9 Bollywood films that celebrate Indian sports and inspire a nation
ET Online
Aug 28, 2025
Chak De! India (2007)
Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic portrayal of coach Kabir Khan leading India’s women’s hockey team remains the gold standard of Indian sports films. It’s about redemption, unity, and breaking stereotypes.
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Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013)
Based on the life of Flying Sikh Milkha Singh, this film showcases resilience, trauma, and triumph on the track. Farhan Akhtar’s performance makes it both inspirational and emotional.
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Dangal (2016)
Aamir Khan’s Dangal brought wrestling into the mainstream, narrating Mahavir Singh Phogat’s struggle to train his daughters into world-class champions. A blockbuster that also sparked social change.
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Mary Kom (2014)
Priyanka Chopra embodied the journey of boxing legend Mary Kom, portraying her as a fighter both inside and outside the ring. A story of determination, motherhood, and global recognition.
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Iqbal (2005)
A heartwarming tale of a hearing-impaired boy aspiring to play cricket for India. Nagesh Kukunoor’s film emphasizes dreams, persistence, and breaking barriers against all odds.
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Gold (2018)
Akshay Kumar’s Gold revisits India’s first Olympic gold medal in hockey after independence. It celebrates patriotism, sportsmanship, and the pride of seeing the tricolor rise on the global stage.
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Soorma (2018)
The biopic of hockey player Sandeep Singh, who made a miraculous comeback after a gunshot injury, is a story of courage and sheer willpower. Diljit Dosanjh shines in the role.
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83 (2021)
Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Kapil Dev in India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup victory is pure nostalgia. The film brings back the euphoria of India’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse.
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Sultan (2016)
While fictional, Salman Khan’s Sultan is an inspiring story of a wrestler’s fall and redemption. It highlights discipline, sacrifice, and the emotional struggles of a sportsman.
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