National Sports Day (NSD) is celebrated every year on August 29th to honor India’s rich heritage and tradition in sports. This day is dedicated not only to professional athletes but also to remembering those whose lives have been touched by sports in meaningful ways. While we often see Bollywood stars on the silver screen, many of them have had athletic beginnings that are less known to their fans.

Before these actors chose the path of acting, they were passionate about various sports and even represented themselves at competitive levels during their younger years. On this National Sports Day, let’s take a look at some of these Bollywood stars who were once deeply involved in the world of sports:

Saiyami Kher is renowned for her athletic discipline, which she has maintained even after becoming a successful actor. Before stepping into the world of films, Saiyami was actively involved in sports and played cricket, badminton, and sprinting at zonal and district-level tournaments. Currently, she is preparing for an international sporting event known as 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, who recently became a mother, 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.

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, one of the most talented actors of recent times, has truly 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 he 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, the blue-eyed boy who recently garnered much love and success for his performance in Fighter, 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, showcasing his athletic prowess before discovering his passion for acting and answering the call of Bollywood.

Anushka Ranjan, an actor and humanitarian best known for her foundation for the girl child, Beti, once aspired to be a professional sportswoman as a swimmer. During her school days, Anushka 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 the time, she returns to the pool, reconnecting with her first love.

Before making her mark on television as an actress, Khatron Ke Khiladi contestant Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia was an avid sports enthusiast during her academic years in Delhi. Nimrit excelled as a sprinter, participating in various Delhi zonal tournaments and securing first place in the 100, 200, and 400-meter races. Her athletic background is one of the reasons she continues to win the hearts of her fans by successfully completing one challenging task after another in the ongoing season of Khatron Ke Khiladi.

The Khel Khel Mein actor Aditya Seal has been a dedicated martial artist for many years, specializing in Taekwondo. He began his training at the age of 15 and continues to practice the art to this day. Aditya holds a third dan black belt and has competed in numerous tournaments, both in India and South Korea, where he has even won international gold medals. Martial arts have become a way of life for him, and with his extensive experience, fans are eager to see him in a high-octane action film soon, much like his inspiration, Akshay Kumar.