Rashid Anwar: The First Medalist
Long before the Commonwealth Games became a major medal hunt for India, there was Rashid Anwar. At the 1934 British Empire Games in London, the precursor to the modern event, India sent a tiny contingent of just six athletes. Anwar, a wrestler, was among
them and etched his name in history by winning a bronze medal in the freestyle welterweight category. This was India's first-ever medal at the Games, a lone but significant achievement in an era of limited resources and international exposure. Anwar, who worked for the Indian Railways, was a dominant force nationally and his pioneering medal, though often overlooked today, was the first step in India's long and successful journey in Commonwealth wrestling.
Lila Ram Sangwan: The First Gold-Winning Wrestler
While Milkha Singh's track gold in 1958 is justly celebrated, another historic gold was won for India at the very same Games in Cardiff. Heavyweight wrestler Lila Ram Sangwan became the first Indian wrestler to stand on top of the Commonwealth Games podium, winning the 100kg freestyle category. Hailing from Haryana, Sangwan defeated formidable opponents from Pakistan, England, and Canada before triumphing over South Africa's Jacobus Hanekom in the final. His victory marked the beginning of India's dominance in wrestling at the Games, a legacy that continues to this day. After retiring, he served as a coach for the national team, continuing to shape the sport that he helped put on the map.
Prakash Padukone: The Badminton Pioneer
Prakash Padukone is a household name in Indian badminton, but his 1980 All England Championship win often overshadows his other trailblazing feats. In 1978, at the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada, Padukone became the first Indian to win a gold medal in badminton. His victory in the men's singles was a watershed moment, demonstrating that Indian players could compete with and defeat the world's best. This win was a crucial stepping stone in his journey to becoming World No. 1 in 1980. While India is now a certified badminton powerhouse, Padukone’s gold was the first major multi-sport games title that signaled the country's arrival in the sport on a global stage.
Stephie D'Souza: The Trailblazing Woman
In 1958, the same year Milkha Singh and Lila Ram Sangwan won gold, Stephie D'Souza and Elizabeth Davenport became the first Indian women to even compete at the Commonwealth Games. D'Souza was a versatile athlete who participated in the 100 and 220-yard sprints in Cardiff. While she did not win a medal there, her participation broke new ground. An incredibly talented sportsperson, D'Souza also won relay gold at the 1954 Asian Games and even captained the Indian women's hockey team. At one point, she held national records in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m, showcasing her remarkable talent in an era with little support for female athletes. Her pioneering presence paved the way for future generations of Indian women to shine.
Roopa Unnikrishnan: The First Woman Gold Medalist
For 64 years, India participated in the Games, but a woman had never won gold. That changed in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur. Shooter Roopa Unnikrishnan made history by winning the women's 50m rifle prone event, becoming the first Indian woman to clinch a Commonwealth Games gold medal. Armed with a four-year-old rifle, she not only won but also set a new Games record in the process. This was a monumental achievement that shattered a significant glass ceiling. Her victory opened the floodgates; in the very next edition in 2002, Indian women won 16 gold medals. Unnikrishnan, an Arjuna awardee, showed what was possible, inspiring a generation of female athletes.
