Top 25 Indian Sportsperson of all time
Major Dhyan Chand, celebrated as "The Wizard" of hockey, was instrumental in securing three consecutive Olympic gold medals for India in 1928, 1932, and 1936. His extraordinary goal-scoring ability and ball control mesmerized audiences worldwide, contributing significantly to India's golden era in field hockey. In the realm of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar stands as an iconic figure. Amassing over 34,000 international runs and being the first to score 100 international centuries, his 24-year career culminated in a pivotal role during India's 2011 World Cup victory, earning him the moniker "God of Cricket." Another cricketing legend, Kapil Dev, is revered for leading India to its inaugural Cricket World Cup triumph in 1983. As an all-rounder, he retired with 434 Test wickets and over 5,000 Test runs, exemplifying versatility and leadership on the field. Chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand has been a trailblazer, becoming India's first Grandmaster and clinching the World Chess Championship five times. His adaptability across classical, rapid, and blitz formats has inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts in India. In athletics, P.T. Usha, known as the "Payyoli Express," dominated Asian track events, securing multiple gold medals. Her near-podium finish in the 400m hurdles at the 1984 Olympics, missing bronze by just 0.01 seconds, remains a poignant moment in Indian sports history. Mary Kom, a stalwart in women's boxing, has achieved six World Championship titles and an Olympic bronze in 2012. Her resilience and consistent performances have made her a beacon of inspiration, symbolizing women's empowerment in sports. Tennis maestro Leander Paes boasts an illustrious career with 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles. His Olympic bronze in 1996 and record participation in seven consecutive Olympic Games underscore his enduring commitment to the sport. Neeraj Chopra etched his name in history by securing India's first Olympic gold in athletics with his javelin throw at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. This landmark achievement has galvanized interest in track and field events across the nation. In women's cricket, Mithali Raj has been a linchpin, amassing over 7,000 ODI runs and leading India to two World Cup finals. Her consistency and leadership have significantly elevated the profile of women's cricket in India. Sunil Gavaskar, another cricket luminary, was the first to surpass 10,000 Test runs. His technical proficiency and steadfastness at the crease during the 1970s and 1980s laid a solid foundation for Indian batting prowess. Wrestler Sushil Kumar has the distinction of being India's most decorated wrestler, with Olympic silver and bronze medals to his credit. His achievements have played a pivotal role in popularizing wrestling in the country. Vijender Singh brought boxing into the limelight with his Olympic bronze in 2008. Transitioning to professional boxing, he has maintained an unblemished record, further enhancing the sport's appeal in India. In cue sports, Pankaj Advani has dominated both billiards and snooker, securing multiple world titles and bringing global recognition to Indian cue sports. Golfer Jeev Milkha Singh has been a trailblazer, achieving success on international tours and inspiring a new generation of Indian golfers. This list also honors other remarkable athletes like P.V. Sindhu in badminton, Milkha Singh in athletics, and Anju Bobby George in long jump, each contributing uniquely to India's rich sporting legacy. Collectively, these sportspersons embody the spirit of dedication, resilience, and excellence, serving as beacons of inspiration for future generations and elevating India's prominence in the global sports community.
Known as "The Wizard" of hockey, Dhyan Chand helped India win three consecutive Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936). Renowned for his extraordinary goal-scoring ability and control, he scored over 400 goals during his international career. His dominance on the field made him a legend not only in India but also globally, helping India achieve its golden era in hockey. He remains a symbol of excellence in Indian sports.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Sachin Tendulkar amassed over 34,000 international runs and became the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries. He holds the record for most runs in both Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket. A 24-year career saw him lead India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, cementing his legacy as the "God of Cricket" and an icon for millions of cricket fans.
Kapil Dev is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. He led India to its first-ever Cricket World Cup victory in 1983, changing the course of Indian cricket forever. Kapil retired as the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 434 wickets and scored over 5,000 Test runs. His remarkable ability to perform with both bat and ball made him an iconic figure, and his leadership remains an inspiration for aspiring cricketers.
Viswanathan Anand is India's first Chess Grandmaster and a five-time World Chess Champion, excelling in classical, rapid, and blitz formats. He became the undisputed World Champion in 2007 and has been a global ambassador for chess, inspiring a new generation of players in India. Anand’s ability to adapt to different styles and his success across decades have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest chess players in history.
P.T. Usha, famously known as the "Payyoli Express," is one of India’s most celebrated athletes. She won multiple gold medals at the Asian Games and came heartbreakingly close to an Olympic medal in 1984, missing out by just 1/100th of a second in the 400m hurdles. Her achievements on the track set numerous national records, and she continues to inspire future generations of Indian athletes through her academy, where she trains budding talents.
Mary Kom is a six-time World Champion and the only female boxer to have won medals in each of the seven world championships she participated in. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, making her the first Indian female boxer to achieve this feat. Her resilience and ability to perform consistently over the years have made her a symbol of women’s empowerment in sports, and she continues to inspire young boxers in India.
Leander Paes has had one of the longest and most successful careers in tennis, winning 18 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles. He also won an Olympic bronze medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Known for his quick reflexes and net play, Paes was instrumental in India's Davis Cup success and played professionally for over two decades, maintaining a prominent position in the world of tennis throughout.
Neeraj Chopra became a national hero after winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. His victory in the men’s javelin event marked a historic moment for Indian sports. Chopra has also won gold medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, and his meteoric rise has inspired a generation of young athletes in India to pursue athletics, particularly in field events.
