Saina Nehwal Archives - Female Sports

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, is the highest sporting honor in India, awarded to sportspersons for their exceptional performance on the international stage. Over the years, India’s female athletes have etched their names into this prestigious list, showcasing their dominance and resilience across various disciplines. List of Indian Female Athletes Who Have Won the Khel Ratna Award These women have not only brought glory to the country with their achievements but have also inspired millions with their grit, determination, and consistent excellence. 🏅 Indian Female Khel Ratna Awardees: Complete List Name Year Awarded Sport/Discipline Karnam Malleswari 1995 Weightlifting Jyotirmoyee Sikdar 1998–99 Athletics K. M. Beenamol 2002 Athletics Anjali Bhagwat 2003 Shooting Anju Bobby George 2004 Athletics Mary Kom 2009 Boxing Saina Nehwal 2010 Badminton P. V. Sindhu 2016 Badminton Dipa Karmakar 2016 Gymnastics Sakshi Malik 2016 Wrestling Deepa Malik 2019 Para-athletics Rani Rampal 2020 Hockey Vinesh Phogat 2020 Wrestling Manika Batra 2020 Table Tennis Mithali Raj 2021 Cricket 🏆 Noteworthy Mentions Karnam Malleswari was the first Indian woman to receive the Khel Ratna and also the first woman to win an Olympic medal for India (Sydney 2000 – Bronze). Mary Kom, a six-time World Champion, is the most decorated Indian boxer and a beacon for women's boxing. P.V. Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals. Deepa Malik is the first Indian female para-athlete to win an Olympic medal and a symbol of strength and perseverance. Mithali Raj, the face of Indian women’s cricket for over two decades, is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket. These athletes have broken records and rewritten history with their performances. The Khel Ratna isn’t just a medal — it's a badge of legacy, and these women have truly earned it with their sweat, spirit, and sacrifice.