From the fields of Kurukshetra to the podiums of the Olympics –
Haryana has always led with valour.
Deshbhakti isn’t taught in Haryana, it’s inherited. Fierce on the wrestling mat, focused on the airdromes, and fearless on global stages, athletes and achievers from Haryana are the stoic icons who have shown the world what quiet strength looks like.
From Neeraj Chopra’s golden throw and Manushi Chillar’s Miss World moment to Kalpana Chawla’s sky-breaking dreams and Geeta Phogat’s passionate takedowns on the wrestling mat, these inspiring stories from Haryana aren’t born in stadiums or studios, they begin in dusty fields, modest homes, and unstoppable spirits.
Today, let’s take a moment and pay our tribute to the Haryana heroes who carried the essence of their roots into history books, headlines, and every Indian’s proud heart.
SPORTS INDUSTRY
1. Kapil Dev – The Hurricane of Haryana
In the history of Haryana heroes, Kapil Dev tops the list among the most famous people from Haryana. Even before cricket was worshipped in India, he stepped in and brought a revolution worth witnessing.
Born in Chandigarh in 1959, Kapil Dev changed the sports industry forever. Under his fearless captaincy, India lifted its very first World Cup in 1983. Nicknamed the “Haryana Hurricane,” he wasn’t just a bowler or batsman, he was an all-round storm. To this day, Kapil remains the only cricketer to score over 5000 runs and take 400+ wickets in Test matches.
Credit: whiplash.agency
2. Geeta Phogat – Haryana’s First Daughter at the Mat
Among one of the best sports personalities from Haryana, Geeta Phogat became the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for the Olympics. She also won India's first-ever gold in women’s wrestling at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. She, being a woman, proved to the world that when given the right opportunity, daughters aren’t just strong, they’re unstoppable.
3. Sushil Kumar – The Silent Champion
With two Olympic medals in his name, Sushil Kumar is one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers from Haryana. Born in Baprola, Haryana, his journey from mud pits to the Olympic podium is nothing short of inspiring. A bronze in Beijing (2008) and a silver in London (2012), he’s proof that Haryana is meant to be glorified in the globals.
Credit: sportskeeda
ENTERTAINMENT ICONS
4. Randeep Hooda – Cinema’s Lone Wolf with a Haryanvi Heart
Acting, for him, is soul work not surface play. And, in reality, this is what allows Randeep Hooda to bring intensity and honesty to Indian cinema. From Highway to Sarbjit, his performances hit hard and stay with you. Born in Rohtak, he also finds his roots in theatre, which makes him not just a Bollywood face but a true artist at heart.
5. Sunil Grover – A Comic Voice Raised in Haryana
When reflecting upon the television celebrities from Haryana, Sunil Grover is everyone’s favourite for the right reasons. Best known for his iconic character ‘Gutthi’, Sunil Grover’s comic timing is legendary. But it’s not all who he is. He did films like Bharat and Gabbar Is Back which gained him a lot of appreciation. Born in Sirsa, Haryana, Sunil’s humour often draws from the land he calls home.
6. Badshah – The Man Behind India’s Most Addictive Beats
Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, aka Badshah, has turned everyday language into chart-topping lyrics. Starting with Yo Yo Honey Singh in 2006, he’s now a big name in India’s rap music industry. The hitmaker of Wakhra Swag and DJ Waley Babu proudly reps his Haryanvi energy on stage.
7. Manushi Chhillar – Beauty with Brains
Known as one of the main women from Haryana, Manushi Chhillar from Jhajjar brought the Miss World crown back to India after 17 years. A medical student turned into a global face. She shattered stereotypes and became the face of grace with some intelligence and a whole lot of elegance. Today, she also endorses global campaigns and luxury brands like Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
Credit: thestylescoopmagazine
SPIRITUAL FIGURE
8. Baba Ramdev – Yoga’s Global Messenger
From a small village in Mahendragarh to international fame, Baba Ramdev redefined wellness for modern India. He brought yoga into every living room and founded the Patanjali as his Ayurvedic empire. His impact? Visible in households, on shelves, and in India’s health narrative. Baba Ramdev is hands down one of the most famous people from Haryana.
ASTRONAUTS
9. Kalpana Chawla – Haryana’s Star in the Sky
Born in Karnal, Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian woman in space. With over 375 hours spent among the stars, she became a symbol of limitless dreams and courageous journeys. Hers is one of the most inspiring stories from Haryana filled with discipline, brilliance and quiet rebellion against all odds.
BUSINESS
10. Om Prakash Jindal – The Steel Spine of India
Born in Hisar, OP Jindal built more than an empire, he built confidence in Indian industry. Founder of Jindal Steel and Power, his work not only shaped skylines but also communities. Recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, he remains one of Haryana’s greatest entrepreneurial legends.
Conclusion
In medals, movies, missions, and milestones, these Haryana heroes turned their dreams into national pride. Their journeys remind us that brilliance isn’t born in cities alone, it often begins in dusty akharas, quiet towns, and unshaken belief. Here’s to the athletes and achievers from Haryana who made India proud.
To get the best of Haryana handicrafts, explore Crafts of Haryana.
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