Athlete Stories Archives

Top Indian Footballers to Watch in 2025

Indian football is in the middle of a transformation and the signs are promising! The new gen of talented players has already made an impact on domestic leagues and international football fixtures. Let’s look at the brightest of young Indian footballers that have been showcasing extraordinary skill, determination, passion, and a promise to shape the future of Indian football.

Amarjit Singh Kiyam

Amarjit Singh Kiyam grabbed eyeballs as the captain of India’s 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup team, leading from the front both on and off the pitch. India put forth a strong show under his captaincy to challenge tough opponents like Ghana and Colombia. His spirited performances and leadership quality didn’t go unnoticed, and he became one of the most sought-after players in the domestic circuit.

Hailing from Manipur, a state with a great football heritage, Amarjit started with AIFF’s developmental Indian Arrows side in the I-League. Soon, he was picked for the Indian Super League (ISL), where he represented Jamshedpur FC in the 2019-20 season.

One of Amarjit’s best abilities that impressed the football fraternity was his transition from a defensive midfielder to a dynamic box-to-box player. Be it hard tackles and intelligent runs, Amarjit’s playing style is often compared to that of Italian World Cup winner Daniele De Rossi.

Amarjit made his senior debut for the Indian national team at the King’s Cup in Thailand in June 2019. Now, he has been a regular feature in the side for the last couple of years. Earning praise from Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri who described him as a “live wire on the pitch” and highlighting his energy and commitment.

“If you tell him (Amarjit Singh) to fight with a wall for three hours, you will come back to see that he is still fighting with the wall.” – Sunil Chhetri

The prowess has been tremendous over the years for Indian football fans to look up to Amarjit with great expectations.

Jeakson Singh

Jeakson Singh is Amarjit Singh Kiyam’s cousin and another Manipur player knocking on the doors for selection in the senior Indian national football team.

Jeakson Singh first captured the nation’s attention when he scripted history and became the first and only Indian to score a goal in a FIFA tournament, against Colombia in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. It was a never-witnessed moment as his treasured header during a fiercely contested match sent Indian fans into a frenzy, symbolizing that India is ready for the global stage.

The Manipur footballer, standing tall at 6’1”, started his football career at the Chandigarh Football Academy. Later, he joined the Indian Arrows team. With powerful performances, Jeakson was signed by the Kerala Blasters for the ISL 2019 edition. The signing proved a masterstroke as he has become a mainstay in the team’s midfield. In the 2021-22 ISL season, Jeakson was one of the vital cogs for Kerala Blasters’ successful campaign to the final.

Former Nigerian World Cup player Bartholomew Ogbeche and Kerala Blasters teammate has spoken highly of Jeakson’s performances. With his consistent performances, it is about time before Jeakson breaks into the senior national team as a regular.

Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem

Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem comes from Manipur, a state that keeps on giving when it comes to sports. The goalkeeper for India’s 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup squad was one of the stars in that tournament. A string of crucial saves in the match against Colombia earned him recognition as one of India’s brightest goalkeepers to watch out for.

After junior World Cup exploits, Dheeraj was on the brink of joining Scottish Premiership side Motherwell FC but work permit issues got in the way. He continues to impress in ISL, representing Kerala Blasters, ATK (now ATK Mohun Bagan), and FC Goa. His performances for FC Goa in the AFC Champions League (ACL) 2021-22 were particularly noteworthy and earned him a spot in the ACL Team of the Season. He was the first Indian to achieve this honor.

Dheeraj remains a strong contender to don the gloves for the national side after India’s first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Mohammad Nawaz

Mohammad Nawaz missed being part of India’s 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup squad by a barest margin. He kept the dream alive and rose to prominence in the Indian Super League (ISL) when he signed for FC Goa. His exceptional reflexes and ability to play out from the back quickly established him as the first-choice goalkeeper at the ISL club. At FC Goa, he played a key role in the team’s success and helped win the Super Cup and the League Winners’ Shield.

In 2021, Nawaz moved to Mumbai City FC and further strengthened his claim as one of the best goalkeepers in India on the continental stage in the AFC Champions League.

At present, he plays for Chennaiyin FC and continues to thrive. The prowess is excellent so far and we hope he keeps up with it.

Sumit Rathi

Sumit Rathi has risen through the ranks to become one of Indian football’s most promising defenders. He comes from a small town of Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, and through hardships he has reached a stage of reckoning.

Emerging Player of the Season award during the 2019-20 ISL season where he played a vital role in securing ATK’s third ISL title put the spotlight on the defender.

Rathi started his career at the AIFF Elite Academy and joined the Indian Arrows in the I-League later. His career defining moment came in 2018 when he was drafted into ATK’s B team in 2018 and in 2019 he was regular in ATK’s 2019-20 ISL side under Antonio Lopez Habas.

It is his solid tackling and game sense that makes Rathi a powerhouse on the field. Currently, he is playing for Mohun Bagan and continues to excel. For the qualities and attributes he possesses, he is being seen as the ideal partner for Sandesh Jhingan in India’s backline.

The stage is set for these young guns to take the baton forward. Hope Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Jeakson Singh, Dheeraj Singh, Mohammad Nawaz, and Sumit Rathi continue to put on inspired performances for their ISL sides and national team.

