BLOG

India has gifted the world a wealth of talent across all sporting fields—from cricket stadiums to Olympic arenas, from athletic tracks to boxing rings. In this comprehensive blog, we celebrate the 10 sports person name of India who have marked their legacy in global sporting history. These sports personalities have not only brought laurels to our nation but have also inspired millions with their grit, determination, and sportsmanship.

 

Why These 10 Sports Person Name of India Matter

When we talk about famous sports personalities in India, these names come to mind immediately. They are ambassadors of hope and pride, demonstrating to the youth of India that with hard work and perseverance, even global excellence is attainable. Whether it's cricket, athletics, badminton, or chess, our sporting champions have raised the bar and changed perceptions.

 

1. Sachin Tendulkar – Cricket

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, fondly referred to as the “Master Blaster”, is arguably the most iconic sports person name in Indian history. His career spanned over two decades and is filled with unprecedented records:

• First player to score 100 international centuries.
• Over 34,000 international runs across Tests and ODIs.
• Padma Vibhushan, Bharat Ratna recipient.

His influence transcends sport—Tendulkar is a global icon and remains among the top 10 famous sports personalities of India.

 

2. Virat Kohli – Cricket

Modern-era cricket is incomplete without mentioning Virat Kohli, a living legend among current Indian sports persons. As a former captain, his fiery leadership, elegant stroke play, and prolific scoring have made him one of the famous sports persons of India today:

• Over 24,000 international runs.
• Multiple ICC series victories.
• Champions’ trophy and IPL titles.

Kohli continues to inspire the new generation, securing his place among the famous Indian sports personalities.

 

3. Mary Kom – Boxing

Chungneijang Mary Kom, also known as “Magnificent Mary”, is one of the most celebrated female sports personalities name in the world:

• Six-time World Amateur Boxing Champion.
• Olympic bronze medalist (2012).
• Padma Vibhushan awardee.

Her journey from a small village in Manipur to Olympic glory is the stuff of legends, ranking her among the top 10 famous sports personalities in India, especially in women’s boxing.

 

4. P.V. Sindhu – Badminton

Olympic silver (2016) and bronze (2020) medallist Pusarla Venkata Sindhu has firmly secured her place among the sports personalities who've brought India into the limelight on international badminton courts:

• First Indian woman to reach Olympic singles finals.
• Multiple BWF World Tour titles.
• Padma Bhushan and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awards.

Sindhu’s rise from a young badminton hopeful to an Olympic medalist is a masterclass in determination and achievement.

 

5. Neeraj Chopra – Javelin Throw

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), Neeraj Chopra made history by winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold in athletics. His achievement catapulted him into the discussion of famous sports personalities India has ever produced:

• Olympic gold with a throw of 87.58m.
• Historic Asian Games winner.
• Padma Shri and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award recipient.

A new hero for Indian athletics, Chopra’s impact on the sporting landscape is monumental.

 

6. Sania Mirza – Tennis

In the world of tennis, Sania Mirza stands out as India’s most successful female player:

• Multiple Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles/mixed.
• Former WTA No. 1 in doubles.
• Padma Bhushan and Arjuna Awardee.

Mirza represents one of the strongest famous sports persons of India in a sport that draws global attention beyond cricket.

 

7. Milkha Singh – Athletics

Revered as the “Flying Sikh”, late Milkha Singh was India’s track legend:

• Fourth place in 400m at 1960 Rome Olympics.
• Multiple Asian Games gold medals.
• Padma Shri awardee.

His life story—from surviving Partition to bringing India global recognition in athletics—is etched among the famous personalities in sports of our country.

 

8. M.S. Dhoni – Cricket

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, famously known as “Captain Cool”, is arguably one of the most successful sports persons to have led India:

• ICC World T20 (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), Champions Trophy (2013).
• Known for his helicopter shot and cool temperament under pressure.
• Padma Bhushan and Khel Ratna Awardee.

As one of the most famous sports personalities India has produced, Dhoni’s influence remains enduring.

 

9. Abhinav Bindra – Shooting

Chandigarh-born shooter Abhinav Bindra made India’s mark in precision sports:

• 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medallist (10m air rifle).
• First-ever individual Olympic gold for India.
• Multiple World Cup victories and Arjuna Award.

