A sportsman’s life has the joy of victory, the helplessness of defeat and the topping of grit. This is why their life stories are fascinating.
That's why we ask students to list their favourite books on athletes who inspire them.
Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi
T he best part about this book is that the legend has talked honestly about his substance abuse during his early days. As fans, we deserve to know the truth and that’s what he has done in this book. Another aspect that inspired me was the account of how he hated tennis but was forced to take it up by his father. And in the end, he did very well in it. I think it can be one of the biggest examples to disapprove the theory that only if you like something, will you be able to excel in it.
Keerthi B, class XI, NPS-K, Bangalore
Cycle of lies: The Fall of Lance Armstrong by Juliet Macur
I personally like this narrative for it is a lantern to our feet. Lance Armstrong's rise motivates us to be tenacious. His cancer struggle inspires us to fight and eventually win. However, his fall teaches us much more. Truth always prevails, that we never cheat others but always ourselves, that we should always remember- the higher we rise, the harder we fall.
Moksha Aggarwal, class XII, Carmel Convent School, Chandigarh
Faster than Lightning by Usain Bolt
I t’s an amazing book. In it Bolt relays how he went from being a happy-go-lucky Jamaican to one of the most celebrated athletes on the planet. Apart from detailing his many wins, the book also reflects Bolt's easy personality and sense of humour.
S Ankit, class XI, Gitanjali School, Hyderabad
'Serious'by John McEnroe
The life story of John McEnroe, ‘Serious’, is perhaps one of the most explosive personalities to have played at Wimbledon. He speaks candidly about his personal life and career. His open and unabashed narrative makes for a very interesting read and provides a deep insight into the mind of one of the greatest players of the time.
Ganesh S, class X, Navy Children School, Mumbai
Michael Jordan: The Life by Roland Lazenby
One of the greatest sports biographies, Roland Lazenby allows readers to know Michael Jordan - the true legend. Sprinkled with fascinating titbits, the book discusses Michael Jordan, his family, his time in college and pro basketball as well his family background. The book highlights the drive, the determination and bigheartedness of the sporting icon. Must read for all basketball aficionados out there!
Susrut Manekar, class X, School of Scholars, Nagpur
The Soul of a Butterfly by Muhammad Ali & Hana Yasmeen Ali
The book focusses not just on his career, but also on his life and struggle he faced as he emerged as three-time world champion. Also, the book takes you through the journey of a man who never went against his beliefs and also on the remarkable learnings of this great boxer. It is an emotional account that will make you smile and cry as you read. It is a must read if you wish to know about the Ali’s career, family, wisdom, humility, courage, illness, and most of all, his belief in the almighty.
Chhavi Damani, class XII, Rachana School, Ahmedabad
I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic by Zlatan Ibrahimovic Considered as one of the best players, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's autobiography received much critical acclaim in Europe. As a reader I appreciate the courage it took the footballer to disclose in his book incidents where he got into fights with teammates. This compelling autobiography of the Paris St Germain and Sweden star also sheds light on his troubled childhood.
Shveta, class XII, GMHS 42, Chandigarh
Ponting: At the Close of Play by Ricky Ponting
As one of the die-hard fans of Ricky Ponting, the book is close to my heart. It really moved me when I read about the ups and downs he faced during his life. The way he rose to the odds and fought with all he had was highly inspirational and motivational. Some important themes are a repeat in terms of general beliefs but then they all portray the born winner inside him.
Rizwan Askari, class XI, Unity College, Lucknow
Sachin: cricketer of the century by Vimal Kumar
As a diehard fan of Sachin Tendulkar, I bought the book, 'Sachin: Cricketer of the Century'. The author, Vimal Kumar appears to have compiled it from his own perspective about the cricketer with an analysis on his performances in both Test matches and ODIs. As I am into sports myself, I find Tendulkar's journey from a cricketing aspirant to a legend very inspiring. I highly recommend this book to people who are his fans or are passionate about
the game.
Lekhanapriya, class X, Delhi Public School, Newtown, Kolkata
Tell us your favourite in the comment section.