Home > India > From Anish Bhanwala to Neeraj Chopra: Meet India’s Youngest Gold Medal Winners

From Anish Bhanwala to Neeraj Chopra: Meet India’s Youngest Gold Medal Winners

India’s youngest gold medalists like Anish Bhanwala, Aditi Swami, and Neeraj Chopra redefine sporting excellence with early international triumphs.

Published By: Amreen Ahmad
Last Updated: October 29, 2025 22:08:13 IST

India’s sports landscape is experiencing a change of generation with a collective of youngsters, some having recently stepped out of school, have climbed the international podium with gold medals around their necks. Their dedication, determination and rare talent have brought pride to the nation along with encouraging the next generation of Indian sporting heroes. Be it on the firing range or the athletics track, these geniuses are rewriting the definition of greatness at an early age.

Who Is Anish Bhanwala

Anish Bhanwala made history in 2018 when he became India’s youngest-ever gold medalist at the age of 15, he won gold in the men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. Going up against experienced shooters, Anish’s accuracy and composure under pressure left a lasting impression. His record-breaking victory was a landmark moment, demonstrating that age is of no consequence to greatness in shooting.

Who Is Manu Bhaker

Manu Bhaker became an overnight sensation at the age of 16 when she won gold in the women’s 10m Air Pistol event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Her laser-like concentration and calmness were widely appreciated around the globe. Manu’s victory paved the way for a new generation of Indian women shooters to adopt the sport, demonstrating that confidence and practice can trump experience.

ALSO READ: Fact Check: Michelle Obama’s Portrait & the White House Demolition Rumor

Who Is Saurabh Chaudhary

Saurabh Chaudhary became the youngest Indian gold medalist at the age of 16 during the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta. His win in the men’s 10m Air Pistol event was the highlight of Indian shooting. Faced with world champions, Saurabh showed the best of his composure and consistency to be hailed as one of the brightest stars of the sport.

Who Is Aditi Swami

Aditi Swami became the world’s youngest archery champion at age 17 and she took home the Compound Women’s Individual title at the 2023 World Archery Championships in Berlin. Her victory cemented India’s increasing archery dominance and represented a rosy future for Indian young women in sports traditionally dominated by established players.

Who Is Neeraj Chopra

As an Olympic champion, Neeraj Chopra‘s first big success was at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and he won gold in javelin throw at the age of 20 with a remarkable mark of 88.06 meters. His success was a landmark moment for Indian athletics, paving the way for his subsequent Olympic victory and motivating hundreds of young people to pursue track and field.

ALSO READ: Fact Check: Did Barack Obama Really Spend $376 Million on the White House Basketball Court?

7 Youngest Gold Medalists in Indian History

No.

Name

Sport

Event

Year of Gold Medal

Age at the Time

1

Anish Bhanwala

Shooting

25m Rapid Fire Pistol (Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast)

2018

15 years

2

Manu Bhaker

Shooting

10m Air Pistol (Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast)

2018

16 years

3

Saurabh Chaudhary

Shooting

10m Air Pistol (Asian Games, Jakarta-Palembang)

2018

16 years

4

Aditi Swami

Archery

Compound Women’s Individual (World Archery Championships, Berlin)

2023

17 years

5

Neeraj Chopra

Athletics

Javelin Throw (Asian Games, Jakarta-Palembang)

2018

20 years

6

Aman Sehrawat

Wrestling

Freestyle 57kg (Asian Championships, Astana)

2023

20 years

7

Nitu Ghanghas

Boxing

Women’s Minimumweight (World Championships, New Delhi)

2023

22 years

ALSO READ: Seven Beautiful Planes Were Shot Down’: Trump Revives India-Pakistan Conflict Claim | Fact Check

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Data on athletes and achievements are based on verified sports records and official sources.

Latest News

The Daily Guardian is India’s fastest
growing News channel and enjoy highest
viewership and highest time spent amongst
educated urban Indians.

Follow Us

© Copyright ITV Network Ltd 2025. All right reserved.

The Daily Guardian is India’s fastest growing News channel and enjoy highest viewership and highest time spent amongst educated urban Indians.

© Copyright ITV Network Ltd 2025. All right reserved.