India has a rich sporting heritage, producing world-class athletes across disciplines. While names like Sachin Tendulkar, PV Sindhu, and Neeraj Chopra are celebrated, many exceptional athletes who brought glory to the nation have faded from public memory. These individuals achieved remarkable feats, from winning Olympic medals to dominating international competitions, yet their contributions remain overlooked.
Why did they get forgotten? Several factors, including the overwhelming popularity of cricket, lack of media coverage in their time, and inadequate institutional support, contributed to their fading recognition.
10 forgotten Indian athletes whose achievements deserve to be remembered and celebrated:
1. Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav (Wrestling)
Achievements:
- Won India’s first individual Olympic medal (bronze) at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
- A pioneer of Indian wrestling who brought global attention to the sport.
Why is he forgotten?
- India failed to celebrate his victory properly at the time.
- Lack of media coverage in the early decades of independent India.
- He struggled financially after retirement and was never adequately honored.
2. Jimmy George (Volleyball)
Achievements:
- One of the greatest volleyball players India has produced.
- Played professionally in Italy, making him India’s first volleyball export.
- Led the Indian team to a bronze at the 1986 Asian Games.
Why is he forgotten?
- Volleyball has never been a mainstream sport in India.
- His untimely death in a car accident in 1987 cut short his career and recognition.
3. Shankar Laxman (Hockey)
Achievements:
- Goalkeeper and captain of India’s hockey team in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Won gold at the 1956 and 1964 Olympics and silver at the 1960 Olympics.
- Played a key role in India’s dominance in world hockey.
Why is he forgotten?
- The rise of cricket overshadowed other sports, including hockey.
- Unlike Dhyan Chand, he did not receive as much post-retirement recognition.
4. Wilson Jones (Billiards)
Achievements:
- India’s first world champion in any sport, winning the World Billiards Championship in 1958 and 1964.
- Mentored future Indian billiards legends like Michael Ferreira and Geet Sethi.
Why is he forgotten?
- Billiards has a niche following in India.
- His contributions were overshadowed by later players like Pankaj Advani.
5. PK Banerjee (Football)
Achievements:
- Led India to gold at the 1962 Asian Games.
- Represented India at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics, with India reaching the semi-finals in 1956.
- One of the finest footballers India has ever produced.
Why is he forgotten?
- Indian football declined after its golden era in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Lack of international football success led to waning public interest.
6. Nirmal Kaur Saini (Volleyball)
Achievements:
- Former captain of the Indian women’s volleyball team.
- Played a crucial role in popularizing women’s volleyball in India.
Why is she forgotten?
- Women’s sports were largely ignored in her era.
- Volleyball does not receive significant media attention in India.
7. Hakam Singh (Athletics – 20km Race Walk)
Achievements:
- Won gold in the 20km walk at the 1978 Asian Games.
- One of India’s finest race walkers, setting national records.
Why is he forgotten?
- Race walking is not widely followed in India.
- He did not receive much financial or institutional support post-retirement.
8. Makhan Singh (Athletics – Sprint & Hurdles)
Achievements:
- Beat Milkha Singh in the 1962 National Games, proving his exceptional talent.
- Won gold in the 4x400m relay and 400m hurdles at the 1962 Asian Games.
Why is he forgotten?
- Milkha Singh’s legacy overshadowed his achievements.
- He faced financial difficulties later in life and died in poverty.
9. Sita Sahu (Athletics – Special Olympics)
Achievements:
- Won two bronze medals at the 2011 Special Olympics in Athens in the 200m and 4x400m relay.
- An inspiring figure in para-sports.
Why is she forgotten?
- Special Olympics athletes rarely receive the same recognition as mainstream athletes.
- She faced extreme financial struggles despite her achievements.
10. Tulsidas Balaram (Football)
Achievements:
- Key player in India’s 1962 Asian Games gold-winning football team.
- Scored crucial goals for India in international matches.
Why is he forgotten?
- Football lost its popularity in India after the 1960s.
- Lack of documentation and media coverage of past footballing achievements.
Why Are These Athletes Forgotten?
- Rise of Cricket Dominance – Cricket’s massive popularity overshadowed other sports.
- Lack of Media Coverage – Many of these athletes played in eras where television and digital media were not widespread.
- Institutional Neglect – Many athletes did not receive proper government support or recognition.
- Financial Struggles – Post-retirement financial issues often forced athletes into obscurity.
- Lack of Documentation – Many records of Indian sports history are poorly maintained.
India has a rich sporting heritage, and these forgotten athletes deserve more recognition for their contributions. Honoring them through documentaries, government initiatives, and educational inclusion can ensure their legacies are remembered for future generations.
