National Sports Day 2024: Bollywood's Athletic Stars From Ali Fazal To Saiyami Kher

National Sports Day (NSD) is observed annually on August 29th to celebrate India's rich sports heritage. This day honours not only professional athletes but also those whose lives have been significantly influenced by sports. While Bollywood stars are often seen on the big screen, many of them have athletic backgrounds that are lesser-known to their fans.

Before these actors ventured into acting, they were passionate about various sports and even competed at different levels during their youth. On this National Sports Day, let's explore some Bollywood stars who were once deeply involved in the world of sports:

Saiyami Kher is known for her athletic discipline, which she has maintained even after becoming a successful actor. Before entering films, Saiyami was actively involved in cricket, badminton, and sprinting at zonal and district-level tournaments. Currently, she is preparing for an international sporting event called Ironman. This triathlon race will see her compete in cycling, swimming, and sprinting, showcasing her versatile athletic skills and dedication to sports.

Richa Chadha, known for her versatility as an actor, was a dedicated Kabaddi player during her school days in Delhi. The "Fukrey" actress represented her school in zonal Kabaddi tournaments across the city. Her early training in Kabaddi proved invaluable when she was cast in the film "Panga," where she portrayed a Kabaddi player. This role allowed her to draw on her own experiences and skills from her days as a young athlete.

Ali Fazal - Basketball

Before Ali Fazal became a renowned actor, he was an avid basketball player during his time at Doon School. Ali actively participated in various zonal and intercollegiate basketball tournaments and initially aspired to pursue a career in basketball. However, due to a serious injury, he was forced to step away from the sport and explore alternative career paths. This unexpected turn of events ultimately led him to the world of acting, where he went on to become the much-loved "Guddu Bhaiya."

Gulshan Devaiah - Javelin

Gulshan Devaiah has been a jack of all trades before finding his calling in the Hindi film industry. Before pursuing acting, Gulshan was on a path to become a fashion designer, having graduated in fashion. Even before his fashion career, he was an active sports enthusiast and excelled as a javelin thrower during his academic years. The "Ulajh" actor ranked number one in district-level sporting events but couldn't quite make it to the state level. This led him to explore his other talents, eventually transitioning to fashion design and later finding his passion for acting.

Akshay Oberoi - Sprinting

Akshay Oberoi was a sports enthusiast long before making his mark in the film industry. Born and raised in New Jersey, US, Akshay was an avid cross-country marathon sprinter during his university days. He participated in various marathons across New Jersey before discovering his passion for acting and answering the call of Bollywood.

Anushka Ranjan - Swimming

Anushka Ranjan once aspired to be a professional swimmer during her school days. She actively participated in various inter-school and zonal swimming competitions, earning accolades for both herself and her school. Although she eventually pursued a career in the film industry, Anushka's passion for swimming remains strong. Whenever she finds time, she returns to the pool.

Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia - Sprinter

Khatron Ke Khiladi contestant Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia was an avid sports enthusiast during her academic years in Delhi before making her mark on television as an actress. Nimrit excelled as a sprinter, participating in various Delhi zonal tournaments and securing first place in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter races.

Aditya Seal - Martial Arts

The Khel Khel Mein actor Aditya Seal has been dedicated to martial arts for many years, specialising in Taekwondo since age 15. Aditya holds a third dan black belt and has competed internationally with numerous gold medals from India and South Korea tournaments.

This National Sports Day serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined sports are with our lives—even those of our favourite Bollywood stars who once pursued athletic dreams before finding fame on screen.