The Sydney Olympics, 24 years ago, remains a treasure trove of cherished memories for me. It was not only a monumental event in my sporting career but also a historical moment for Indian women in sports. Being the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal, a bronze in weightlifting, filled me with immense pride. I am grateful to have been an inspiration for many athletes who followed in my footsteps.
The Games Village was buzzing with energy. I remember watching athletes from various disciplines train, moving around the dining hall, and exchanging informal greetings. The atmosphere was electric, with delegations from all over the world coming together. Though I couldn’t interact with many big names in sports, I cherished the opportunity to observe them up close.
The excitement and anticipation were overwhelming, particularly for someone from a humble background like me. Back in my formative years in Amadalavalasa, Andhra Pradesh, we struggled to make ends meet. In those moments, the world of professional sports seemed like a distant dream.
My coach emphasized the importance of rest and relaxation before the competition, even going as far as requesting my noisy neighbors to maintain silence for my sake. The evening before the competition, I plucked a few flowers from the Games Village garden, performed my puja with my Lord Ganesh idol, and went to the competition hall.
There was no media presence, no one expected India to win a medal in weightlifting. When I won that historic bronze medal, it was a momentous occasion for me and my fellow weightlifters. Although I missed the gold by a mere two kilograms, I felt a sense of accomplishment, as if it were any other World Championship or international gold.
The joy of the moment was shared only with my weightlifting colleagues and officials. The Games Village remained quiet after my feat. I later learned that the Chef de Mission and others had celebrated my achievement at separate events.
My memorable moments include the heartfelt “Malleswari zindabad” chant from my friend Dhanraj Pillay and his hockey teammates. The true significance of my victory didn’t fully sink in until young Gopichand, the former All England champion and current national badminton coach, walked into my room. His childlike curiosity, asking to see and hold my Olympic medal, brought a wave of pride to my heart.
Despite the lack of grand celebrations, I cherished the personal congratulations from other athletes. However, my desire to return home after three years away from my family, especially after getting married in 1997, became too strong. The Chef de Mission, recognizing the historical significance of my medal, insisted I stay back. He facilitated my husband Rajesh Tyagi’s trip to Sydney, allowing me to share my joy with him for the first time.
The Games Village offered exceptional arrangements and care for every athlete. The variety of cuisines, from Chinese and Continental to Indian, was delicious. As athletes, we had to be mindful of our dietary restrictions, but the food was tempting nonetheless.
Looking back, the Sydney Olympics hold a special place in my heart. It was a defining moment in my life and a landmark achievement in Indian sports history. I am thrilled to see so many potential medalists in the 2024 Paris Olympics and eagerly anticipate celebrating more golden moments for India.