India’s Rising Badminton Stars: Who to Watch Out For

Indian badminton has touched unprecedented heights in recent times, with icons like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy making waves on the global stage. The new crop of Indian Badminton players is ready to take the baton of legacy forward. Let’s look at India’s rising badminton stars that have been shining bright and poised to carry the torch forward.

1. Malvika Bansod

Malvika Bansod is the name you will hear more in the near future. This left-handed shuttler from Nagpur has proved her mettle at the junior level and has been hailed as a force to reckon with in Indian badminton. Born on September 15, 2001, Malvika Bansod’s love for badminton began early as she rose up the ranks.

At 16 years old, Malvika became the youngest-ever winner of the All-India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament on her debut in 2018. 2018 was her breakthrough year as she clinched two gold medals at the South Asian U21 Regional Badminton Championship. In 2019, she won the Maldives International and the Annapurna Nepal International Series. In 2021, she recorded victories at the Uganda International and Lithuanian International.

In January 2022, Malvika broke into the top 100 of the women’s singles world rankings. On her debut season on the BWF World Tour in 2022, she finished as Syed Modi International tournament runner-up losing to PV Sindhu in the final. Sindhu commended her performance and described her as a promising player with massive potential. Earlier in 2022, Malvika stunned the badminton world by defeating her idol, Saina Nehwal, at the India Open Super 500 tournament.

“I grew up watching Saina, and she has always been my inspiration,” Malvika said after the win. “To beat her in a tournament is something I’ll cherish forever.”

In 2023, Malvika faced setbacks due to medical complications from dengue and typhoid. Defeating Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, the Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist, at the China Open in 2024 and reaching the final of the Hylo Open 2024 in Germany (only the third Indian women’s singles player after Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu) reinforced her reputation as a player capable of challenging the best in the world.

Malvika Bansod has her eyes set on breaking into the top 10 now and competing on the Olympic stage.

2. Unnati Hooda

Indian badminton is blessed with a young crop of extraordinary talents like Unnati Hooda. At the tender age of 14, Unnati scripted history by becoming the youngest Indian to win a Super 100 BWF World Tour title.

Unnati Hooda’s journey began when her father Upakar Hooda enrolled her in a badminton academy at Rohtak’s Chhotu Ram Stadium; she was seven years old at that time. She won under-11 junior events in district and state championships. She clinched a bronze medal in the U-13 national championships in 2018 and followed up with a U-15 national title in 2019.

2022 was Unnati’s breakthrough year as she won the Odisha Open, a Super 100 BWF World Tour event. She beat higher-ranked counterparts – Samiya Farooqui in the quarter-finals, Malvika Bansod in the semi-finals, and Smit Toshniwal in the final – to announce herself at the national stage. At just 14, Unnati became the youngest Indian to win a Super 100 title. Next, she was picked for India’s Uber Cup squad alongside her idol PV Sindhu, although she didn’t play any matches in the tournament.

Unnati added another feather to her cap win to clinch the gold medal at the 2022 Khelo India Youth Games, stunning top players like Aditi Bhatt and Tasnim Mir. The win and consistent performances helped her break into the top 100 in the world rankings in 2022.

In October 2023, Unnati won another Super 100 event, the Abu Dhabi Masters. On the back of successes in the recent years, this rising star in Indian badminton is now being hailed as the future. Check more athlete stories.

3. Anupama Upadhyaya

Anupama Upadhyaya was not always a shuttler as she began her sporting journey with swimming. Her swimming coach discouraged her from pursuing a career in the sport, citing her height and build as unsuitable. On her father’s insistence, Anupama picked up a racket at the age of nine. Despite being labeled “too thin” by critics, she worked on her game and physique. She won the Under-13 National Championship in women’s singles to make the headlines at first.

In 2022, she bagged the coveted title of World Junior No. 1. This was followed up by the Indian National Badminton Championship in women’s singles title a year later. In 2023, Anupama was picked to represent India at the 2023 Asian Games.

Already in the top 100 in the world rankings, Anupama’s sights are now set on international circuits and competing against higher-ranked players at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

4. Anmol Kharb

Anmol Kharb is another Haryana-born Indian badminton player who is making waves. At just 12, Anmol bagged her first national-level title, winning the U-17 All India Ranking tournament in Hyderabad in 2019. Later in the same year, she made it to the semi-finals of the Senior All India Ranking tournament in Visakhapatnam and played in India’s Khelo India program. In 2020, Anmol asserted dominance in the U-17 category, winning national titles in both singles and doubles. In 2022, she made it to the pre-quarterfinals of the Asian Junior Championships.

2023 was Anmol’s breakthrough year as she won her maiden senior women’s singles national title at the age of 16. She defeated higher-ranked players – Tanvi Khanna in the final and Ashmita Chaliha in the semi-finals – to announce herself on the senior circuit.

Anmol bagged India’s historic gold medal win at the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships in Selangor, Malaysia. She followed it with her first international women’s singles title at the Belgian International in September 2024 and won at the Polish International.

5. Tasnim Mir

Tasnim Mir made headlines at just 16 years old when she became the first Indian player to secure the No. 1 spot in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Under-19 Girls’ Singles Rankings.

