Jump to content

Dandamudi Rajagopal: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Changing short description from "Indian weightlifter" to "Indian weightlifter (1916–1981)"
 
(10 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Indian weightlifter}}
{{Short description|Indian weightlifter (1916–1981)}}
{{Infobox sportsperson
| headercolor =
| name = Dandamudi Rajagopal
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| fullname = Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao
| nickname = Mr. Asia, Andhra Bhima, Andhra Hercules, Indian Tarzan, Giant of India
| national_team = {{flagicon|IND}} [[India]]
| birth_date = {{birth date|1916|10|16|df=yes}}
| birth_place = Gandigunta, [[Krishna district]], [[Madras Presidency]], [[British India]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|1981|8|6|1916|10|16|df=yes}}
| death_place =
| spouse = Dandamudi Anasuya
| children = 5
| country = [[India]]
| sport = [[Olympic weightlifting|Weightlifting]]
| weight_class = Men's heavyweight
| coach = Sistla Somayajulu
| worlds =
| regionals = [[Weightlifting at the 1951 Asian Games|1951 Asian Games]]
| nationals =
| olympics = [[Weightlifting at the 1948 Summer Olympics|1948]], [[Weightlifting at the 1952 Summer Olympics|1952]], [[Weightlifting at the 1956 Summer Olympics|1956]]
| medaltemplates =
{{MedalSport|Men's weightlifting}}
{{Medal|Country|{{IND}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Asian Games]]}}
{{MedalBronze|[[Weightlifting at the 1951 Asian Games|1951 New Delhi]]|+90 kg}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}}
'''Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao ''' (14 October &ndash; 6 August ) was an Indian [[Asian Games]] Medallist, Olympic Weightlifter, Bodybuilder, Film Actor, Sports Administrator and Coach.<ref>Rajagopal Rao Dandamudi, Luminaries of 20th Century, Part II, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, 2005, pp: 477-78.</ref>
'''Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao''' (16 October 1916 - 6 August 1981) was an Indian weightlifter, bodybuilder, actor, sports administrator and coach.<ref>Rajagopal Rao Dandamudi, Luminaries of 20th Century, Part II, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, 2005, pp: 477-78.</ref> He won a bronze medal in the [[1951 Asian Games]] in men's heavyweight (+90&nbsp;kg) weightlifting.


==Sports achievements==
==Sports achievements==


In 1946, he won 1st place in weightlifting at the XII Olympic Sports Event of India held in Bangalore, for the heavyweight class. He annexed Kerala title in 1942 and the Bombay provincial honours in 1944 breaking all the previous records. He represented India in International competitions held in [[Burma]] in 1947. He won gold medal in Indian Olympic Sports Event held at Delhi in 1952. He lifted 780 pounds in the Heavyweight Category. In 1954 Indian Olympic Sports Event he won Gold medal again and established three records.
In 1946, he won 1st place in XII Olympic Sports Event of India held in Bangalore for the Heavyweight class


⚫
He was the 1st Indian Weightlifting Champion and held the title continuously for 13 years from 1945 to 1958. He won Mr. Asia title in 1948 at Calcutta at the Asian bodybuilding competition.
He annexed Kerala title in 1942 and the Bombay provincial honours in 1944 breaking all the previous records.


⚫
He won a bronze medal in [[1951 Asian Games]] in men's heavyweight (+90&nbsp;kg) weightlifting which remains one of the best performances by an Indian weightlifter considering the strong field of countries participating.
He has represented India in International competitions held in [[Burma]] in 1947.


⚫
He represented India thrice at the [[Olympic Games|Olympics]], in [[India at the 1948 Summer Olympics|1948]] (finishing [[Weightlifting at the 1948 Summer Olympics|16th]]), [[India at the 1952 Summer Olympics|1952]] (finishing [[Weightlifting at the 1952 Summer Olympics|6th]]) and [[India at the 1956 Summer Olympics|1956]] (finishing [[Weightlifting at the 1956 Summer Olympics|9th]]).<ref>[https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ra/dandamudi-rajagopal-1.html Dandamuri Rajagopal at SR Olympic Sports.]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303034815/http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ra/dandamudi-rajagopal-1.html |date=2012-03-03 }}</ref>
He won Gold medal in Indian Olympic Sports Event held at Delhi in 1952. He has lifted 780 pounds in the Heavyweight Category.


