Freezing the moment: With Neeraj Chopra lifting the collective mood with his gold, celebs share their favourite Olympic moment and sports movie

Gurnaaz Kaur

As Neeraj Chopra created history by bringing home the first Olympic gold medal in athletics, the nation erupted in joy. At the Olympics 2020, we have witnessed many such sublime moments. After all, a sport is not just some physical activity where players compete. It is an emotion that onlookers experience. Celebrating this unifying power of sports, these celebrities share their proud moments from Olympics 2020.

Movies, they say, has a similar effect. So, they also draw comparison with films that moved them in equal measures.

Kudos for dedication
Juhi Chawla

Golden Olympics moments: As far as the Olympics 2020 goes, I am very proud of all our medal winners. Kudos to them for their dedication, commitment and excellence in the sport. All their efforts have borne fruit and done our country proud. I was also very happy that golfer Aditi Ashok’s efforts were celebrated in news. She missed a medal by a whisker.

Reel magic: I have really enjoyed watching Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Iqbal and Dangal. They were well-made.

Defining phase
Pratik Gandhi

Golden Olympics moments: Olympics 2020 is historic milestone for India with Neeraj Chopra winning the first-ever gold for India in an individual athlete category. My heart goes out to the Indian Women’s Hockey team, after playing so well they lost the bronze by one goal.

Reel magic: My favourite sports drama is Karate Kid, Lagaan and Mary Kom, because of such honest depictions.

Remembering Tomar
Preeti Jhagnani

Golden Olympics moments: The Olympic moment that really made me cry was to see the women’s hockey team play. Even though they lost the game but the fight they put up was exemplary. And also silver medallist Ravi Dahiya’s winning moment.

Reel magic: My favourite sports drama is Paan Singh Tomar, beautifully directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia and Irfaan Khan’s performance is outstanding.

Emotional touch
Dino Morea

Golden Olympics moments: Many Olympic moments touched me. I watched most of our Indian contestants compete. Mary Kom’s fight, Sindhu’s game, Neeraj Chopra’s throw, Mirabai’s weight lifting and the wrestlers. Each one is special and heart-warming.

Reel magic:Well, there are a few sports drama that I have liked. On top of my mind is Dangal; it’s very emotional. Race, a film on Jesse Owens when he won in Germany, is also superb.

Before it begins
Adah Sharma

Golden Olympics moments: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Olympics. But my favourite moment of any sports is watching the few seconds before the athlete performs. You actually feel the focus, the concentration. It’s so beautiful.

Reel magic: We have made some inspiring sports drama films. My favourite is Lagaan.

Life cycle
Aparshakti Khurana

Golden Olympics moments: I have two moments from #Tokyo2020 Olympics that really touched my heart. One was when the Indian Women’s Hockey team made it to the semi-finals and second was when Neeraj Chopra got us our first Olympic gold in athletics.

Reel magic: I liked Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar for the story revolved around was cycling.

Hail sportsmanship
Mahesh Shetty

Golden Olympics moments: When Qatar’s Barshim and Italy’s Tamberi shared a gold medal in the high jump. It was the perfect example of sportsmanship. And every time when we won a medal and the National Anthem was played, nothing can beat that feeling.

Reel magic: Dhoni: The Untold Story moved me a lot.

All for Chak De
Sanjay Kapoor

Golden Olympics moments: It would be the women’s hockey team. Even though they lost the bronze, it was the most touching moment. For me they are winners.

Reel magic: My favourite sports drama has definitely been Chak De India. I simply loved it!