International Women’s Day 2025: International Women’s Day is being celebrated today, honoring the remarkable contributions of women in our lives and society. Sports has often portrayed strong yet relatable female characters, earning widespread praise from audiences.
On this special day, here’s a list of women athletes who perfectly showcase women empowerment in the field of sports.
Manu Bhaker
First women to win a medal in shooting for India in Olympics 2024, Manu Bhaker secured 2-bronze medals. She also the first to win multiple medals in a single game. Manu is an all-rounder with versatile interests like boxing, skating, martial arts, and, of course, shooting.
Sheetal Devi
Para-archer Sheetal Devi became the youngest Indian Paralympic medalist at just 17 years old. She won a bronze medal in the mixed compound archery team event. Born with a rare congenital disorder that affects limb development, Sheetal hit a bullseye while skillfully operating the bow using her mouth, shoulders, and feet. Remarkably, she is also only the second armless archer in history to win a Paralympic medal.
Avani Lekhara
Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals at the Paralympics. When she made her debut at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, Avani won her first gold for India in the 10m air rifle shooting event. At the Paris Paralympics, she claimed another gold and set a new record, breaking her own previous record from three years ago.
Diani Pundole
Diana became the first female athlete from India to win the MRF Indian National Car Racing Championship 2024, held in Chennai. In a sport traditionally dominated by men, this teacher-turned-racer is shattering glass ceilings. As a mother of two, she is proving that women don’t have to choose between raising a family and achieving a national-level title.
Preethi Pal
Preethi Pal made history for India by becoming the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two medals at the Paris Paralympics 2024. She clinched bronze medals in the 100m and 200m T35 race events. Not only is she the first Indian woman track athlete to win a medal at the Paralympics, but she also achieved a remarkable double victory.
