India’s youngest gold medalists from Neeraj Chopra, Anish Bhanwala to Aditi Swami showcase talent, focus, and pride on the global stage (Photo: Pinterest)
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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| 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 |
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Data on athletes and achievements are based on verified sports records and official sources.
