Famous Sports Personalities in India | General Knowledge Encyclopedia - Class 8 PDF Download

List of all-time Biggest and most famous Sports personalities in India

Famous Sports Personalities in India

Virat Kohli

• Virat Kohli, the captain of the Indian Cricket team, is widely considered as the finest batsman of the current era. He is renowned for his fervent passion for cricket, stylish flair, and noteworthy social initiatives, which have kept him constantly in the spotlight. 
• In the last season, he achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first player ever to win all three major ICC Awards. Additionally, in 2019, he captained both the Test and ODI teams of the ICC. Kohli has consistently held the top position in ICC rankings for best batsmen in both ODI and Test formats, a testament to his exceptional skills.
• Having accumulated more than 12,300 runs in 262 ODIs at an impressive strike rate of 92.84, he has firmly established his dominance on the cricket field. Besides his sporting achievements, his marriage to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017 has catapulted the couple into securing some of the most lucrative endorsement deals of their careers. Despite his young age, Virat Kohli has become one of India's most successful and revered sports personalities.

Sachin Tendulkar

• Undoubtedly, Sachin Tendulkar is regarded as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, batsmen to have ever graced the cricketing world. His monikers "Master Blaster" and "The God of Cricket" highlight the immense admiration and reverence he commands in the sport. Sachin's legacy is further solidified by his status as the highest run-scorer in all formats of cricket, a remarkable feat that showcases his extraordinary talent and dedication.
• Over his illustrious 24-year-long career, Sachin wholeheartedly dedicated himself to Indian Cricket, becoming an iconic figure in a nation where cricket is not just a sport but also a deeply ingrained part of the culture and almost a religion. His contributions and performances on the field have set the standard for excellence, making him a benchmark for comparison in cricket.
• In India, where cricket holds a special place in the hearts of millions, Sachin Tendulkar stands out as the most revered and famous sports personality. His name is synonymous with cricket, and his achievements have left an indelible mark on the nation's sporting history.

M.S. Dhoni

• M.S. Dhoni, affectionately known as Mahi, is a former captain of the Indian Cricket Team and is widely recognized as one of the most astute players to have ever graced the sport of cricket. His leadership skills are unmatched, as he holds the unique distinction of being the only captain in cricket history to lead his team to victory in all three ICC Championships: the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, the 2011 ICC World Cup, and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. 
• His iconic sixer in the World Cup Finals is etched in the memories of cricket fans, evoking goosebumps even to this day. The release of his biopic in September 2016 propelled Mahi's fame to new heights. The blockbuster film, which garnered an impressive box office earning of INR 216 crore, further endeared him to the hearts of cricket enthusiasts and moviegoers alike. 
• M.S. Dhoni's remarkable journey and achievements have made him yet another shining example of a celebrated sports personality in India. His impact on the game and his enduring popularity have left an indelible mark in the nation's sporting history.

Yuvraj Singh

• Yuvraj Singh, popularly known as Yuvi, is a legendary Indian cricketer who has left a lasting impact on the game. He played a pivotal role in India's triumphs in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Notably, he was named the "Man of the Tournament" in the 2011 World Cup, securing four "Man of the Match" awards throughout the mega-event.
• At the peak of his career, when he was 29 years old, Yuvraj Singh faced a challenging battle against cancer. Despite the adversity, he displayed immense courage and determination, ultimately overcoming the disease, earning him admiration and respect from fans worldwide.
• One of the most iconic moments in his career came when he achieved the remarkable feat of hitting six sixes in a single over during an international cricket match. This accomplishment further cemented his status as one of the game's greats.
• In 2019, Yuvraj Singh announced his retirement from international cricket after being excluded from the Indian Squad for the 2019 World Cup. His retirement marked the end of an era and left cricket enthusiasts reminiscing about his remarkable contributions to the sport.
• Yuvraj Singh's legacy as an all-time great Indian cricketer, his incredible resilience in the face of adversity, and his unforgettable moments on the field have earned him a special place in the hearts of cricket fans around the world.

Harmanpreet Kaur

• Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian cricketer and captain of the Indian Women's Cricket team in T20 format, is a true all-round superstar. One of the most significant moments of her career was her extraordinary knock of 171 runs against Australia in the semi-finals of the 2017 Women's World Cup. Her exceptional performance in that match propelled India into the finals of the tournament.
• In recognition of her remarkable achievements in the sport, Harmanpreet Kaur was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2017. This award is a testament to her talent and dedication to cricket.
• Notably, Harmanpreet Kaur played a vital role in establishing herself as India's first T20 star, and she led the team Supernovas to victory in Jaipur with a quickfire 51 runs off 37 balls. Currently, she holds the captaincy for the India Women's National Cricket Team across all formats, showcasing her leadership skills and cricketing prowess.
• Harmanpreet Kaur's contributions to Indian women's cricket have been instrumental in raising the profile of the sport and inspiring a new generation of aspiring female cricketers in the country. Her leadership and performances continue to be a source of pride and inspiration for fans of women's cricket across India.

