In a nation where cricket is often considered a religion, it’s easy to overlook the extraordinary achievements of other sports personalities who have made India proud on international stages. In this countdown of the top 10 famous sports personalities of India, we will shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes whose dedication and mastery in their respective fields deserve our utmost admiration.
From Olympic medalists to world champions across various disciplines, this list encapsulates their incredible feats and impact beyond sports, uplifting communities and changing perceptions.
Prepare to be inspired by these exceptional individuals who embody what it means to be true champions both on and off the field.
Top 10 Famous Sports Personalities of India:
Here are the top 10 famous sports personalities of India who have not only dominated their respective sports but have also become national icons. These individuals have inspired generations with their talent, determination, and achievements. From cricket to badminton, hockey to wrestling, these sports personalities have left an indelible impact on the sporting landscape of India.
Yuvraj Singh:
| Nickname | Yuvi |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | Dec 12, 1981 |
| Age | 41 years |
| Birth place | Chandigarh |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.88 m |
| Weight | 78 Kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
Yuvraj Singh is a retired Indian cricketer who has left an indelible mark on the sport. He played a pivotal role in India’s World Cup victories in 2007 and 2011, showcasing his exceptional skills and talent. During the 2011 tournament, Yuvraj emerged as the standout player, winning an impressive four-man of the match award.
Yuvraj’s journey was not without its challenges. At 29, he was diagnosed with cancer, significantly threatening his career and life. But true to his fighting spirit, Yuvraj battled against this formidable opponent and emerged victorious. His resilience and determination inspire many, proving that one can overcome the most challenging obstacles with sheer willpower and perseverance.
Yuvraj Singh’s contributions to Indian cricket are immeasurable. Not only did he play a crucial role in India’s World Cup victories, but he also demonstrated immense strength in his battle against cancer. His legacy as a legend in the sport will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers worldwide.
Gautam Gambhir:
| Nickname | Gauti |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 14 October 1981 |
| Age | 41 years |
| Birth place | New Delhi |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.68 m |
| Weight | 66 Kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
Gautam Gambhir’s retirement from cricket in December 2018 came as a surprise to many fans. He was one of the best and most underrated cricketers ever. Throughout his career, Gambhir consistently performed outstandingly, especially in crucial moments such as World Cup matches. His ability to rise to the occasion and perform under pressure made him a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team.
After retiring from cricket, Gambhir made a foray into politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019. This move showcased his passion for serving the nation beyond the boundaries of sports. He contested and won the East Delhi election, further solidifying his commitment to positively impacting society.
Sania Mirza:
| Nickname | Sania |
| Profession | Tennis |
| Date of Birth | 15 November 1986 |
| Age | 36 years |
| Birth place | Mumbai |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.73 m |
| Weight | 57 Kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
Sania Mirza’s retirement announcement after the US Open 2022 marks the end of an era for Indian tennis. Throughout her career, Mirza has been a trailblazer and an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the country. Her achievements speak volumes about her talent and dedication to the sport.
Being the first Indian player to be ranked below 30 in the world rankings in 2003 is a testament to Mirza’s exceptional skills on the court. She has consistently performed at a high level, winning numerous tournaments and bringing glory to India. Her accolades, including the Arjuna Awards, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, further highlight her contributions to Indian sports.
As she gears up for the French Open and Wimbledon, seeing Mirza compete one last time on the international stage will be exciting. Her retirement will undoubtedly leave a void in Indian tennis, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes to come.
Saina Nehwal:
| Nickname | Steffi Saina |
| Profession | Badminton |
| Date of Birth | 17 March 1990 |
| Age | 33 years |
| Birth place | Hisar, Haryana |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.65 m |
| Weight | 60 Kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
Saina Nehwal’s ranking as the 8th most popular sports personality in India for 2022 is a testament to her immense talent and achievements. She is a Famous Indian Badminton player. With 441 victories in her professional career, she has established herself as one of the most successful badminton players in the country. Her participation in prestigious events like the Olympic Games, World Championships, Uber Cup, and Commonwealth Games further highlights her dedication and commitment to the sport.
Not only has Saina excelled on the court, but she has also been recognized for her contributions. Her numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, showcase her impact and influence in the sporting world.
With such an impressive track record, it is no surprise that Saina is determined to secure her place on the team for the upcoming Asian Games and Commonwealth Games in 2022. Her ambition and drive will undoubtedly make her a force to be reckoned with in these competitions.
PV Sindhu:
| Nickname | Not Available |
| Profession | Badminton |
| Date of Birth | 5 July 1995 |
| Age | 28 years |
| Birth place | Hyderabad |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.79 m |
| Weight | 65 Kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
PV Sindhu is undoubtedly among the world’s most talented and accomplished athletes. She has repeatedly proven she is a force to be reckoned with two Olympics and five other prestigious medals. As she looks ahead to 2022, it is no surprise that she has set her sights on winning gold medals in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.
