Karnam Malleswari Becomes The First Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sports University

The Delhi government on Tuesday appointed India’s first woman Olympic medal winner and retired weight lifter Karnam Malleswari as the first Vice-Chancellor of Delhi Sports University. The official order stated that the Lt Governor, who is also the Chancellor of Delhi Sports University, is elated to appoint Malleswari as VC of the University.

Malleswari won bronze in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and her record still remain intact as no woman from India won a medal in weightlifting at Olympics. She made history at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 by lifting 100 kgs and 130 kgs in the snatch and clean & jerk categories. She was awarded some prestigious accolades like Arjuna Award in 1994, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 1999 and Padma Shri Award in 1999. Currently, the Padmashri awardee is working as Chief General Manager in the FCI. The Srikakulam-native, Malleswari won many international medals, including two gold and two silver in World Championship in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996.  

She withdrew from competing in the 2002 Commonwealth Games after the news of her father’s demise. She also announced retirement after failing to win a medal at the Athens 2004 Olympics. Talking about DSU, the Kejriwal government is the first government in India which brought sports University to Mundka, Delhi. In 2019, the Delhi Assembly passed a bill to set up a Delhi Sports University (DSU), which will offer graduation, post-graduation and doctorate degrees in cricket, football, and hockey among other sports.