She has won four junior international tournaments, including the Bulgarian Junior Championship, Alpes International, and Belgian Junior in 2021. She also won titles at the Asian Junior Championships in both the under-15 and under-17 categories.

Tasnim has her sights set on career goals as she wants to emulate the Olympic success of her idols, Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu. She is definitely someone we can pin hopes on and watch out for in the future.

6. Ayush Shetty

Ayush Shetty is hailed as one of India’s brightest badminton prospects. Ayush started playing badminton at the age of eight. His first major win came in 2022 at the All India Junior Ranking Tournament. Thereafter, he clinched a bronze medal at the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships in Spokane, United States.

For a long time, Ayush has been the highest-ranked junior men’s singles shuttler in India. Now he is ready for the transition from junior to senior level.

7. Sankar Muthusamy

S. Sankar Muthusamy rose to prominence in the Indian badminton scene at just 18 years of age. On 29 October 2022, Muthusamy became the fourth Indian to reach the finals of the coveted BWF Junior World Championships. Before him, only Aparna Popat, Saina Nehwal, and Siril Verma have reached the final of the tournament.

Sankar has showcased immense potential at the junior level so far and he is looked up as one to watch out for in the future. Let’s hope he does justice to his talent and the expectations of millions that rest on his shoulders.

The Journey of Neeraj Chopra: From Struggles to Stardom

The golden boy of India, Neeraj Chopra’s inspirational journey from a small village in Haryana to becoming an Olympic champion is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, let’s celebrate the javelin champ whose story teaches us many a life lesson. From struggles to stardom, let’s unravel the journey of Neeraj’s Chopra.

Nickname	Sarpanch, Golden Boy
Birth date	24 December 1997
Birthplace	Khandra, Haryana, India
Education	DAV College, Chandigarh
Years Active	2010–present
Height	6 ft 1 in
Weight	86 kg
Military Career
– Allegiance	India
– Service/Branch	Indian Army
– Years of Service	2016–present
– Rank	Subedar Major
– Service Number	JC-471869A
– Unit	4 Rajputana Rifles
Awards	Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Padma Shri, Vishisht Seva Medal
Coach	Jan Železný (Czech Republic)
Achievements and Titles
– Olympic Finals	Gold (2020), Silver (2024)
– World Finals	Gold (2023), Silver (2022)
– Regional Finals	Gold (2016, 2017, 2018, 2022)
– Commonwealth Finals	Gold (2018)
Highest World Ranking	1 (11 May 2023)
Personal Best	89.94 m NR (2022), 86.48 m WJR (2016)

Early Struggles: Challenges and Obstacles Faced

Neeraj Chopra hails from Khandra village in Haryana, one of the northern states of India. He grew up in a humble family of farmers. He forayed into sports to lose weight and not for any ambition.

As a kid, he was overweight and was often teased by others. The family encouraged him to take up physical activity and sports. This led him to the local sports ground where he found out about javelin throw for the first time.

Neeraj Chopra’s potential didn’t go unnoticed. However, the lack of proper training facilities and equipment in his village was a challenge. Despite these constraints, he was determined to train hard fueled by a desire to excel.

The turning point of his career came when he was spotted by coach Naseem Ahmad at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula. The coach helped hone his skills and prepared him for the highest level.

In years, he was competing in international events. He could not keep up with competition for many years in his early career. He faced repeated losses and injuries.

Turning Point: Key Moments That Shaped His Career

In 2019, Neeraj Chopra faced a career-threatening injury that kept him out of action for an entire season. He underwent surgery on his right elbow and was sidelined for almost a year. He was now staring at defeat. This was one of the darkest phases of Neeraj’s career.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Neeraj started working on rebuilding his strength from scratch. During the recovery, he traveled to South Africa and trained with renowned biomechanics expert Klaus Bartoneitz. The rigorous therapy and focused training gave him a long of strength to return stronger than ever.

The results followed in the years to follow. The setback of 2019 injury was the key moment that shaped Neeraj’s career.

Achievements: What Neeraj Chopra Has Accomplished

In 2021, Neeraj Chopra brought laurels to India, winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The first Indian track and field athlete to secure an Olympic gold! It was the coronation of the ‘golden boy of India.’ Check more athlete stories.

Here’s Neeraj Chopra’s list of achievements:

Gold Medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020: Neeraj Chopra scripted history by winning gold in men’s javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Silver Medal at Paris Olympics 2024: In 2024, Neeraj proved that he is there to rule the hearts of Indian sports fans. He bagged a silver medal with a remarkable throw, to become the first Indian athlete to win both gold and silver in the Olympics.
Gold Medal at World Athletics Championships 2023: A gold medal win at the World Athletics Championships 2023 was another feather in the cap for Neeraj. The glory earned him status as a global icon.
Gold Medal at Asian Games 2018 and 2023: Neeraj Chopra has been the best javelin thrower in Asia for a long time now. He clinched gold at the 2018 and 2023 editions of Asian Games.
Diamond League Champion in 2022: Chopra secured the Diamond League trophy in 2022 to reaffirm his position among elite javelin throwers.
Gold at Commonwealth Games 2018: Neeraj Chopra achieved glory at Commonwealth Games 2018 and announced himself on the world stage.
Lausanne Diamond League 2024: Neeraj finished second at the Lausanne Diamond League 2024 edition, to close another year with consistent performances and wins.