Sindhu’s determination and dedication to her sport have been evident throughout her career. She consistently pushes herself to reach new heights and never settles for anything less than excellence. Her relentless pursuit of success sets her apart from others in the field.
Mirabai Chanu:
| Nickname | Mira |
| Profession | Weightlifting |
| Date of Birth | 8 August 1994 |
| Age | 29 Years |
| Birth place | Kakching |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.50 m |
| Weight | 49 Kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
Mirabai Chanu is a renowned Indian weightlifter in the 49kg category. Her remarkable achievement of winning a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has brought immense pride to the nation. Not only that, she has also been honored with prestigious awards such as the Padma Shree and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for her exceptional contribution to sports.
Chanu’s dedication and hard work are evident from her participation in various tournaments, including the Olympics, World Championships, National Championships, and many others. This level of experience and exposure has undoubtedly contributed to her success on the international stage.
She is diligently preparing for upcoming events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games in 2022, aiming to showcase her skills further and bring more glory to India.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni:
| Nickname | Mahi |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 7 July 1981 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth place | Ranchi |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.80 m |
| Weight | 70 Kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is undoubtedly one of the greatest cricket captains ever. His efficiency and finishing skills are legendary, and he has consistently proven himself to be a challenging opponent during death overs in matches.
Despite his retirement from international cricket, Dhoni continues to showcase his incredible talent and skill in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The recent performance of Dhoni in IPL 2023 is a testament to the fact that age doesn’t affect his performance. At 42, he still possesses the same agility, quick thinking, and ability to read the game he did in his prime. Whether leading his team as captain or coming in to bat during crucial moments, Dhoni remains a force to be reckoned with.
Neeraj Chopra:
| Nickname | Not Available |
| Profession | Athletics |
| Date of Birth | 24 December 1997 |
| Age | 25 years |
| Birth place | Khandra, Haryana |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.84 m |
| Weight | 86 Kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal win in the Javelin Throw at the Olympics 2021 has undoubtedly made India proud. This remarkable achievement not only showcases his exceptional talent and dedication but also highlights the potential of Indian athletes on the global stage.
As he prepares for upcoming events like the World Championship, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games, great anticipation surrounds his performance.
It is noteworthy that Neeraj Chopra was ranked 50th in the Indian Express 100 Most Powerful Indians list, which further highlights his influence and impact in the sports arena. At just 25 years old, he has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in athletics.
With such promising prospects ahead, it is no surprise that expectations are high for Neeraj Chopra to continue his impressive streak this year and bring more glory to India.
Rohit Sharma:
| Nickname | Hitman |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 30 April 1987 |
| Age | 36 years |
| Birth place | Nagpur |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.70 m |
| Weight | 72 Kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
Rohit Sharma is a strong contender for the captaincy of the Indian Cricket Team. Known as the hit machine, Sharma has consistently showcased his exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities. With the T20 World Cup approaching, it will be a crucial opportunity to observe his performance under pressure and see how he guides the team to success.
One aspect that adds weight to Sharma’s candidacy is his experience with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As a five-time tournament winner, Sharma has proven his ability to lead a team to victory.
His tactical understanding and ability to make quick decisions on the field have been evident throughout his career. If given the opportunity, Sharma can bring this winning mentality and expertise to the Indian Cricket Team, taking them to new heights.
Virat Kohli:
| Nickname | Chiku |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Date of Birth | 5 November 1988 |
| Age | 34 years |
| Birth place | New Delhi |
| Country | India |
| Education and school | Not Available |
| Height | 1.75 m |
| Weight | 69 Kg |
| Family Details | Not Available |
Virat Kohli is an Indian cricketer and one of the most accomplished batsmen in the world. He has consistently performed at a high level and has broken numerous records throughout his career. Known for his aggressive playing style and strong leadership skills, Kohli has been a critical player for the Indian cricket team.
Kohli made his international debut in 2008 and quickly established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman. Over the years, he has evolved into a prolific run-scorer and has achieved several milestones, including being the fastest player to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His ability to chase down targets under pressure is particularly remarkable.
Final Words:
The top 10 famous sports personalities of India have not only brought glory to the nation but have also inspired millions of aspiring athletes. These individuals have overcome numerous challenges and obstacles to reach the pinnacle of success in their respective sports. Their dedication, hard work, and never-give-up attitude serve as an inspiration for all.
As we celebrate and appreciate their achievements, remember that their passion and commitment have made them legends in the sporting world. Let us continue to support and encourage our athletes as they strive to make India proud globally.