Mithali Raj

• Mithali Dorai Raj is a renowned Indian woman cricketer and the captain of India's women's ODI team. Her exceptional contributions to the sport have earned her several prestigious awards and honors, including the Arjuna Award in 2003, the Padma Shri in 2015, and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021.
• Notably, Mithali Raj holds the record for being the highest run-scorer in Women's International Cricket across all formats. Her consistent and exceptional performances on the field have led to her being affectionately referred to as the "Lady Sachin," drawing comparisons to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in the realm of women's cricket.
• In the 2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20, Mithali Raj found herself embroiled in a controversy involving the team management. She publicly accused the coach Ramesh Powar and BCCI COA member Diana Edulji of bias and humiliation, particularly concerning her exclusion from the T20 World Cup semifinals. Mithali expressed her grievances and concerns through a letter addressed to the BCCI, shedding light on the issues she faced during that time.
• Despite the controversy, Mithali Raj remains a highly respected and influential figure in women's cricket, and her achievements have significantly contributed to the growth and recognition of women's cricket in India. She continues to be an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and a pivotal figure in the Indian women's cricketing landscape.

Sunil Chhetri

• Sunil Chhetri is indeed a celebrated and famous Indian professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a striker or winger. As the captain of both Bengaluru FC and the Indian National Football team, he has earned the nickname "Captain Fantastic" for his remarkable leadership and performance on the field.
• Chhetri's achievements in terms of goal-scoring are highly impressive, and he currently holds the distinction of being the second-highest goal-scorer in international matches among active players, following in the footsteps of the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo. With a total of 84 goals in 129 appearances for the Indian National Football team, he stands as the all-time top goalscorer for the country.
• In June 2018, Sunil Chhetri garnered significant attention when he posted a video urging Indian football fans to come and support the Indian Blue Tigers at the Intercontinental Cup. His heartfelt appeal gained widespread support from famous sports personalities like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, which helped spread the message to a broader audience. As a result, all the tickets for the matches were quickly sold out, indicating the immense impact he had in raising awareness and support for Indian football.
• Moreover, Sunil Chhetri holds the record for being the most capped player to represent the Indian Football team, surpassing Baichung Bhutia with his 108th appearance against Curacao on 5 June 2019.
• With his incredible talent, leadership, and dedication to the sport, Sunil Chhetri has become the most famous and beloved football player in India. He has inspired and continues to inspire a generation of aspiring footballers in the country, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian football history.

Dutee Chand

• Dutee Chand is a highly accomplished Indian professional sprinter, and she holds the title of the current national champion in the women's 100m category. Her achievements in the field of athletics have been remarkable, and she has made history as the third Indian woman to qualify for the Women's 100 meters event at the Summer Olympic Games.
• In 2018, Dutee Chand brought glory to India by winning a silver medal in the women's 100m at the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. Her achievement was significant as it marked India's first medal in this event since 1998.
• In May 2019, Dutee Chand displayed immense courage and openness as she came out as India's first openly gay athlete. She fearlessly revealed that she is in a same-sex relationship with a partner from her village. This revelation garnered a lot of attention and support, but it also led to opposition from her parents and villagers, who deemed her act as unethical and unacceptable.
• Despite facing resistance, Dutee's decision to come out received widespread appreciation and praise from the LGBTQ+ community and celebrities worldwide. Her bravery in being true to herself and embracing her identity as an openly gay athlete has set an inspiring example and helped raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in India and beyond.
• Dutee Chand's journey is a testament to her talent as an athlete and her strength as an individual, making her a role model for many and a symbol of resilience and empowerment. Her achievements in sports and her willingness to embrace her true self have left a lasting impact on the world of athletics and the LGBTQ+ community.

