Indian Olympics milestone — identify the first: Who was the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal?

Introduction / Context:
Knowing pioneering achievements is central to sports general knowledge. This question asks for the identity of the first Indian woman to win a medal at the Olympic Games, a landmark event in India's sporting history and women's representation in elite sport.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We need the first female Olympic medalist from India.
• Options include celebrated athletes and explorers, but only one achieved this specific Olympic feat first.

Concept / Approach:
Recall the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where India won a bronze medal in women's weightlifting. Identifying the athlete and discipline directly yields the answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Event = 2000 Summer Olympics (Sydney).Step 2: Discipline = Women's weightlifting, 69 kg category.Step 3: Athlete = Karnam Malleswari, who won bronze.Step 4: Conclusion = Karnam Malleswari was the first Indian woman Olympic medalist.

Verification / Alternative check:
India's Olympic medal list shows no Indian woman medalist before 2000. Later medalists include M. C. Mary Kom (2012), Saina Nehwal (2012), P. V. Sindhu (2016, 2020), Sakshi Malik (2016), among others, all after Malleswari.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• P. T. Usha: Iconic sprinter who narrowly missed bronze at Los Angeles 1984; no Olympic medal.
• Kunjarani Devi: Decorated weightlifter but not an Olympic medalist.
• Bachendri Pal: First Indian woman to summit Everest; not an Olympic achievement.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming P. T. Usha won a medal because of her fame, or mixing adventure milestones (Everest) with Olympic accomplishments.

Final Answer:
Karnam Malleswari