Karnam Malleswari

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Karnam Malleswari's list of honors is a testament to her pioneering role in Indian sports. She was the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal, a feat that no Indian weightlifter has replicated since. Her two World Championship golds and one silver place her among the sport's elite. The Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and Padma Shri are among India's most prestigious recognitions, and she earned them all before turning 25. Her achievements have inspired countless young athletes and remain a benchmark for Indian weightlifting.

AwardsKarnam Malleswari has received some of India's highest honors for her achievements. She won the Arjuna Award in 1994, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 1999, and the Padma Shri in 1999. Her Olympic bronze in 2000 is her most celebrated achievement, along with two World Championship golds and a silver.

Honours & Distinctions

Arjuna Award

Government of India·1994

India's sporting honor for outstanding achievement in weightlifting.

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

Government of India·1999

India's highest sporting honor, awarded for her exceptional performance.

Padma Shri

Government of India·1999

India's fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing her contribution to sports.

Records & Feats

First Indian woman to win an Olympic medal

Historic First·2000

Won bronze in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to win any Olympic medal.

Only Indian weightlifter to win an Olympic medal

Career Milestone·2000

As of 2026, Malleswari remains the only Indian weightlifter, male or female, to have won an Olympic medal.