Sports

In India, rugby is perceived as a 'man's game.' And yet it was 26 women who did something never done before by Indians ⁠— create history by winning their first ever international XVs rugby medal! Here’s how they beat the odds. #MakingIndiaProud #WomenInSports

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu was only 11 when she won her first-ever competitive gold medal.

The 25-year-old’s story is akin to every sportsperson in India who didn’t have a godfather and struggled before garnering national limelight.

Bengaluru's 24-year-old Niranjan was born with Spina bifida and clubbed feet. But such is this para-swimmer's will power that even 17 surgeries couldn't stop him from winning 50 medals in the sport. #MakingIndiaProud #RealLifeHero

Unable to afford running shoes, Gujarat's Sarita Gayakwad would train barefoot on the hilly terrain of her remote village — all to fulfill her cherished dream of representing India on an international platform. #MakingIndiaProud #GirlPower

Breaking the gender barrier in style, Maharashtra's Khadilkar sisters ruled India's chess scene for an entire decade, and showed the world that women can compete with men in chess! #FirstWomen #GirlPower

The first records of the African Bantu tribe in India are from the 16th century. Centuries later, their Siddi descendants have embraced India but haven't been able to free themselves from stereotypes

Without this forgotten legend from Coimbatore, India wouldn't have Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok & Armaan Embrahim

"All played brilliant hockey, but as always some were superb: Prithipal Singh, who scored 11 of India's 22 goals in the tournament will be remembered particularly for he was like the Rock of Gibraltar," said legendary radio commentator Melville De Mellow, when describing the Indian team's performance in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

"People will have thousands things to say, and will pass judgement, but do not believe them. Just focus on yourself. Believe in that little voice within you, which knows very well what you need to do," says the woman breaking gender barriers through sheer grit. #WomenPower #Respect #Mumbai