From the roaring stadiums to the quiet training grounds, Indian cinema has woven captivating tales of athleticism and triumph. Sports films, a perennial favourite among audiences, 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 movies that have left an indelible mark on our hearts. These films, with their compelling narratives of determination, adversity, and the underdog spirit, continue to inspire us to push our limits and strive for greatness.

1. Lagaan

As several directors were creating action and romantic comedy dramas in 2001, Ashutosh Gowariker delivered Indian cinema's first and most famous sports film, ‘Lagaan’. With its unique fusion of cricket, the anti-colonial independence struggle, and the tenacity of common people, the movie, set in the fictional community of Champaner, stands out as a popular favorite. To abolish taxes, the villagers in the film starring Aamir Khan challenge the English soldiers to a cricket match.

2. Dangal

‘Dangal’, directed by Nitish Tiwari and starring Aamir Khan, struck a deep chord with viewers by accurately capturing the incredible journey of two of India's best female wrestlers, Geeta and Babita Phogat. The movie starts in a small Haryana village in the 1980s and ends in 2010 with the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

3. Chak De! India

Shah Rukh Khan fronted the sports film Chak De! India, directed by Shimit Amin, which is considered a landmark film in the sports genre. The film, also starring several notable talents, is touted as one of the most inspirational movies ever made in Indian cinema, as it sheds light on India’s national game, hockey.

4. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

‘M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story’, directed by Neeraj Pandey, starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Kiara Advani, is a 2016 biographical film that honors Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s life journey. The film follows M.S. Dhoni from his early years to his World Cup victory in 2011 and also shows his journey as a ticket collector. It includes glances into his Ranchi home, where the stark contrast between the opulence of the cricket stadiums and the player's simple, rustic interiors represents Dhoni's change.

5. Sultan

The captivating sports drama ‘Sultan’, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, featuring Salman Khan in the lead role, is set in the realm of professional wrestling. The film captures the fight that arises from the dusty lanes in Haryana, from the grimy wrestling grounds to the peaceful village homes. Owing to Salman's character development, difficulties, and confrontations with Anushka Sharma, the movie is regarded as one of the best sports films in Indian cinema history.

6. Toolsidas Junior

Ashutosh Gowariker's ‘Toolsidas Junior’ starring Sanjay Dutt and directed by Mridul Mahendra is the story of thirteen-year old kid Midi, who, after watching his father who is a snooker player, lose an important tournament, takes on the impossible journey of bringing his father's name to the winner's Board.

7. Chandu Champion

Sajid Nadiadwala's ‘Chandu Champion,’ directed by Kabir Khan and starring Kartik Aaryan, tells the story of Murlikant Petkar's unwavering zeal and his undying spirit that helped India win its first individual gold medal at the Paralympic Games in 1972.

8. Bhaag Milkh Bhaag

'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' a biographical drama directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and starring Farhan Akhtar, tells the story of India's legendary Milkha Singh. The movie brilliantly combines Milkha Singh's adventure with the larger backdrop of Indo-Pakistan ties around that time, in addition to documenting his triumphs on the tracks.