Gone are the days when television was the only medium to access sports. The advent of social media has altered the way we interact with sports, and watching a match on television is just one part of the sportswatching experience. As soon as the match is over, we rush to Twitter for unhinged commentary, YouTube for quick insight, and Instagram to satiate the leftover thirst for sports. Yet, amidst the barrage of sporting content swirling around the internet, there remains a lot to be unpacked that only sports documentaries can do justice. As the winter dawns upon us, embrace the sporting spirit from the comfort of your blanket with these sports documentaries.
From Drive to Survive to Free Solo, Stream These Sports Documentaries Now
Simon Biles: Rising Season 2
Where to Watch: Netflix
Simon Biles: Rising Season 2 came just a few months after the legendary American gymnast Simon Biles' historic triumph at the Paris Olympics. The riveting documentary focuses on her mental ordeals and trauma that gripped the athlete for years before her redemption story that took place in Paris, where she won three gold medals.
Saudi Pro League: Kickoff
Where to Watch: Netflix
What drives some of the most accomplished footballers in the world to the barren landscape of Saudi Arabia? It's not just oldies like Cristiano Ronaldo but those at the peak of their career like Joao Cancelo also took a leap of faith in Saudi Arabia. Of course, the certainty of earning a hefty sum in a short period coupled with the comfort of playing in a rather comfortable league is too hard to ignore. But beneath the surface of this simplistic rationale is a simmering current of politics, power, and diplomacy that Saudi Pro League: Kickoff aims to explore.
Diego Maradona (2019)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Diego Maradona might not be us his legends continue to capture everyone's imagination. Put simply, Maradona did drugs, scored goals, and did more drugs. But to reduce Maradona to his debauched existence in Napoli doesn't do justice to the complexities of man. To truly understand the significance of Maradanoa, watch this thrilling documentary through the lens of the brilliant Asif Kapadia.
Free Solo (2018)
Where to Watch: Hotstar
What happens when a man decides to walk on a thin line between life and death? To err is a human but when the consequences of errors are so fatalistic, you need an ingrained divine power to even think of attempting something that Alex Hannold did: climbing the world's largest granite monolith at Yosemite National Park without any safety equipment. Tune in to Free Solo, and indulge in unlimited offerings od awe and excitement, terror and sublime.
Bandon Mein Tha Dum
Where to Watch: Jio Cinema
To beat the Australian Test team in their own backyards is widely considered a pinnacle of excellence. Nothing breaks you like the devilish Australian pitches and the endless chirping of the Aussies. But they couldn't break the class of 2020-21, as the depleted Indian side showed great resolve and tenacity to walk back with a trophy. Get into the hearts and minds of the heroes who shaped this landmark victory in Bandon Mein Tha Dum.
Drive to Survive (2018-2024)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Drive to Survive has been a real game-changer for Formula 1. The series offers unprecedented access to the inner workings of the sport, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of drivers, teams, and the intense competition on the tracks. It has helped to make F1 more accessible to casual fans and has brought new energy and excitement to the sport.
Break Point (2023-2024)
Where to Watch: Netflix
A compelling documentary that provides a raw and honest look into the world of professional tennis, Break point is a must-watch for sports fans. The second season of the series came earlier this year, featuring Nick Kyrgios, Alja Tomljanovic, Matteo Berrettini, Naomi Osaka, and Tommy Paul
