Who won India's first-ever gold medal in the Commonwealth Games?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer: Milkha Singh.
Explanation:
Milkha Singh, known as 'The Flying Sikh,' was the athlete who secured India's first gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. He achieved this feat in the 440-yard race at the 1958 Commonwealth Games held in Cardiff (Wales). This marked one of the most glorious moments in the sporting history of independent India. Milkha Singh's record stood for several decades. His contribution inspired Indian youth to take up athletics. He also won multiple gold medals at the Asian Games and finished fourth in the 400-meter race at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where he missed out on a medal by an extremely narrow margin.
Additional Points:
Rashid Anwar: He won a bronze medal in wrestling at the 1934 Commonwealth Games (then known as the British Empire Games) in London. This was India's first-ever medal (in any category) at the Commonwealth Games.
Karnam Malleswari: She is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal (Sydney 2000, Weightlifting).
Mirabai Chanu: She won a gold medal for India in weightlifting at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Other Facts: Krishna Poonia (2010) became the first Indian female athlete to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games (in the Discus Throw).
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: Who was the first Indian to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games?
Answer: Rashid Anwar (1934, Bronze Medal).
Question: In which year and in which city's Commonwealth Games did Milkha Singh win a gold medal?
Answer: 1958, Cardiff.