Neeraj Chopra’s medal record

Event	1st (Gold)	2nd (Silver)	3rd (Bronze)
Olympic Games	1	1	–
World Championships	1	1	–
Diamond League	1	2	–
Commonwealth Games	1	–	–
Asian Games	2	–	–
Asian Championships	1	–	–
South Asian Games	1	–	–
Paavo Nurmi Games	1	1	–
World U20 Championships	1	–	–
Asian U20 Championships	–	1	–
Total	10	6	0

Conclusion: Lessons from Neeraj Chopra’s Journey for Other Athletes

Neeraj Chopra’s feats in recent years have made him a global sports icon who is looked up for his unmatched determination and work ethic. Here are some of the key takeaways for everyone from the journey of Neeraj Chopra.

Resilience: No matter how big the setbacks, it is all a part of the journey. In 2019, Chopra had to face the darkest times but chose to fight back and overcome it.
Consistent Hard Work: Success is a by-product of hard work. The achievements and laurels we see today are the result of years of perseverance.
Seek the Right Guidance: With the right mentorship and guidance, you can overcome any challenges and hurdles. Training under expert coaches like Naseem Ahmad and Klaus Bartoneitz helped Neeraj Chopra stay focused on his goals.
Stay Humble: Humility is what makes Neeraj Chopra such an admirable figure in Indian sports. Chopra remains grounded even after achieving everything that is there to achieve and global fame.

Neeraj Chopra’s life and sports journey is a tale of a true champion. More than achievements, accomplishments, medals, and trophies, it is the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines him. Take a bow, champ! Hope you continue to bring laurels to the country and keep inspiring us.

Top 10 Indian fitness influencers you must follow

Looking for motivation to hit your fitness goals in 2025? Our list of Top 10 Indian fitness influencers is the one you need. Whether you are aiming to follow someone who can keep you motivating throughout your fitness journey, or whether you are just looking for collaboration, this list contains some of the biggest names in the Indian fitness Influencers domain.

Top 10 Indian fitness influencers you must follow

1. Ankit Baiyanpuria

Ankit Baiyanpuria’s rise from a small village to a fitness influencer has been a tale of inspiration for many. What makes him different from the rest of Indian fitness Influencers is his traditional practices which he advertise through his various social media channels. His relatable personality, grounded approach, and focus on fitness without expensive equipment have struck a chord with Indian youth.

Why Follow Ankit Baiyanpuria:

Promotes Cultural Pride.
Focuses on fitness through desi exercises, such as Kushti and lifting heavy objects.
No need to buy expensive equipment.
Relatable personality.

Social Media Info

Instagram Followers: 8.1 Million – @ankit_baiyanpuria
YouTube Followers: 4.6 Million – @Ankitbaiyanpuria

2. Soniya Singh Khatri AKA FitGirl

Soniya Singh Khatri, also known as FitGirl, is a reputable Indian fitness Influencer who has made a name for herself through her relatable and effective fitness content. She embodies Indian lifestyle habits, ensuring her content resonates deeply with the Indian audience.

Why Follow FitGirl:

Posts relatable content for individuals of all fitness levels – from beginners to advanced.
Focuses on exercises that can be done at home, without expensive equipment.
Incorporates Indian lifestyle into her day-to-day activities.
Exuded confidence and fosters a strong connection with her followers.

Social Media Info

Instagram Followers: 2.3 Million – @fitgirl_0 8
YouTube Followers: 272K – @fitgirl419

3. Simrun Chopra

Simrun Chopra is amongst the leading Indian Fitness Influencer and wellness advocate. She mainly posts content for women, inspiring them to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional health. Her easy to embrace approach makes her a trusted fitness influencer for women in India. Not only diet and health, she also gives here opinion on skin products.

Why Follow Simrun Chopra:

Her women-centric approach makes her an ideal influencer for female.
Covers various topics such as PCOS, pregnancy and menstrual cycle.
Promotes long-term health habits overs quick fixes.
Promotes simple, affordable and nutritious meal plans.

Social Media Info

Instagram Followers: 779K – @simrun.chopra
YouTube Followers: 36.7K – @simrunchopra

Also Read: How To Leverage Social Media To Build Your Personal Brand As An Athlete

4. Yasmin Karachiwala

Yasmin Karachiwala is a renowned Indian Fitness Influencer who has a decades of experience. Her influence speaks volume as she has coached some of the biggest names in Bollywood. She regularly posts on her social media platforms and remains one of the most sought-after fitness influencer in India.

Why Follow Yasmin Karachiwala:

Big influencer as she has coached top Bollywood actresses such as Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt.
innovative workouts as she combines traditional and modern techniques for maximum results.
Runs fitness studios across India and internationally.

Social Media Info

Instagram Followers: 1.1 Million – @yasminkarachiwala
YouTube Followers: 1.23 Lakh – @Yasminbodyimage

5. Dr. Biglee Murali

A celebrated fitness influencer, Dr. Biglee Murali has transformed the Indian fitness landscape with his unique approach. Since he is a medical professional, he has combined science with exercises to get the maximum result. His influence goes beyond the normal masses to the professional sports field as he has mentored many athletes.