Mithali Raj is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, with over 7,000 ODI runs. She captained India to two World Cup finals (2005, 2017) and has been a cornerstone of Indian women’s cricket for over two decades. Raj’s consistency, leadership, and ability to anchor the innings have transformed women’s cricket in India, and she is a role model for aspiring female cricketers, having significantly elevated the profile of the sport.
Sunil Gavaskar was the first player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, a milestone that set him apart in the cricketing world. Known for his impeccable technique, Gavaskar played a key role in shaping Indian cricket during the 1970s and 1980s. He scored 34 Test centuries, a record that stood for nearly two decades, and his calm and patient approach to batting remains a blueprint for success in the game.
Milkha Singh, famously known as "The Flying Sikh," is one of India's most legendary athletes. He narrowly missed out on a medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics but won gold medals in the 1958 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. His story of overcoming adversity and achieving success on the track has made him a national hero, inspiring generations of Indian athletes to strive for excellence in athletics.
P.V. Sindhu is an Olympic silver medalist (2016) and bronze medalist (2021), as well as a World Champion in 2019. She is one of the most decorated Indian badminton players, consistently performing at the highest levels across multiple international tournaments. Sindhu’s achievements have brought global recognition to Indian badminton, and she continues to inspire young athletes to pursue the sport on the world stage.
Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, also known as K. D. Jadhav, was India’s first individual Olympic medalist, winning a bronze in wrestling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. His historic achievement paved the way for Indian wrestlers on the global stage. Despite facing many challenges, including financial struggles, Jadhav’s dedication and resilience helped him secure a place in India’s sporting history. He remains an inspiration for generations of Indian wrestlers and is revered as a pioneer in Indian wrestling.
Mahesh Bhupathi is one of India’s most successful tennis players, having won 12 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles. He became the first Indian to win a Grand Slam, claiming victory at the French Open in 1997. Bhupathi formed a highly successful partnership with Leander Paes and played a key role in popularizing tennis in India. His achievements have made him a pioneering figure in Indian tennis.
Abhinav Bindra made history by becoming India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medalist in 2008, winning the 10m air rifle event. His achievement brought international recognition to Indian shooting and inspired a generation of athletes to pursue precision sports. Bindra is also a world champion and has won several medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, establishing himself as one of India’s finest shooters and a leader in promoting excellence in sports.
Baichung Bhutia is widely regarded as the torchbearer of Indian football. Over his 16-year international career, he led India to multiple victories, including the Nehru Cup and SAFF Championships. Bhutia’s skill, leadership, and popularity brought much-needed attention to football in India, particularly in the northeastern region. He continues to contribute to the sport as a coach, administrator, and advocate for its growth in the country.
Dhanraj Pillay is one of India’s greatest hockey players, with a career spanning over 15 years. He represented India in four Olympic Games and won numerous international titles, including the Champions Trophy and the Asian Games. Pillay was known for his speed, skill, and leadership, and he played a key role in reviving Indian hockey’s reputation on the world stage. His contributions to the sport continue to inspire young hockey players.
Sania Mirza is one of India’s most successful female tennis players, having won six Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles. She was the first Indian woman to break into the top 30 in singles and later became World No. 1 in doubles. Sania’s success has helped put Indian women’s tennis on the global map, and she continues to inspire young girls to take up the sport.
Virat Kohli is one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world, having captained India in all formats and known for his aggressive batting style. Kohli has scored over 25,000 international runs across formats, making him one of the highest run-getters in cricket history. He has numerous records, including the fastest century in ODIs and being the quickest to 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 ODI runs. His consistency and leadership have solidified his legacy as one of the modern greats of Indian cricket.
Prakash Padukone became the first Indian to win the All England Badminton Championship in 1980, a landmark achievement that put Indian badminton on the world map. Padukone also won gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, setting the foundation for future success in Indian badminton. He remains an influential figure in the sport, serving as a mentor and coach to young Indian players, including Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu.
Saina Nehwal is one of India’s most successful badminton players, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve World No. 1 in the sport. She won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and has claimed multiple Superseries titles, including the prestigious All England Championship. Her achievements have inspired a badminton revolution in India, motivating a new generation of players to pursue the sport at the highest levels internationally.
Sushil Kumar is India’s most successful wrestler, having won an Olympic silver in 2012 and a bronze in 2008. He is also a two-time World Championship medalist and has claimed numerous golds at the Commonwealth Games. His achievements have transformed wrestling into a popular sport in India, and his legacy continues to inspire young wrestlers, particularly from the northern states of Haryana and Punjab.
Vijender Singh made history by winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first Indian boxer to claim an Olympic medal. He turned professional in 2015 and remains unbeaten in the ring, holding multiple international titles. His achievements have brought boxing to the forefront of Indian sports, inspiring many young athletes to take up the sport and raising the profile of professional boxing in India.
Pankaj Advani is an 11-time World Billiards and Snooker Champion, making him one of the most decorated cue sports players in Indian history. His dominance across both billiards and snooker has brought global recognition to Indian cue sports, and he continues to excel in international competitions. Advani’s consistency and versatility across multiple formats have made him a revered figure in the sport.
Jeev Milkha Singh is India’s most successful golfer, having won multiple international titles, including four on the European Tour. He was the first Indian to break into the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking and has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of golf in India. Singh’s achievements have inspired a new generation of Indian golfers, and he continues to contribute to the growth of the sport.
Following few players missed out of top 25 narrowly:
> Vinoo Mankad (Cricket)
> Geet Sethi (Billiards)
> Pullela Gopichand (Badminton)
> Anju Bobby George (Athletics)
> Rani Rampal (Hockey)
> Yuvraj Singh (Cricket)
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