Credit: X
In 1947, India got independence at the cost of its division which led to creation of Pakistan. The partition gave immense pain to India as several lives were lost and the country’s financial losses were also unprecedented. Following the bloody partition, India faced numerous challenges in different sectors. The sports department was something India didn’t focus on after the liberation, but players emerged and achieved something unprecedented with their diligence and perseverance.
In India’s sports history, there have been several names who showcased their efforts and scintillated the nation’s name. With their extraordinary performances, these players helped India conclude the distinguished tournaments with incredible success. On the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, SportsTiger recalls the five tournaments when India’s sports sides pulled off major success.
From partition to podiums - India’s sporting revolution since independence
5. Indian hockey team’s gold win at the 1956 Olympics
In 1956, India’s hockey side pulled off the gold medal at the Olympics after beating Pakistan in the final held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Earlier, India defeated Afghanistan, United States (US), Singapore, and United team of Germany to reach the final of the competition.
4. India football side’s gold medal at the Asian Games 1951
After three years of independence, India’s football team added a notable success to their profile. At the Asian Games 1951, India defeated Indonesia, Afghanistan, and Iran to become the most successful team in the competition. In the final standings, India topped the chart with three off three wins.
3. Neeraj Chopra’s 2020 Olympics triumph in the javelin throw category
On August 7, 2021, Neeraj Chopra became a huge figure after concluding his 2020 Olympics campaign at the top of the podium. He executed an 87.58-metre throw to win gold in Tokyo. Chopra’s accomplishment became India's first-ever Olympic medal in athletics.
2. Milkha Singh’s 1958 Commonwealth Games success
In 1958, Milkha Singh scripted history after completing the 400-metre race in the Commonwealth Games as the top racer. He became the first Indian male to pull off a gold medal in track and field at the games.
1. India’s Cricket World Cup 1983 success
In 1983, India won their maiden Cricket World Cup Trophy under Kapil Dev’s captaincy after beating the Clive Lloyd-led West Indies in the final played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Before entering the final, Kapil Dev’s team got the better of West Indies, Australia, and Zimbabwe in the group stage, while in the semi-final, India thumped England.