Neeraj Chopra

• Neeraj Chopra is undoubtedly the poster boy of India's athletics, particularly in Javelin Throw. His exceptional talent and remarkable achievements have made him a revered figure in Indian sports. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics proved to be a historic moment for him as he surprised the world by winning a gold medal in Javelin Throw, bringing immense pride to the nation.
• Even before his Olympic triumph, Neeraj had showcased his potential on the international stage. He became the 2016 IAAF World U20 champion and set a world junior record of 86.48 meters at the U20 championships. In the following years, he continued to dominate, winning gold medals in various prestigious events. Notably, he secured a gold medal in the Asian Athletic championships in 2017 with a throw of 85.23 meters.
• In his first Commonwealth Games appearance, Neeraj Chopra displayed his prowess once again, clinching the gold medal and joining the ranks of elite athletes. However, his most significant achievement came in the 2018 Asian Games, where he became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in Javelin Throw, setting the national record with a throw of 88.06 meters.
• Neeraj's performances and success continued to soar, and in July 2022, he further solidified his position by breaking his own national record with an incredible throw of 89.94 meters in the Stockholm Diamond League.
• With his series of outstanding achievements and medals in various international events, Neeraj Chopra became one of the most famous sports personalities in India during 2021-2022. His success has not only brought him recognition and fame but has also inspired a generation of aspiring athletes in the country. Neeraj's journey and dedication to his sport have captured the hearts of millions and made him a true icon in Indian athletics.

Ravichandran Ashwin

• R Ashwin is a prominent Indian cricketer known for his impressive skills as a right-arm off-break bowler and his contributions as a bowling all-rounder. He has been a crucial member of India's Test squad and has played a significant role in the team's success in the current era. However, he has been absent from white-ball international cricket for some time now.
• In the Indian Premier League (IPL), R Ashwin serves as the captain of the Kings XI Punjab team, showcasing his leadership abilities both on and off the field.
• Ashwin faced considerable criticism during the recently concluded edition of the IPL when he became involved in a controversial incident known as 'mankading.' In a match against the Rajasthan Royals, he 'mankaded' star batsman Jos Buttler. 'Mankading' is a term used when a bowler runs out the non-striker at the non-striker's end before delivering the ball. Although this action is considered within the laws of cricket, it has been a subject of debate regarding sportsmanship and ethical play.
• The incident sparked discussions and divided opinions within the cricketing community and led to mixed reactions from fans and experts. While some supported Ashwin's decision, others criticized it as unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Despite the controversy, R Ashwin remains an integral part of Indian cricket and a successful player in the IPL. His exceptional skills as a bowler and his strategic insights as a captain continue to make him a key figure in the cricketing world.

PV Sindhu

• PV Sindhu is undoubtedly one of the most famous and accomplished Indian shuttlers in India. Her achievements in badminton have earned her widespread recognition and admiration.
• In the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham in 2022, PV Sindhu showcased her exceptional skills and determination, securing the gold medal in women's singles. This victory added another prestigious accolade to her already illustrious career.
• In July 2022, Sindhu continued her winning streak by clinching the women's singles title at the Singapore Open, a BWF Super 500 tournament. She displayed her prowess on the court by defeating Chinese shuttler Wang Zhi Yi in the final match.
• PV Sindhu's consistent success in badminton has made her a role model for aspiring athletes in India and has contributed significantly to the popularity and growth of badminton in the country. Her dedication, hard work, and exceptional performances have earned her a special place in the hearts of fans and sports enthusiasts across India. With her achievements, she has become an inspiration and a symbol of excellence in Indian sports.

Saina Nehwal

• Saina Nehwal is a renowned Indian badminton player and a trailblazer in the sport. She holds the distinction of being India's first shuttler to win an Olympic medal, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination on the international stage.
• Saina's achievements in badminton have been truly remarkable, and she has reached the pinnacle of success by becoming the World No.1 in the BWF rankings, making her the only Indian woman shuttler to achieve this feat. Her impressive record boasts of over 24 international titles, including 11 Superseries titles, which highlights her dominance in the sport.
• As an eminent athlete, Saina Nehwal has significantly contributed to popularizing badminton in India. Her success and achievements have inspired countless aspiring badminton players in the country and have played a crucial role in elevating the status of the sport.
• Saina's impact on Indian sports has been so profound that a biopic on her life and accomplishments was made, following in the footsteps of sports icons like MS Dhoni and Milkha Singh. The film portrayed her journey, struggles, and triumphs, with actress Parineeti Chopra portraying Saina Nehwal on the big screen.
• Saina Nehwal's remarkable career and achievements have earned her immense respect and admiration from fans and sports enthusiasts across the country. She remains an inspiration and a true symbol of excellence in Indian badminton.

