The Olympics have always been a stage where extraordinary lives and legendary feats converge, each athlete’s story adding depth to the grand spectacle of the games. Biographies of these sports stars let us peek behind the curtain at the grit and glory that drive their success. From stories on Saina Nehwal to Abhinav Bindra, we bring you a curation that showcases the journeys of India’s most inspiring athletes. These audiobooks and films are thrilling and real accounts of Olympic legends and offer a front-row seat to the highs and lows of their competitive spirit, determination and hardwork. Tune in and buckle up for a ride through the remarkable and often surprising lives of these sports heroes!
TO LISTEN
Platform: Audible
Discover the inspiring journey of Saina Nehwal, India’s badminton sensation and Olympic medalist, in this memoir. In this audiobook, Saina shares intimate stories of her childhood, relationships, and the sacrifices that propelled her to greatness, offering an authentic glimpse into her multifaceted life. With personal anecdotes and some professional tips, it reveals the heart and determination behind the sports icon who plays for her parents, her coach, and her country!
Platform: Audible
Explore the remarkable tales of 50 of India’s top Olympians through the eyes of Digvijay Singh Deo and Amit Bose. This audiobook brings to life the firsthand accounts of medalists and trailblazers including legends like Balbir Singh, Leander Paes, and Abhinav Bindra. These stories reveal their hopes, superstitions, grit, and the immense challenges they faced on their path to the Olympics. Experience the emotional highs and lows, the soaring glory, and the heart-wrenching disappointments, all from their perspective.
Platform: Audible
In this riveting autobiography, Abhinav Bindra shares his journey from a perfectionist athlete to becoming an Olympic gold medalist, revealing the intense passion and obsession that fueled his success. From waking up at 3:00 a.m. for practice to unusual experiments, his quest for excellence knows no bounds. His story is a testament to overcoming the odds, transforming from a hopeful shooter to an athlete driven by redemption after a near-miss in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Co-authored with sportswriter Rohit Brijnath, this audiobook inspires a new generation, showing that with determination, no dream is too distant.
TO WATCH
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
‘Chandu Champion’ is an extraordinary true story of an unsung hero, Murlikant Petkar whose life is nothing short of remarkable. This gripping narrative follows India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, who, despite facing relentless adversities—from wrestling in rural Maharashtra to representing India at international events—never wavered in his resolve. His journey includes a battle against Pakistan, life-altering injury, and a harrowing experience during the 1972 Munich Olympics. A tale of resilience and bravery, this audiobook captures the essence of an indomitable spirit.
Platform: Netflix
This is a gripping biographical drama that chronicles the inspiring journey of Mary Kom, portrayed by Priyanka Chopra. The story begins with Mary’s struggle in a curfew-ridden Imphal and flashes back to her humble beginnings, highlighting her relentless pursuit of boxing despite her father’s objections. From her early days in a boxing gym to overcoming personal and professional hurdles, Mary’s path to becoming a world champion is depicted with emotional depth and resilience. The audiobook captures her triumphant return to the sport after a challenging period, underscoring her enduring spirit and remarkable achievements.
Platform: Hotstar
‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ tells the inspiring story of Milkha Singh, a man whose life is shaped by the traumatic aftermath of the 1947 Partition of India. As a child, Milkha witnesses the horrors of religious violence, leading to his early struggles and eventual rise as an athlete. Overcoming personal and professional hurdles, including heartbreak and intense competition, Milkha becomes a national hero by breaking the 400m world record and winning respect across India and Pakistan. His journey culminates in a triumphant victory and earns him a celebrated title, “The Flying Sikh.”
