The year 2023 witnessed a remarkable surge in India's sporting achievements, with athletes rewriting history and shattering barriers across various disciplines. From Neeraj Chopra's exceptional dominance in javelin throw to Virat Kohli's record-breaking cricket performances, Here's what to the recorded feats that defined India's sporting landscape in this eventful year.
Neeraj Chopra's Triple Crown in Javelin Throw:
Neeraj Chopra, at 25 years old, claimed the gold medal at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, joining an elite group of athletes who held their continental, World, and Olympic titles simultaneously in javelin throw. He defended his Asian Games gold later in the year, showcasing exceptional prowess and consistency in his sport.
Breaking Records at the Asian Games:
India achieved an unprecedented feat at the Hangzhou Asian Games, securing a total of 107 medals, surpassing the 100-medal mark for the first time. Notable performances included Avinash Sable setting an Asian Games record in the men's 3000m steeplechase, Parul Chaudhary becoming the first Indian woman to win gold in the 5000m event, and the Indian shooting contingent winning 22 medals, seven of which were gold.
Historic No. 1 Ranking in Badminton Doubles:
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made history in Indian badminton by rising to the top of the men's doubles rankings after securing three BWF titles, gold at the Asian Games, and the Asian Badminton Championships.
R Praggnanandhaa's Remarkable FIDE World Cup Run:
At just 18 years old, R Praggnanandhaa became the youngest player to reach the FIDE World Cup final, defeating top-ranked players like Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana along the way. Although he lost the final, he secured a spot in the prestigious Candidates tournament in 2024.
Virat Kohli's Record-breaking Cricket Performances:
Despite India's World Cup disappointment, Virat Kohli showcased extraordinary individual brilliance by scoring his 50th ODI century, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record. Kohli also shattered Tendulkar's long-standing record for the most runs in a single World Cup edition, finishing with an outstanding tally of 765 runs in the 2023 tournament.
Year Ender 2023: 10 Key Events That Made Waves India and Beyond