Meet Nora Polley: India’s first female participant in the Olympics

Nora Polley became India’s first female participant in the Olympics back in 1924. She took part in tennis in the women’s singles at the Paris edition of the quadrennial event in Paris.

Born on July 29, 1894, Nora Polley got a first-round bye in singles. In the second round, she defeated Lena Valaoritou-Skaramaga in three sets. After losing the opening set, Nora made a stupendous comeback to win the match 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. However, Nora could not go beyond the third round after losing to Lili Alvarez from Spain. She lost the match 0-6, 3-6.

In mixed doubles, Nora partnered Sydney Jacob, but failed to make an impact. The duo got a bye in the first round. In the second round, they lost to the Irish pair of Hilda Wallis and Edwin McCrea in straight sets.

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Nora Polley’s life in brief

Nora Polley stayed in Scotland in 1901 and went to a boarding school in 1911 in Eastbourne. In September 1921, she returned to India, her country of birth, through the Strait of Gibraltar. Prior to taking part in the Olympics, Nora prepared hard after reaching the semi-final of the women's doubles draw at the Juan-les-Pins championship in Cannes.

In the semis, she, and her partner Mrs Musker lost to Mrs FJ Gould and the legendary Suzanne Lenglen.

After performing well in the Olympics, Polley went to England and took part in a few tournaments. She played at an event in Bexhill-on-Sea and plied her trade in the Tunbridge Wells Tennis championship.

Since Polley’s participation 100 years ago, India is still looking for its maiden medal in women’s tennis in the Olympics.

In her personal life, she married Sydney Trepess Polley in 1915. Sydney worked for the Indian Army in 1902 and was later promoted to the rank of a Major. Back in 1988, Nora breathed her last in Leominster, Herefordshire, England.

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