Bindra’s achievement elevated him into the echelons of famous Indian sports personalities with unwavering dedication.

 

10. Leander Paes – Tennis

Renowned for his longevity and doubles expertise, Leander Paes is one of India’s most decorated tennis sports persons name:

• Olympic bronze medallist (1996).
• Multiple Grand Slam doubles and mixed victories.
• Davis Cup stalwart and Padma Vibhushan recipient.

Paes’s career, spanning decades, secured his place among sports personalities who helped bring global respect to Indian tennis.

 

Honorable Mentions

While this list celebrates the top 10 famous sports persons name of India, it's essential to acknowledge other remarkable figures who brought pride to the nation:

• Saina Nehwal – First Indian woman to win an Olympic badminton medal.
   
• Kapil Dev – Led India to 1983 World Cup victory in cricket.
   
• Sushil Kumar – Olympic wrestling medallist.
   
• Mary Kom, Neeraj Chopra, P.V. Sindhu, and Sania Mirza deserve extra applause for becoming recurring icons in their fields.

These are additional famous sports personalities India can be eternally proud of.

 

How India’s Sports Personalities Inspire Us

• Breaking Barriers
  From variable socioeconomic backgrounds, each sports person listed above overcame immense challenges—from lack of infrastructure to societal constraints—to become elite athletes.
   
• Act of Individual Excellence
  Whether it’s sports persons in solo disciplines like boxing (Mary Kom), shooting (Bindra), athletics (Chopra, Milkha), or doubles tennis (Mirza, Paes), these stars show that individual drive and discipline matter as much as team spirit.
   
• National Pride
  Their achievements have unified the nation during major events like the Olympics and World Cups, showing how sports personalities hold collective power to uplift and inspire.
   
• Legacy and Mentorship
  Many "famous sports persons of India" are now mentors, administrators, philanthropists, or brand ambassadors—ensuring the next generation has role models to follow.

 

Deeper Dive: What Made Them Great

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Q1: Who is the greatest sports personality of India?
It depends on criteria—record, inspiration, legacy. Legends like Sachin Tendulkar (cricket icon) and Neeraj Chopra (historic gold) are often top contenders.

 

Q2: Who is the fastest Indian athlete ever?
Milkha Singh, nicknamed the “Flying Sikh”, was India’s fastest 400m runner in his time, famously finishing 4th in the 1960 Rome Olympics.

 

Q3: How many Olympic medals does India have?
As of mid‑2025, India has won 11 individual Olympic medals, including gold by Neeraj Chopra (2021), Abhinav Bindra (2008), P.V. Sindhu (2016 & 2020), plus multiple wrestling and boxing medals.

 

Q4: Who is the most successful female sports personality of India?
Names like Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, P.V. Sindhu, and Sania Mirza emerge. Of these, Mary Kom is one of the most decorated with multiple world titles.

 

Q5: Which sports personality has represented India in both individual and team events?
Sania Mirza and Leander Paes have excelled in doubles and mixed doubles. In cricket, Sachin, Virat, and Dhoni have been team-centric stars. Wrestlers like Sushil Kumar have combined individual and team feats in team championships.

 

Conclusion

Our curated list of the 10 sports person names of India embodies excellence, dedication, and national pride. These famous sports personalities of India have made historic impacts in their sports, changed lives, and expanded India’s presence on the international sports stage.

From Sachin’s cricketing mastery to Mary Kom’s powerful punches, from Neeraj Chopra’s Olympic throw to Milkha Singh’s sprinting legend—each figure contributes to the ongoing narrative that Indian sports is now world-class.

No matter your passion—be it cricket, chess, hockey, shooting, wrestling, or athletics—these sports persons stand as proof that with talent, training, and tenacity, Indians can not only compete but also conquer on the global field.

If you want to Revolutionize Your School Administration Than NLET School is The Ultimate School Management software for your school. NLET School is an intelligent school management system that ensures smooth and efficient administration. With user-friendly features and real-time access for teachers, students, and parents, NLET School is the perfect solution for modern educational institutions looking to go digital and stay ahead.