⚫
He was the founder and first President of Andhra Olympic Association. He was the captain of Andhra Olympic team. He helped found several other sports associations in Andhra Pradesh.
In 1954 Indian Olympic Sports Event he won Gold medal again and established three records.


[[Kamineni Eswara Rao]] was trained by Dandamudi in weightlifting. He established free gymnasia named Dandamudi Rajagopal Institutes, at locations across Krishna district to coach youngsters.
⚫
He won Bronze medal in [[1951 Asian Games]] held in [[New Delhi]] in Weightlifting which was one of the best performances of an Indian athlete considering the strong competition in the field and the number of countries participating

⚫
Dandamudi was the 1st Indian Weightlifting Champion and held the title continuously for 13 years from 1945 to 1958. Dandamudi won Mr. Asia title in 1948 at Calcutta in Asian bodybuilding competition.

⚫
He was the 1st President of Andhra Olympic Association. He has been the captain of Andhra Olympic team. He was the Founder of Andhra Olympic Association and several other important sports associations in Andhra Pradesh which helped in upliftment of sports in the state and in India as well.

⚫
He represented India thrice in the [[Olympic Games]] in the Heavyweight Category of [[Olympic weightlifting|Weightlifting]]; First in [[India at the 1948 Summer Olympics|London Games]] in 1948, Second in [[India at the 1952 Summer Olympics|Finland Games]] in 1952 and Last in [[India at the 1956 Summer Olympics|Melbourne Games]] in 1956.<ref>[https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ra/dandamudi-rajagopal-1.html Dandamuri Rajagopal at SR Olympic Sports.]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303034815/http://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ra/dandamudi-rajagopal-1.html |date=2012-03-03 }}</ref>

He finished 16th in London Games, 9th in Melbourne Games and 6th in Finland which was his best performance in the Premier Sporting Exhibition in the World.

He established Free Gymnasia by the name of D.R. Gopal Institute at locations at Krishna District to coach youngsters. He also participated in the institute as a coach and mentor proving his multi-talented ability and service to the sport


==Honours & Popularity==
==Honours & Popularity==


Dandamudi was conferred with various titles namely Mr. Asia, Andhra Bhima, Andhra Hercules, Indian Tarzan and The Giant of India. Dandamudi's feats attracted people from all over the country. One of his notable, dangerous and jaw dropping feats of strength which drew huge crowds were displays, especially the main event where he would break iron chains around his body, by taking a deep breath and flexing his muscles. Dandamudi was the 1st Indian who has received Mr. Asia title. Arjuna award winner Kamineni Eswararao was trained by Dandamudi in Weightlifting
Dandamudi was the first Indian to receive title of Mr. Asia. He was conferred with other titles such as Andhra Bhima, Andhra Hercules, Indian Tarzan and Giant of India. His feats attracted people from all over the country. One of his notable, dangerous and jaw dropping feats of strength which drew huge crowds were displays where he would break iron chains around his body by taking a deep breath and flexing his muscles.


