From stadiums roaring with the roar of fans to quiet training grounds, Indian cinema has weaved fascinating stories of athleticism and triumph. An all-time favourite among audiences, sports films have the unique ability to inspire, entertain and ignite a passion for sports. As we celebrate National Sports Day, let’s revisit eight iconic Indian sports films that have left a mark on our hearts.
With their compelling stories of determination, adversity and the underdog spirit, these films continue to inspire us to transcend our limits and strive for greatness. While many directors were making action and romantic comedy dramas in 2001, Ashutosh Gowariker delivered Indian cinema’s first and most celebrated sports film ‘Lagaan’. With a unique blend of cricket, anti-colonial freedom struggle and the perseverance of common people, the film set in the fictitious community of Champaner has become a crowd favourite.
Starring , the film sees villagers challenge English soldiers to a cricket match to end the levy. Directed by Nitish Tiwari and starring Aamir Khan, ‘Dangal’ made a deep place in the hearts of the audience by accurately capturing the incredible journey of two of India’s best female wrestlers, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The film starts from a small village in Haryana in the 1980s and ends with the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010.
played the lead role in the Shimit Amin-directed sports film Chak De! India, which is regarded as a milestone in the sports genre. S.