India 75: Athletes who were changemakers in Indian sports since Independence

field of sports in India has produced some legendary players who have t only made a name for mselves around world but also took ir respective sports to ar level. famous sports personalities have t only encourd whole generation to follow in ir footsteps but even inspired m to bring more glory to country in future. As India celebrates its 75th Independence Day, we turn back clock to reflect on some of India's famous athletes who have time and again proved ir mettle, scripted tales of history, and did country proud.

India 75: Here's a look at list of athletes who have made India proud 

Sachin Tendulkar

greatest batsman of all time needs introduction as he is considered to be among  most elite athletes in world. Tendulkar, at a very young , became poster boy of Indian cricket inspiring millions of youngsters in country to take up sport. Master Blaster is kwn for smashing numerous records to etch his name in history books. For his contribution in field of sports, Tendulkar was awarded Bharat Ratna award, making him youngest Indian citizen to receive country’s highest civilian hour. 

PT Usha

Pilavullakandi kkeparambil Usha also kwn as PT Usha was considered undisputed ‘queen' of Indian track and field. In 1980, Usha became first Indian athlete to enter finals of an Olympic event where she missed historic bronze medal by only 0.01 seconds. PT Usha created history by winning five gold medals at 1985 Jakarta Asian Championship, which was most by an athlete at a single event in history of Asian Championships.

Mithali Raj

former India women's cricketer is regarded as one of greatest batter to have ever played sport. She brought curtains down on her 23-year-long journey after becoming highest run-scorer in history of women's international cricket. Mithali Raj scored her first international century at of 16 making her youngest centurion in women's internationals. Before retiring, t only did she hold record for most matches won by a captain (89 wins) but also held record for most matches captained in ICC Women's Cricket World Cups.

Bembem Devi

Oinam Bembem Devi as 'Durga' of Indian football changed face of women's football in country. Devi represented India for 21 years, with 85 caps and 32 goals to her credit. Her decorated football career included three SAFF Cup titles (2010, 2012, 2014) and two SAG wins (2010, 2016). She was also named All India Football Federation’s Women’s Player of Year in 2001 and 2013. In 2014, Bembem Devi became first female footballer from India to play for New Radiant Sports Club in Maldives. 

Mary Kom

India's decorated female boxer needs introduction as she is counted among best women boxers in sport. Mary is only female pugilist to win World Amateur Boxing championship for a record six times. She has also won Olympic bronze in 2012, followed by a gold medal at 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. 

Abhinav Bindra 

Indian shooters have won many medals for country on world st but Abhinav Bindra tops chart. former shooter t only won  World Championship but was also country's first-ever gold medalist when he won yellow metal in 10-meter Air Rifle event at Beijing Olympics in 2008.

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni is arguably India's greatest ever sports personality having taken cricket team to ar level. Kwn for his ice-cool personality during high-pressure situations, Dhoni transformed Team India into match winners ever since taking over captaincy. He has won every ICC trophy on offer. Dhoni is only skipper to win World T20, ICC World Cup and Champions Trophy. 

Neeraj Chopra

Neeraj Chopra made history becoming just second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to win Olympic gold. javelin thrower won gold at Tokyo Olympics. He is only athlete from country to win a gold medal at a track and field event in Olympics. Recently, he won silver at World Championships and became gold medal favourite for CWG 2022 before opting out due to injury.

PV Sindhu

Saina Nehwal was once face of Indian badminton before PV Sindhu took over baton following some historic performances. Sindhu remains to be  only badminton player from country to win World Championships and just second Indian to win two consecutive Olympic medals. Sindhu's on-court success has resulted in more and more youngsters following in her footsteps. Recently, Sindhu won her maiden Commonwealth Gold medal in Birmingham. 

Deepika Kumari

Indian female archer made a name for herself after winning two gold medals in Commonwealth Games 2010 in individual and team events. 27-year-old conquered world by winning individual recurve medal at 2012 World Cup in Turkey and went onto become top-ranked archer in Women's Recurve Archery.