Throughout history, sports have been a unifying force in themselves, allowing people to come together and celebrate a shared love of the game.
Nelson Mandela, South African anti-apartheid activist and former president, said, “Sport has the power to change the world, to inspire people. Sport has the power to unite people in a way that few other things can.”
Recognising the importance of sports, the Government of India has designated 29th August every year as National Sports Day.
Besides promoting sports, National Sports Day also celebrates the birth anniversary of one of the greatest field hockey players in history, Major Dhyan Chand, the “Hockey Wizard.”
“It is not the country's duty to take me forward. It is my duty to take the country forward.” Dhyan Chand played a key role in India's first Olympic gold medals at the Summer Olympics in 1928, 1932 and 1936.
On the occasion of National Sports Day, let us today honour the achievements of Major Dhyan Chand and also recognise and celebrate other sportspersons whose records have left an indelible mark in the history of sports.
In this article, we have listed 10 must-read biographies for fans and anyone wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the real-life stories of players. These biographies serve as a reminder that true champions are not defined by trophies or medals, but by the impact they have had on the world around them.
10 Must-Read Sports Biographies to Inspire You to Follow Your Dreams
These books offer a glimpse into the lives of legendary athletes and show us what it takes to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness — inspiring us all to never give up and pursue our dreams.
1. Play My Way – Sachin Tendulkar: Play My Way, Sachin Tendulkar
“People throw stones at you, but you turn them into milestones.”
In his autobiography, Bharat Ratna-winning Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar narrates his journey from his first Test match at the age of 16 to his 100th international century and final farewell with numerous match-winning tales and anecdotes.
2. The Challenges of My Life—Yuvraj Singh: The Challenges of My Life, Yuvraj Singh
“Throughout my career, I've often been the man with the silver lining. I never asked God, 'Why me?' So when I got sick, I had no right to ask, 'Why me?'”
Yuvraj Singh's autobiography tells the story of his battle with cancer and winning the World Cup in 2011, talking about his struggles with insomnia, coughing fits, chemotherapy and the deal he made with God to get whatever He wanted in exchange for winning the World Cup. The book highlights the human will to fight against adversity and triumph against all odds, making it an inspiring read for cricket fans and non-fans alike.
3. Faster than Lightning: My Autobiography: My Story — Usain Bolt: Faster than Lightning: My Autobiography: My Story, Usain Bolt:
“You have to set goals for yourself and work harder. Desire is the key to success.”
Whether you know anything about athletics or sports, Usain Bolt is probably known as the fastest man on the planet, not just now, but forever. In his own words, the track and field athlete and sprinter tells his story from humble beginnings in Jamaica to becoming an eight-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 x 100 meter relay. A must-read for everyone.
4. The Greatest: My Story – Muhammad Ali: The Greatest: My Story, Muhammad Ali
“Champions aren't made in the gym. They're made from the deepest desires, dreams and visions.”
Muhammad Ali, known as “The Greatest,” is a major 20th century sports icon and the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. His autobiography, “The Greatest: My Own Story,” published in 1975, provides a comprehensive account of his life, career, fights, family, friends and fellow boxers, focusing on boxing, racism and integrity.
5. Ace Against Odds – Sania Mirza: Ace Against Odds, Sania Mirza
“Don't let anyone tell you that your dreams don't matter.”
Ace Against Odds tells the story of six-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one women's doubles player Sania Mirza. At the age of 16, Mirza won the Wimbledon women's doubles title and became a sensation as she was India's top singles and doubles player from 2003 to 2012. In her autobiography, she recounts her story of overcoming incredible hardships, tribulations, physical and mental trauma, constant public scrutiny and politics to become one of India's most iconic tennis players.
6. The Race of My Life – Milkha Singh: The Race of My Life, Milkha Singh
“You can achieve anything in life. It just depends on how hard you want to achieve it.”
“The Race of My Life” is the autobiography of Indian athletics athlete Milkha Singh. Singh, also known as the “Flying Sikh”, is famous for winning gold medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. The book narrates Singh's journey from escaping death as a boy during the Partition of India to winning India's first athletics gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. A powerful and gripping read, it inspires and illustrates how despite heartbreak and failure, with grit and determination, one can turn one's life around.
7. History in the Making: The Relentless Journey to an Olympic Gold Medal – Abhinav Bindra: History in the Making: The Relentless Journey to an Olympic Gold Medal – Abhinav Bindra
“You need to be quiet, prepare and attack…There is no finish line to greatness…The ability to let go of attachment is your greatest advantage.”
India's first individual Olympic and World Championship gold medallist Abhinav Bindra shares his life trajectory. He was a gold medallist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bindra's book is an unmissable read that teaches us the valuable life lesson of learning to lose and striving to win again.
8. Unbreakable – Mary Kom: Unbreakable, Mary Kom
“I realized that the challenges I faced growing up were the foundation of my strength.”
Mary Kom, in her autobiography, Unbreakable, narrates her journey from a farmer's girl to becoming the only woman boxer to have won the World Amateur Boxing Championship six times. She shares her story of how she overcame obstacles to become one of the best boxers in the world. This book is a must read for everyone, especially women readers, as it will inspire you to break the glass ceiling and achieve your dreams.
9. Mamba Mentality: The Way I Play – Kobe Bryant: Mamba Mentality: The Way I Play, Kobe Bryant
“It's not about the result, it's about the process that leads to the result. It's the path and the approach that matters. It's a way of life. I think it's important to have this mindset in any endeavor.”
Five-time NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP, NBA MVP, and Olympic Gold Medalist Kobe Bryant has written an autobiography that provides insight into his “Mamba Mentality,” the right way to play the game, and his analytical and creative approach to success. This is a must-read for everyone.
10. Open: An Autobiography – Andre Agassi: Open: An Autobiography, Andre Agassi
“Get inspired, that's the secret.”
Andre Agassi, the famous American tennis player who won eight Grand Slam titles, including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open, and won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, has published an autobiography detailing his childhood and the struggles of being a professional tennis player. Filled with candid words, this book is a must-read for tennis lovers and readers who are less familiar with the sport, and is a fascinating read for both.