Mary Kom

• Mary Kom is undoubtedly one of the most illustrious and celebrated athletes of India. Hailing from the North-Eastern state of Manipur, she is a phenomenal Olympic boxer with a remarkable list of achievements.
• With an impressive tally of 6 World Amateur Boxing Championship titles, Mary Kom has made history in the sport. She is the only woman boxer to win a medal in all seven world championships, a testament to her unparalleled skill and dedication. In the 2012 London Olympics, she achieved the distinction of being the only Indian woman boxer to qualify for the Summer Olympics. There, she earned a well-deserved bronze medal in the 51 kg flyweight category, showcasing her prowess on the global stage.
• Apart from her sporting success, Mary Kom has been associated with the Keep India Smiling Foundational Scholarship program, which supports and empowers individuals in the fields of education, sports, and community betterment. Her involvement in this initiative highlights her commitment to giving back to society and supporting aspiring athletes.
• In 2018, Mary Kom added another milestone to her extraordinary career by becoming the most successful boxer in the history of the Women's World Championships. She secured her sixth gold medal in the championships with a unanimous 5-0 victory over Ukraine's Hanna Okhota, further solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest female boxers of all time.
• Mary Kom's achievements and dedication to her sport have earned her immense respect and admiration, not just in India but across the world. She is an inspiration to millions, proving that hard work, determination, and passion can lead to unparalleled success in the face of all odds.

Lakshya Sen

• Lakshya Sen is an immensely talented young Indian badminton player who specializes in the singles category. His rise to prominence began in 2016 when he made a mark on the junior badminton circuit, showcasing his potential and skills. He even reached the pinnacle of the world junior rankings, becoming the former world junior no. 1.
• In his senior career, Lakshya has continued to impress and achieve remarkable feats. He secured a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships, displaying his prowess on the international stage against top-level competitors. Additionally, he was a runner-up at the prestigious 2022 All England Open, a tournament highly regarded in badminton circles.
• Lakshya Sen's talent has also contributed to the success of the Indian badminton team. He was a vital part of the Indian team that won the Thomas Cup in 2022, further cementing his reputation as a key player in Indian badminton.
• One of the most significant highlights of Lakshya's career came at the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham. In the men's singles event, he showcased brilliant performances and emerged as the gold medalist, demonstrating his potential to become one of the leading forces in international badminton.
• Lakshya Sen's achievements at such a young age have garnered attention and admiration from badminton enthusiasts and fans worldwide. As he continues to grow and develop in his career, he remains a promising talent and a beacon of hope for Indian badminton's future.

Gautam Gambhir

• Gautam Gambhir is indeed a highly talented and accomplished cricketer who often remains underrated despite his significant contributions to Indian cricket. He announced his retirement from the game in December 2018, following being left out in the IPL auction.
• Gambhir has a reputation for delivering some crucial performances when the Indian cricket team needed them the most, particularly in World Cup matches. His memorable knocks in the World Cup will always hold a special place in the hearts of Indian fans, as they played a pivotal role in India's success on the global stage.
• Beyond his cricketing career, Gautam Gambhir has also ventured into politics. In 2019, he joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and successfully contested and won the election from the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency.
• As a true patriot, Gambhir often expresses his views and opinions on social media, which keeps him in the headlines. One instance that gained attention was when he recommended that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) retire jersey number 12 as a tribute to his fellow left-handed batsman and former Indian cricket legend, Yuvraj Singh, who had recently announced his retirement from international cricket.
• Gautam Gambhir's passion for the game, his dedication to serving the nation in different capacities, and his vocal nature on social issues have made him a prominent figure in Indian sports and public life. His contributions both on and off the cricket field continue to leave a lasting impact on the country's sporting landscape.

Hima Das

• Hima Das, popularly known as the "Dhing Express," is an outstanding Indian sprint runner hailing from Assam. She has made significant achievements in her athletic career, representing India on the global stage.
• A remarkable milestone in Hima Das's career was when she became the first Indian athlete to win a gold medal in a track and field event at the IAAF World U20 Championships. This victory brought her international recognition and acclaim.
• In recognition of her remarkable accomplishments, Hima Das was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award, which was conferred upon her by the Honorable President of India, Mr. Ram Nath Kovind, on 25th September 2018. The Government of Assam also recognized her talent and appointed her as the state's brand ambassador for sports, highlighting her contribution to promoting sports in the region.
• Hima Das's talents have also caught the attention of major sports brands, and she signed an endorsement deal with Adidas, the second-largest sports brand in the world, further elevating her stature as an athlete.
• Moreover, Hima Das has taken up the role of UNICEF India's first-ever youth ambassador for sports. Through this appointment, she has the opportunity to advocate for the importance of sports in children's lives and use her platform to create awareness about the benefits of sports and physical activity.
• Hima Das's journey from a small village in Assam to international recognition as an exceptional sprint runner has inspired millions of people in India and beyond. She continues to be a shining example of determination, talent, and sportsmanship, and her achievements have made her a source of pride and inspiration for the nation.