Independence Day 2019: A look at India's greatest sporting moments
(PTI desk)
India had always been a sports-crazy nation even before independence. However, their pinnacle came following their independence in 1947. Since then, India has slowly and steadily made a great impact on the world of sports and continues to scale greater heights even today. Ahead of India's 73rd Independence Day, we take a look at its greatest moments across sports to date.
Cricket: Its a religion then a sport in India
While India is a sports-crazy nation, it is cricket that has dominated it. India's first major success in the sport came in 1983 when they won their first-ever World Cup title, under the leadership of Kapil Dev. However, their golden period came starting 2007 when under MS Dhoni they won the ICC World T20 2007, followed by the 2011 ICC World Cup triumph.
Hockey: The golden sport of India
Although a debatable topic regarding the origin of the game, hockey is popular as the national sport of India. Long before cricket made its mark in India, the nation was dominated by hockey. India dominated the sport in the Olympics since 1928, under the great Major Dhyan Chand, and to date holds the record of most Olympic gold, of eight, in the sport.
Kabaddi: A true sport for every Indian
There have been a number of sports that have originated in India, with kabaddi being one of them. Although it has not been an Olympic sport to date, India has dominated the sport for ages and even today. In the three World Cups to date, India has been the champions on all occasions. Even in Asian Games, they have won record nine gold medals.
Badminton: The rising sport of India
India has recently started making name for itself in different field of sports, with Badminton being one of them. With the rise in the number of players, India has earned global recognition in the sport. While former World No.1 Saina Nehwal has won Olympic bronze to CWG golds, PV Sindhu too dominated the sport, winning Olympic silver to CWG silver and bronze.
Wrestling: Another rising sport of India
Focusing on another rising sport of India, wrestling is one such sport where the nation has won five Olympic medals. Of late, the Indian wrestlers have made a tremendous impact in the Olympics, with Sushil Kumar winning a bronze and silver each in 2008 and 2012. Also, Yogeshwar Dutt won a bronze in 2012, while female wrestler Sakshi Malik claimed the same in 2016.