Why Follow DR. Biglee Murali:

Provides evidence-based and sustainable fitness practices.
Combines science with fitness.
Provides easy concepts of fitness to general public.
Posts impactful content that promotes healthy practices.

Also Read: All About post-workout recovery

Social Media Info

Instagram Followers: 1.23 Million – @bigleemurali
YouTube Followers: 57.7K – @bigleemuralienglish

6. Namrata Purohit

Namrata Purohit is a celebrity Pilates trainer who has worked with Bollywood stars as well as with sports athletes. She is also the co-founder of The Pilates Studio. Namrata’s strategy revolves around building core strength, flexibility, and overall wellness. Her Instagram is filled with workout tips and motivational posts. She is also amongst the youngest Pilate instructor in the world. Through her books, videos, and social media presence, she continues to motivate everyone to adopt Pilates for a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Why Follow Namrata Purohit:

Trusted fitness influencer to sports athletes and Bollywood stars.
Promotes simple techniques, without expensive equipment, to remain on the top of your health.
Amongst the youngest Pilate instructor in the world.
Promotes injury prevention.

Social Media Info

Instagram Followers: 5.4 Lakh – @namratapurohit
YouTube Followers: 54K – @NamrataPurohitOfficial

7. Luke Coutinho

A renowned entrepreneur who is a celebrated lifestyle guru for millions around the world. His holistic yet simple approach has helped millions in transforming their lives. He puts emphasizes on nutrition, heathy and changes in lifestyle to get the most out of your body. He has written some best-selling books on health, conducted workshops and regularly posts social media content to inspire millions.

Why Follow Luke Countinho:

Promotes a balanced approach to fitness and overall well-being.
Promotes prevention of using medicine.
Offers personalized coaching.
Inspires millions through his books and social media posts.

Social Media Info

Instagram Followers: 6.1 Lakh – @luke _coutinho
YouTube Followers: 431K – @lukecountinho

8. Soni Singh

She is one of the most celebrated female fitness influencers in India. Through traditional techniques such as Yoga, and strength training, she promotes an easy-to-embrace fitness routines. She also posts content focusing on women healthy from time to time and motivates them to become better each day.

Why Follow Soni Singh:

Specializes in strength training, yoga, and functional fitness.
Inspires women to achieve their fitness goals.
Creates motivational fitness challenges for her users.

Social Media Info

Instagram Followers: 8 Lakh – @yog_with_soni
YouTube Followers: 153K – @yogwithsoni5738

9. Shrey Gupta

A prominent Indian fitness influencer who is known for dynamic approach to health and overall fitness. His expertise lies in strength training and functional fitness. What separates him from the most fitness influencers is that he promotes science-backed fitness programs and gives expert advice on nutrition. His posts focuses on the importance of remaining disciplined, consistency and motivational posts.

Why Follow Shrey Gupta:

Promotes consistency and discipline amongst his users.
Focuses on science-backed nutrition that combines with his fitness programs.
Inspires his users to remain disciplined throughout their fitness journey.
Posts practical content that keep his users motivating and engaging.

Social Media Info

Instagram Followers: 9.1 Lakh – @shreyygupta

10. Nishika Mehta

Amongst the most renowned female Indian fitness influences, Nishika Mehta focuses on strength training for women, yoga and overall body passivity. She promotes non-judgmental fitness routines amongst her users and inspires individuals to embrace positive attitude in life.

Why Follow Nishika Mehta:

Focuses on strength training, yoga, and overall well-being.
Gives fitness tips to her users.
Posts work-out videos to inspire her users across all social media platforms.
Also advocates for mental well-being and positive attitude.

Social Media Info

Instagram Followers: 8.2 Lakh – @nishika_mehta1
YouTube Followers: 134K – @nishikamehta

Conclusion

Though your fitness depends solely on your habits, your dedication to physical activities and what you eat, following fitness influencers can keep you motivating. In addition, the above-mentioned Indian fitness influencers have also carved a niche for themselves in the fitness industry with their unique approaches and inspiring journeys. Following them can provide the motivation, knowledge, and tools needed to embark on or elevate your fitness journey.

Top 10 Indian Athletes to Watch Out For in 2025

The year 2025 promises to be exciting for Indian sports and athletes. There is a host of talented athletes poised to etch their names in history books. Let’s look at the 10 Indian athletes who are primed to shine in 2025.

1. Lakshya Sen

Lakshya Sen emerged as India’s new superstar at the Paris Olympics 2024. The shuttler would look to enhance his reputation at upcoming events like the BWF World Tour Finals in China, World Badminton Championships in Paris India Open 2025, All England Open, Syed Modi International 2025 tournament, and more global events.

2. Manu Bhaker

Manu Bhaker is India’s athlete of the year 2024. Looking at the achievements and laurels of this sports legend in recent years, the two-medal winner is likely to win more accolades in 2025. She would have her eyes set on the World Rifle and Pistol Championships in Cairo later this year.

