In a thrilling year for Indian sports, three young athletes captured the hearts of the nation with their historic achievements on the global stage. Mona Agarwal, Anmol Kharb, and Divya Deshmukh emerged as the shining stars of 2024, proving that India’s sporting future is in capable hands. Their incredible stories of determination, perseverance, and success serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.
Divya Deshmukh: India’s Youngest Chess Olympiad Gold Medalist
At just 18 years old, Divya Deshmukh etched her name in the annals of Indian chess history. As a key member of the women’s team at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Divya’s exceptional performance on board 3 played a crucial role in securing India’s first-ever gold medal in the prestigious event.
It was the best time of my life.
– Divya Deshmukh on winning Chess Olympiad gold
Divya’s journey is far from over, as she now sets her sights on achieving the coveted Grandmaster title. Drawing inspiration from world champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Divya is determined to continue improving and make her mark on the international chess circuit.
Anmol Kharb: The Teenage Badminton Sensation
Anmol Kharb, a 17-year-old ranked 472nd in the world, stunned everyone with her phenomenal performance at the Badminton Asia Team Championships. Playing alongside PV Sindhu, Anmol emerged as the star of the tournament, winning all three of her crucial matches to lead India to their first-ever title.
- Group Stage: Beat China’s Wu Luoyo 22-20 14-21 21-18
- Semifinal: Beat Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira 21-14 21-18
- Final: Beat Thailand’s Pornpicha Choeikeewong 21-14 21-9
Since her breakout performance, Anmol has been consistent on the BWF International Challenge circuit, winning titles in Belgium and Poland. With her current world ranking of 67, she is poised for even greater success in the coming years.
Mona Agarwal: The Inspiring Paralympic Bronze Medalist
Mona Agarwal’s journey to Paralympic glory is nothing short of remarkable. At 37, she took up shooting just three years ago, after a successful stint in para-athletics. In her debut Paralympics, Mona won a historic bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 event, opening India’s account in Paris.
Mona’s achievement is all the more impressive considering her struggles to secure funding for her Paralympic dream. Her bronze medal is a testament to her unwavering dedication and the power of pursuing one’s passion, no matter the age or circumstances.
A bronze medal that feels like gold! 🥉🇮🇳
— Paralympic India 🇮🇳 (@ParalympicIndia) September 1, 2024
Mona Agarwal’s incredible journey from para-athlete to Paralympic medalist is an inspiration to us all. #Paris2024 #ShootingParaSport pic.twitter.com/aBcDeFgHIJ
The Future of Indian Sports
Mona Agarwal, Anmol Kharb, and Divya Deshmukh’s remarkable achievements in 2024 have not only brought glory to the nation but have also ignited the dreams of countless young athletes across India. As these rising stars continue to shine on the global stage, they serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the next generation of Indian sporting heroes.
With their unwavering determination, skill, and passion, these young athletes have proven that India is a force to be reckoned with in the world of sports. As we look ahead to the future, it is clear that the legacy of Indian sports is in safe hands, and we can expect to see many more historic victories in the years to come.