==Film career==
==Film career==


Dandamudi has acted in several films. The most notable performance was in ''[[Nartanasala (1963 film)|Nartanasala]]'' (1963), wherein he portrayed the role of [[Bheema]].<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0199227/ Rajagopal Dandamudi at IMDb.]</ref> He also acted in ''[[Bhimanjaneya Yuddham]]'', Veeraabhimanyu. In his short stint in the silver screen, Dandamudi acted alongside stalwarts like [[N. T. Rama Rao]], [[Savitri (actress)|Savitri]], [[Shoban Babu]], [[S. V. Ranga Rao]], [[Kanta Rao]], [[Mukkamala (actor)|Mukkamala]] and [[Mikkilineni (actor)|Mikkilineni]].
Dandamudi has acted in several films. The most notable performance was in ''[[Nartanasala (1963 film)|Nartanasala]]'' (1963), wherein he portrayed the role of [[Bhima]].<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0199227/ Rajagopal Dandamudi at IMDb.]</ref> He also acted in ''[[Bhimanjaneya Yuddham]]'' and ''Veeraabhimanyu''. In his short stint in the silver screen, Dandamudi acted alongside stalwarts like [[N. T. Rama Rao]], [[Savitri (actress)|Savitri]], [[Shoban Babu]], [[S. V. Ranga Rao]], [[Kanta Rao]], [[Mukkamala (actor)|Mukkamala]] and [[Mikkilineni (actor)|Mikkilineni]].


==Personal life==
==Personal life==


He was born in Gandigunta village, [[Krishna district]] to a family of farmers. Impressed by the legendary Indian bodybuilder [[Kodi Rammurthy Naidu]], he took up the sport of weightlifting. He was trained by Sistla Somayajulu in weightlifting for some time. Later he traveled with Kolli Rangadasu and gave many performances in different Indian states and countries.
He was born on 16 October 1916 in Gandigunta village, [[Krishna district]] to a family of farmers. Impressed by the legendary bodybuilder [[Kodi Rammurthy Naidu]], he took up the sport of weightlifting. He was trained by Sistla Somayajulu in weightlifting for some time. Later he traveled with Kolli Rangadasu and gave many performances in different Indian states and countries.


Rajagopal was married to Mrs. Anasuya. The couple had 5 children - 3sons and 2 Daughters, Jhansi Lakshmi (Gudivada), Dr.D.P. Rao (Maxivision Hospitals ), Dr.Shyam (USA), Basavaraj ( Vijayawada), Vijaylakshmi ( GANDIGUNTA).
Rajagopal was married to Anasuya. The couple had 5 children - Jhansi Lakshmibai, Purnachandra Rao, Shyamasundara Rao, Basavaraja Rao and Vijayalakshmi.


He died on 6 August . An indoor stadium, Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao Indoor Stadium, 1.5 Acres was donated by him & named after him for his immense contribution and to immortalize in his memory at Benz Circle [[Vijayawada]]. The stadium was inaugurated by then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Tanguturi Anjaiah Garu .
He died on 6 August 1981. An indoor stadium, Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao Indoor Stadium, was donated by and named after him at Benz Circle, [[Vijayawada]]. The stadium was inaugurated by then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh [[Tanguturi Anjaiah]].


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{sports links}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Rajagopal, Dandamudi}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rajagopal, Dandamudi}}
[[Category:Indian male weightlifters]]
[[Category:Telugu people]]
[[Category:Telugu people]]
⚫
[[Category:People from Krishna district]]

[[Category:Indian male weightlifters]]
[[Category:Weightlifters from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Olympic weightlifters for India]]
[[Category:Olympic weightlifters for India]]
[[Category:Weightlifters at the 1948 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Weightlifters at the 1948 Summer Olympics]]
Line 56: Line 79:
[[Category:Asian Games medalists in weightlifting]]
[[Category:Asian Games medalists in weightlifting]]
[[Category:Weightlifters at the 1951 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Weightlifters at the 1951 Asian Games]]
⚫
[[Category:People from Krishna district]]
[[Category:Weightlifters from Karnataka]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 1951 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 1951 Asian Games]]
[[Category:Asian Games bronze medalists for India]]
[[Category:Asian Games bronze medalists for India]]
[[Category:1916 births]]
[[Category:1981 deaths]]