3. D Gukesh

The world chess champion and India’s pride D Gukesh has had a year to remember. The young chess prodigy has a packed schedule for 2025 and a chance to script history with more feathers in the cap.

4. Neeraj Chopra

India’s golden boy had a quiet and challenging 2024 season by his standards due to injury. In 2025, he would look to comeback stronger and regain peak performance. The javelin champ will have his eyes on the 2025 Tokyo World Championships to bag top honor on the world stage.

5. Swapnil Kusale

Swapnil Kusale bagged a bronze medal for India at the Paris Olympics. The shooter impressed sports fans with composure and precision and is now touted as the next big thing in the Indian shooting circuit.

6. Sarabjot Singh

Sarabjot Singh is another who proved his mettle on the biggest global stage, securing a medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Fans have high hopes for the shooter in 2025.

7. Aman Sehrawat

Aman Sehrawat took the baton forward of India’s rich tradition of wrestling excellence at the Paris Olympics 2024 with a bronze medal. Sehrawat’s impressive performance has raised the hopes of enthusiasts and he has the potential to go up a notch in 2025.

8. Harmanpreet Singh

Harmanpreet Singh has established himself as one who would take Indian Hockey legacy forward. The 2024 year was incredible for the Indian Hockey team with a medal at the Paris Olympics. With him at the helm, Indian hockey fans are expecting bigger things in 2025 and in years to come.

Photo by Salman Ali/Hindustan Times via Getty Images Times

9. Praveen Kumar

Praveen Kumar, a para-athlete who won the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, the silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, and the Asian Para Games 2022 gold medalist, continues to thrive. With stronger performances year after year, Praveen is primed to shine in 2025.

10. Abhay Singh

Abhay Singh has made waves in the Indian Squash circuit over the years. He has won gold and bronze medals at the Asian Games and three gold medals at the Asian Championships. As of November 2024, he is ranked 51st in the world. 2025 could be Abhay’s breakthrough year.

Hoping for the best year yet for Indian Sports!

Sports Calendar 2025

Date	Event	Sport
December 28, 2024 – February 1, 2025	Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25	Hockey
January 12-26	Women’s Hockey India League 2024-25	Hockey
January 12-26	2025 Australian Open	Tennis
January 13-19	2025 Kho Kho World Cup	Kho Kho
January 14-19	India Open 2025, New Delhi	Badminton
January 18 – February 2	Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup	Cricket
February 7-14	2025 Asian Winter Games	Multi-sport
February 15 – June 29	FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Women)	Hockey
February 15 – June 22	FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Men)	Hockey
February 19 – March 9	2025 ICC Champions Trophy	Cricket
March 1-12	15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025	Hockey
March 10-11	World Athletics Relays, China	Athletics
March 11-16	All England Open	Badminton
March 14 – May 25	2025 Indian Premier League	Cricket
March 14-16	Australian Grand Prix – Melbourne	Motor Sport
March 16	English League Cup Final, London	Football
March 21-23	Chinese Grand Prix – Shanghai	Motor Sport
April 4-6	Japanese Grand Prix – Suzuka	Motor Sport
April 4-15	15th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2025	Hockey
April 7-13	2025 Masters Tournament	Golf
April 11-13	Bahrain Grand Prix – Sakhir	Motor Sport
April 18-20	Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Jeddah	Motor Sport
April 19 – May 5	World Snooker Championship	Snooker
April 27	London Marathon	Athletics
May 2-4	Miami Grand Prix – Miami	Motor Sport
May 15-18	PGA Championship, Charlotte, USA	Golf
May 16-18	Imola Grand Prix – Imola	Motor Sport
May 17-25	2025 World Table Tennis Championships	Table Tennis
May 21	Europa League Final, Bilbao, Spain	Football
May 23-25	Monaco Grand Prix – Monaco	Motor Sport
May 24	German Cup Final, Berlin	Football
May 24	French Cup Final, Paris	Football
May 24	Women’s Champions League Final, Lisbon	Football
May 25 – June 7	2025 French Open	Tennis
May 27-31	2025 Asian Athletics Championships	Athletics
May 28	Europa Conference League Final, Wroclaw	Football
May 30 – June 1	Spanish Grand Prix – Barcelona	Motor Sport
May 31	Champions League Final, Munich	Football
June 4-8	UEFA Nations League Finals	Football
June 5-22	NBA Finals, United States	Basketball
June 12-15	US Open, Oakmont, Pennsylvania	Golf
June 13-15	Canada Grand Prix – Montreal	Motor Sport
June 14 – July 13	FIFA Club World Cup 2025	Football
June 14 – July 6	Concacaf Gold Cup	Football
June 27-29	Austrian Grand Prix – Spielberg	Motor Sport
June 30 – July 13	2025 Wimbledon Championships	Tennis
July 2-27	UEFA Women’s EURO	Football
July 4-6	British Grand Prix – Silverstone	Motor Sport
July 5-26	CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations	Football
July 5-29	FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025	Chess
July 11 – August 3	2025 World Aquatics Championships	Aquatics
July 12 – August 2	CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina	Football
July 17-20	The Open Championship, Portrush	Golf
July 25-27	Belgian Grand Prix – Spa	Motor Sport
August 1-3	Hungarian Grand Prix – Budapest	Motor Sport
August 7-17	2025 World Games	Multi-sport
August 15 – September 15	Women’s World Cup, India	Cricket
August 25 – September 7	US Open	Tennis
August 25-31	World Badminton Championships, Paris	Badminton
August 27-28	Diamond League Final, Weltklasse	Athletics
August 29-31	Dutch Grand Prix – Zandvoort	Motor Sport
September 5-12	2025 World Archery Championships	Archery
September 5-7	Italian Grand Prix – Monza	Motor Sport
September 13-21	2025 World Athletics Championships	Athletics
September 13-21	2025 World Wrestling Championships	Wrestling
September 19-21	Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku	Motor Sport
September 25-28	Ryder Cup, New York, USA	Golf
September 27 – October 19	2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup	Football
October 1-10	World Weightlifting Championships, Forde, Norway	Weightlifting
October 3-5	Singapore Grand Prix – Singapore	Motor Sport
October 13-19	2025 BWF World Junior Championships	Badminton
October 17-19	US Grand Prix – Austin	Motor Sport
October 19-25	2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships	Gymnastics
October 24-26	Mexico Grand Prix – Mexico City	Motor Sport
November 6-16	World Rifle and Pistol Championships, Cairo	Shooting
November 7-9	Brazilian Grand Prix – São Paulo	Motor Sport
November 15-26	2025 Summer Deaflympics	Multi-sport
November 20-22	Las Vegas Grand Prix – Las Vegas	Motor Sport
November 25-30	Syed Modi International 2025, Lucknow	Badminton
November 28-30	Qatar Grand Prix – Lusail	Motor Sport
December 5-7	Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina	Motor Sport
December 10-14	BWF World Tour Finals, China	Badminton
December 21 – January 18, 2026	2025 Africa Cup of Nations	Football

