6/10/2023 0 Comments Seven silver![]() ![]() ![]() This was when she discovered something called powerlifting. However, her diminutive build meant that Kunjarani Devi was not able to succeed at the high-intensity sports. “I started playing a lot of sports then – be it hockey, football or running.” “That event made me feel like even I could excel at sport,” Kunjarani Devi told. The entire country took notice of PT Usha but for a 14-year-old Kunjarani Devi, this was a pivotal moment. Having barely entered adulthood, the Indian track queen sprinted her way to two silver medals at home in New Delhi. The 1982 Asian Games was PT Usha’s claim to fame. Incidentally, Kunjarani’s interest in sport emerged from another legendary Indian sportswoman: PT Usha. Kunjarani Devi was also known as the Hercules from Manipur for her amazing grit and strength. The former Manipuri weightlifter may stand at a diminutive 5’3” but her achievements stand much taller. However, even she was motivated by someone who is arguably Indian weightlifting’s first superstar - Kunjarani Devi. Karnam Malleswari is rightly touted as being the inspiration for many a sportswoman in the country. India’s ‘Iron Lady’ Karnam Malleswari gave hope to the girls in the country and raised the profile of Indian weightlifting with her historic bronze medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. ![]()
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