Indian Firsts — Set 1

Correct Answer: D. Karnam Malleswari

Karnam Malleswari won a bronze medal in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She achieved this historic feat in the 69 kg weight category. This marked a significant turning point for women in Indian sports.

Correct Answer: D. Abhinav Bindra

Abhinav Bindra won the gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This was India's first ever individual gold medal since participating in the games. He is a recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

Correct Answer: B. Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag scored 309 runs against Pakistan in Multan in 2004. He remains the first of only two Indians to have achieved this milestone. He later scored another triple century against South Africa.

Correct Answer: A. Prakash Padukone

Prakash Padukone won this prestigious title in 1980 by defeating Liem Swie King. He was the first Indian to be ranked world number one in badminton. His victory inspired a new generation of badminton players in India.

Correct Answer: A. Kamaljeet Sandhu

Kamaljeet Sandhu won the gold medal in the 400 meters race at the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games. She ran the distance in 57.3 seconds to secure the top spot. She was the first Indian woman to achieve such a feat at the continental level.

Correct Answer: A. Viswanathan Anand

Viswanathan Anand earned the Grandmaster title in 1988 at the age of 18. He later went on to become a five-time World Chess Champion. He was also the first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.

Correct Answer: B. Mahesh Bhupathi

Mahesh Bhupathi won the mixed doubles title at the 1997 French Open with Rika Hiraki. This victory made him the first Indian to win a major tennis tournament. He has won numerous other Grand Slam titles in doubles categories.

Correct Answer: A. Arati Saha

Arati Saha successfully swam across the English Channel in 1959. She was the first Asian woman to achieve this challenging swimming milestone. She was awarded the Padma Shri for her sporting achievements.

Correct Answer: C. K.D. Jadhav

Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav won a bronze medal in wrestling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. He competed in the bantamweight freestyle category during the event. This remained India's only individual Olympic medal for many decades.

Correct Answer: A. P.V. Sindhu

P.V. Sindhu secured a silver medal in badminton at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She became the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final in an individual sport. She later won a bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.