Top 10 Highest Paid Athletes in the World

Sport is turning out to be one of the most lucrative professions worldwide. Year after year we see record-breaking earnings as athletes across various disciplines reach new financial heights. Here’s a sneak peek into the top 10 highest paid athletes in 2024.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2024

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 highest-paid athletes in 2024, including their total earnings, on-field earnings, and off-field earnings

	Athlete	Sport	Total Earnings in INR	On-Field Earnings (INR)	Off-Field Earnings (INR)
1	Cristiano Ronaldo	Soccer	₹2081 Crore	₹16,00,00,000	₹4,81,00,000
2	Jon Rahm	Golf	₹1712 Crore	₹15,84,00,000	₹1,60,00,000
3	Lionel Messi	Soccer	₹1074 Crore	₹4,60,00,000	₹5,60,00,000
4	LeBron James	Basketball	₹990 Crore	₹3,86,00,000	₹6,40,00,000
5	Giannis Antetokounmpo	Basketball	₹873 Crore	₹3,68,00,000	₹4,60,00,000
6	Kylian Mbappé	Soccer	₹881 Crore	₹7,20,00,000	₹1,60,00,000
7	Neymar	Soccer	₹864 Crore	₹5,60,00,000	₹2,20,00,000
8	Karim Benzema	Soccer	₹864 Crore	₹7,20,00,000	₹40,00,000
9	Stephen Curry	Basketball	₹797 Crore	₹3,86,00,000	₹3,60,00,000
10	Lamar Jackson	American Football	₹790 Crore	₹7,88,00,000	₹1,60,00,000

The above figures are approximate conversions from USD to INR

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to be at the top of the highest-paid athletes list in 2024. The Portuguese footballer has a total earning of approximately ₹2081 crore INR. CR7’s on-field earnings from his contract with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia amounts to ₹16 billion. Off the field, the Sports Legend Ronaldo earns an additional ₹4.81 billion from brand endorsements and personal ventures.

Jon Rahm

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm has exponentially increased his earnings to catapult to #2 on this list this year. The total earnings of the golfer stand at ₹1712 Crore. His on-field earnings stand at ₹15.84 billion, primarily from his performance in the LIV Golf Tour. Other off-field activities and endorsements contribute ₹1.6 billion to his income.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is arguably the most popular footballer of all time. The Argentine ranks third in the list with total earnings of ₹1074 crore INR. For his contract with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi earns ₹4.6 billion. From endorsement deals with brands like Adidas and Apple, the football wizard adds another ₹5.6 billion to his income.

LeBron James

NBA superstar LeBron James stands fourth in this list of highest paid athletes worldwide. The basketball star earns ₹990 Crore with his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers contributing ₹3.86 billion. James’ business ventures and endorsements add another ₹6.4 billion to his total income.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Greek basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo is fifth on the list with total earnings of ₹873 Crore. His on-field contract with the Milwaukee Bucks gives him ₹3.68 billion while brand endorsements like Nike and WhatsApp add another ₹4.6 billion to his total income and earnings.

Kylian Mbappé

The FIFA World Cup-winning French superstar Kylian Mbappé ranks sixth in this tally. The striker has total earnings of around ₹881 crore in which his on-field earnings from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) contribute ₹7.2 billion. From the brand endorsements and off-field activities, Mbappé makes another ₹1.6 billion to add to his income.

