National Sports Day 2024: 10 inspiring sports autobiographies you must read

“It is not my country’s duty to push me ahead. It is my duty to push my country ahead;” Dhyan Chand has significantly contributed to India’s first successful Olympic gold medal tally at the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Summer Olympics.

On the occasion of National Sports Day, as we honour the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand today, let’s also recognise and celebrate other sportsmen and women who, with their records, have left an indelible mark in the history of sports.

This article has listed 10 biographies that are a must-read for fans or anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their real-life stories, which remind us that true champions are not defined by their trophies or medals but by the impact they have on the world around them.

10 must-read sports biographies that will inspire you to chase your dreams

These books offer a glimpse into the lives of legendary sportsmen and women, transcending the challenges and what it takes to achieve greatness, thereby inspiring us all to never give up and pursue our dreams.

1. Playing It My Way—Sachin Tendulkar:

Playing It My Way, Sachin Tendulkar

“People throw stones at you, and you convert them into milestones.”

Sachin Tendulkar, an Indian cricketer who won the Bharat Ratna Award, shares his journey from his first Test match at the age of 16 years to his 100th international century and final farewell, in his autobiography, along with the stories and anecdotes from the multiple matches.

2. The Test of My Life—Yuvraj Singh:

The test of my life, Yuvraj Singh

“Often in my career, I have been the man with silver in the fist. Have I ever asked God, ‘why me?’ No, never. So when the illness came I had no right to ask ‘why me?”

Yuvraj Singh’s autobiography is a personal account of his journey through cancer and the 2011 World Cup victory, in which he shares his struggles with insomnia, coughing fits, chemo, and how he made a deal with God to win the World Cup in exchange for anything God wanted. It’s an inspiring read for all cricket and non-cricket fans, as it highlights the human will to fight adversity and triumph despite all odds.

3. Faster than Lightning: My Autobiography: My Story—Usain Bolt:

Faster than Lightning: My Autobiography: My Story, Usain Bolt:

“You have to set yourself goals so you can push yourself harder. Desire is the key to success.”

Whether you know athletics or not, and even whether you know sport or not, chances are you know Usain Bolt—the fastest man on the planet—not just now but ever since. An on-track athlete and sprinter, Usain narrates his story in his own words, from humble beginnings in Jamaica to winning an eight-time Olympic gold medal and being the world record holder in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4 × 100 meters relay. A must-read for all!

4. The Greatest: My Own Story—Muhammad Ali:

The Greatest: My Own Story, Muhammad Ali

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision.”

Muhammad Ali, known as “the Greatest,” is a significant 20th-century sports icon and the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. His 1975 autobiography, The Greatest: My Own Story, provides a comprehensive account of his life, profession, fights, family, friends, and fellow prizefighters, 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 Sania Mirza, a six-time Grand Slam champion and once a World No. 1 in women’s doubles, who became a sensation after winning the Wimbledon Championships girls’ doubles title at sixteen and, from 2003 to 2012, being India’s top player in singles and doubles. In her autobiography, she shares her story of becoming India’s one of the most iconic tennis players, which came with navigating incredible odds, hardships, physical and emotional trauma, constant public scrutiny, and politics.

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 desperate you are to achieve it.”

The Race of My Life is an autobiography of the Indian track and field sprinter Milkha Singh, also known as “the Flying Sikh,” renowned for winning gold at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. It narrates Singh’s journey, from a boy who escaped death during Partition to winning India’s first gold in athletics at the Commonwealth Games. A powerful and gripping read, inspiring and exemplifying how despite grief and failures, one with grit and determination can still turn their life around.

7. A Shot At History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold—Abhinav Bindra:

A Shot At History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold: Abhinav Bindra

“We need to prepare quietly and strike…There is no finish line to greatness…the ability to cut-off from the attachment is the biggest advantage.” 

Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist and world championship gold medallist, shares his life journey. He was the gold medallist in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Bindra’s book shouldn’t be skipped, as it teaches a valuable life lesson about learning to lose and trying to win again.

8. Unbreakable—Mary Kom:

Unbreakable, Mary Kom

“Because I realize that the hardships I faced in my formative years are the foundation of my strength.”

Mary Kom, in her autobiography, Unbreakable accounts her journey; From being a farmer’s daughter to becoming a only woman boxer winning the World Amateur Boxing Championship six times, she shares the story of how she fought against odds to become one of the greatest boxers in the world. This book is a must-read for all, especially for women readers, as it will inspire them to break glass ceilings and achieve their dreams.

9. The Mamba Mentality: How I Play—Kobe Bryant:

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, Kobe Bryant

“The mindset isn’t about seeking a result—it’s more about the process of getting to that result. It’s about the journey and the approach. It’s a way of life. I do think that it’s important, in all endeavors, to have that mentality.”

Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, NBA MVP, and Olympic gold medallist, has authored an autobiography that offers insights into his “Mamba mentality,” the right way to play the game, and his analytical and creative approach to success, making it a must-read for all.

10. Open: An Autobiography—Andre Agassi:

Open: An Autobiography, Andre Agassi

“To be inspired – that’s the secret.”

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Andre Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion and renowned American tennis player who won the Wimbledon, United States Open, French Open, and Australian Open tournaments, and a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, shares his autobiography detailing his childhood and struggles with professional tennis. Filled with raw candour, this book is a must-read for tennis enthusiasts and readers unfamiliar with the sport, making it a captivating read for both.