Must-Read Books Based On Lives Of Inspiring Indian Women Olympians

Books Indian sportswomen: Legends and their stories always live on. And are sportswomen from India who have represented India on the global stage of the Olympics any less? From winning accolades and laurels to smashing gender barriers that often dominate the sporting field, our women Olympians are icons of everlasting inspiration.

The paths they have traversed to get where they are now have not been easy in the least. They have faced lifetimes worth of odds - families turning them towards kitchens instead of sports, living on minimal sustenance, training endless days and sleepless nights.

How better than to relive their toils, struggles and ultimate triumphs than through their life stories preserved in books?

Here are some books Indian sportswomen have featured in that you absolutely cannot miss:

• The Small Wonder

The story of passion and dedication charts the journey of Dipa Karmakar, an Indian gymnast who received global recognition. Karmarkar is the first-ever Indian woman gymnast to participate in gymnastics at the Olympics. The book won the Biography of the Year at the Ekamra Sports Literature Awards in 2019. Authored by Bishweshwar Nandi, Digvijay Singh Deo and Vimal Mohan, the book documents the journey of the gymnast from her lows to her highs.

• Unbreakable

Unbreakable, the story of the legendary Mary Kom, six-time world champion is a sure shot read. Belonging to a family of limited means, Kom's story in this book takes the readers on a journey about the struggles and passion that Kom faced to make it to the zenith of sports. From her difficult childhood to paving her way through the politics of boxing to balancing between marriage, children and her dream, the book has it all.

• Golden Girl

The autobiography of P.T. Usha, Golden Girl is a story of the Queen of Indian track and field, nicknamed as ‘Payyoli Express. Rising from the shackles of poverty to becoming the youngest Indian sprinter to participate in the Moscow Olympics 1980, the book holds the account of all her achievements and laurels that can make any Indian swell with honour and pride.

• Playing To Win

This book is based on the world-class athlete, Saina Nehwal. With over 23 international titles to her name, Nehwal has made her way to the top of the famous athletes' list. ‘Playing To Win’ is about Saina’s “life, on and off the court”. Apart from being an excellent sportsperson, she fits the roles of a daughter, sister and others perfectly. This book is sure to make it to your list of Indian women Olympians.

• Ace Against Odds

This book is a real world peek into the life of Sania Mirza with behind-the-scenes access. The book is dotted with encounters of people that shaped the champion's life and is definitely a treat to read. Being the single most influential sportsperson in tennis in India, Mirza was ranked number one for 9 years in the country. She is a  recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and the Arjuna Award. She also received the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan by the government of India.

Pic credit- Orissa Post

• Fiercely Female: The Dutee Chand Story

Authored by the journalist, Sundeep Mishra, the book records &feature=emb_title">Dutee Chand's journey set with a detailed narrative of the gender-identity controversy that made her an iconic figure in Indian sport. She has continued to inspire people not only in the field of sports but also by coming out as a queer person.