Neymar Jr

The Brazilian football sensation, Neymar Jr ranks seventh with total earnings of ₹864 crore. PSG contract gives Neymar ₹5.6 billion while endorsements add another ₹2.2 billion to Nemar Jr’s income and earnings.

Karim Benzema

French footballer and forward Karim Benzema is in the eighth position in this list with a total earnings of ₹864 crore. From Saudi Pro League stint at Al-Ittihad fetches Benzema ₹7.2 billion while brand endorsements contribute ₹400 million.

Stephen Curry

NBA star Stephen Curry stands ninth with total earnings of ₹797 crore wherein his contract with the Golden State Warriors gives him ₹386 billion. The lucrative endorsement deals add ₹360 million to Stephen Curry’s income and earnings.

Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson is one of the highest paid American Football players. The star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens has a total income and earnings of ₹790 Crore. His Baltimore Ravens’ contract earns him ₹7.88 billion while endorsement deals get him an additional ₹160 million.

Top 10 Indian Athletes Who Made History in 2024

What a remarkable year 2024 has been for Indian sports and athletes! We have witnessed history in the making, record feats, historic hauls, and moments of glory on the global stage. The success of 2024 promises a paradigm shift in the landscape of Indian Sports. Let’s look at Indian athletes who scripted history in 2024 with their spirited performances.

1. Manu Bhaker’s Historic Olympic Double

Manu Bhaker became the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic edition at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The shooter became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal, clinching a bronze in the 10m air pistol event. She didn’t stop there! Manu went on to win another medal for the country partnering Sarabjot Singh in the mixed team 10m air pistol event – a bronze medal. The two-medal haul is a first for any Indian at an Olympic event. The feat makes her a Sports Legend and the biggest role model for aspiring shooters as well as athletes across the country.

2. D Gukesh Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion

18-year-old D Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion by beating China’s Ding Liren in December 2024. The Chess prodigy is only the second Indian grandmaster to win the coveted title after Viswanathan Anand.

Strategic brilliance and mental fortitude were the hallmarks of D Gukesh’s win in a tightly fought 14-game series in Singapore. The series’ final game went down to the wire, with Gukesh making sure that his opponent Ding made a mistake and he’d capitalize on it. Another Indian Sports story with the moral – this is what dreams are made of!

3. Neeraj Chopra Secures Silver at Paris Olympics

Photo by Michael Kappeler/picture alliance via Getty Images

Neeraj Chopra is referred to as the golden boy of Indian athletics and was touted as the biggest medal hope for India at the start of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Chopra lived up to all the expectations and added another Olympic medal to his bag at the Olympic event bagging a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He was battling injury during the final event but even that could not deter this Indian athlete from the path to glory. This is the reason why Neeraj Chopra remains one of India’s most admired sports personalities.

4. Swapnil Kusale Wins Bronze in Shooting

Swapnil Kusale was one of India’s stars at the Paris Olympics who clinched a bronze medal in the men’s 50m rifle event. The shooter displayed great composure and precision under tremendous pressure for the podium finish.

5. India’s T20 World Cup Triumph

Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images

Indian National Cricket Team (Men’s) led by Rohit Sharma ended a 17-year drought for an ICC trophy by winning the T20 World Cup 2024. Cricket World Cups have eluded India by the barest of margins in the last couple of years but this time it was meant to be. Cricket stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav played out of their skins and were rewarded with the trophy in their hands. It was India’s first T20 World Cup title since the inaugural 2007 title.

6. Aman Sehrawat’s Bronze in Wrestling

India has won many medals in wrestling at the Olympics. This time, Aman Sehrawat took that legacy forward with a bronze medal in the men’s freestyle 57kg category at the Paris Olympics. He turned heads with his determination, resilience, and skill which Indian wrestlers are always known for at the world stage.

7. Indian Men’s Hockey Team Bags Bronze

The Indian men’s hockey team is back to the glory days of the olden days. A bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 is a testament to this fact. The team turned the clock back to the times of the great Dhyan Chand and delivered a similar performance throughout the event. Stellar performances from Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh helped India win a bronze medal. We are hopeful that this marks another golden chapter for the Indian hockey team.

8. Indian Women’s Table Tennis Team Makes History

The Indian women’s table tennis team made history at the Asian Women’s Table Tennis Team Championships held in China, securing their first-ever medal at the event. Indian Women’s Table Tennis Team defeated South Korea 3-2 in the quarterfinals. Ayhika Mukherjee and Manika Batra were the chief architects of Indian victory.

9. Badminton Gold at Asian Team Championships

The Indian women’s badminton team clinched gold at the Badminton Asian Team Championships to script history. They were the underdogs at the start of the event. Under the stewardship of Anmol Kharb, India was too good for top-seeded teams like China and Thailand.

10. Sarabjot Singh’s Mixed Team Bronze with Manu Bhaker

Indian shooting legacy at the Olympics is unmatched! Sarabjot Singh and Manu Bhaker joined forces to add another medal to Indian shooters’ tally at the Paris Olympics 2024 by winning a bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event.

What a memorable year it has been for Indian sports fans. While 2024 gave us so much to cheer and cherish, 2025 promises another year of great haul in Indian Sports. Here’s to another year of milestones, pride, and glory for the nation.