Latest revision as of 23:09, 5 May 2024

Dandamudi Rajagopal
Personal information
Full nameDandamudi Rajagopal Rao
Nickname(s)Mr. Asia, Andhra Bhima, Andhra Hercules, Indian Tarzan, Giant of India
National teamIndia India
Born(1916-10-16)16 October 1916
Gandigunta, Krishna district, Madras Presidency, British India
Died6 August 1981(1981-08-06) (aged 64)
SpouseDandamudi Anasuya
Children5
Sport
CountryIndia
SportWeightlifting
Weight classMen's heavyweight
Coached bySistla Somayajulu
Achievements and titles
Olympic finals1948, 1952, 1956
Regional finals1951 Asian Games
Medal record
Men's weightlifting
Representing  India
Asian Games
Bronze medal – third place 1951 New Delhi +90 kg

Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao (16 October 1916 - 6 August 1981) was an Indian weightlifter, bodybuilder, actor, sports administrator and coach.[1] He won a bronze medal in the 1951 Asian Games in men's heavyweight (+90 kg) weightlifting.

Sports achievements

[edit]

In 1946, he won 1st place in weightlifting at the XII Olympic Sports Event of India held in Bangalore, for the heavyweight class. He annexed Kerala title in 1942 and the Bombay provincial honours in 1944 breaking all the previous records. He represented India in International competitions held in Burma in 1947. He won gold medal in Indian Olympic Sports Event held at Delhi in 1952. He lifted 780 pounds in the Heavyweight Category. In 1954 Indian Olympic Sports Event he won Gold medal again and established three records.

He was the 1st Indian Weightlifting Champion and held the title continuously for 13 years from 1945 to 1958. He won Mr. Asia title in 1948 at Calcutta at the Asian bodybuilding competition.

He won a bronze medal in 1951 Asian Games in men's heavyweight (+90 kg) weightlifting which remains one of the best performances by an Indian weightlifter considering the strong field of countries participating.

He represented India thrice at the Olympics, in 1948 (finishing 16th), 1952 (finishing 6th) and 1956 (finishing 9th).[2]

He was the founder and first President of Andhra Olympic Association. He was the captain of Andhra Olympic team. He helped found several other sports associations in Andhra Pradesh.

Kamineni Eswara Rao was trained by Dandamudi in weightlifting. He established free gymnasia named Dandamudi Rajagopal Institutes, at locations across Krishna district to coach youngsters.

Honours & Popularity

[edit]

Dandamudi was the first Indian to receive title of Mr. Asia. He was conferred with other titles such as Andhra Bhima, Andhra Hercules, Indian Tarzan and Giant of India. His feats attracted people from all over the country. One of his notable, dangerous and jaw dropping feats of strength which drew huge crowds were displays where he would break iron chains around his body by taking a deep breath and flexing his muscles.

Film career

[edit]

Dandamudi has acted in several films. The most notable performance was in Nartanasala (1963), wherein he portrayed the role of Bhima.[3] He also acted in Bhimanjaneya Yuddham and Veeraabhimanyu. In his short stint in the silver screen, Dandamudi acted alongside stalwarts like N. T. Rama Rao, Savitri, Shoban Babu, S. V. Ranga Rao, Kanta Rao, Mukkamala and Mikkilineni.

Personal life

[edit]

He was born on 16 October 1916 in Gandigunta village, Krishna district to a family of farmers. Impressed by the legendary bodybuilder Kodi Rammurthy Naidu, he took up the sport of weightlifting. He was trained by Sistla Somayajulu in weightlifting for some time. Later he traveled with Kolli Rangadasu and gave many performances in different Indian states and countries.

Rajagopal was married to Anasuya. The couple had 5 children - Jhansi Lakshmibai, Purnachandra Rao, Shyamasundara Rao, Basavaraja Rao and Vijayalakshmi.

He died on 6 August 1981. An indoor stadium, Dandamudi Rajagopal Rao Indoor Stadium, was donated by and named after him at Benz Circle, Vijayawada. The stadium was inaugurated by then Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Tanguturi Anjaiah.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Rajagopal Rao Dandamudi, Luminaries of 20th Century, Part II, Potti Sriramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, 2005, pp: 477-78.
  2. ^ Dandamuri Rajagopal at SR Olympic Sports.Archived 2012-03-03 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Rajagopal Dandamudi at IMDb.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dandamudi_Rajagopal&oldid=1222439293"