In Pics | Celebrities you didn't know were sports stars

Here are some of your favourite celebrities who were high school stars, college heroes, and those who even made it to the biggest stages in their sporting field before embarking on a career in showbiz.

Actor and director Kiccha Sudeep has played professional cricket at the college level and has represented universities in several age-group tournaments. Credit: Instagram/@kichchasudeepa

Deepika Padukone, one of the most successful Bollywood actresses, loves badminton and has played the sport at the national level. Credit: Instagram/@deepikapadukone

Kollywood star Ajith Kumar is a national-level shooter. He has participated in various state-level shooting championships and has several accolades to his name. Credit: Instagram/@shaliniajithkumar2022

Bollywood actor Saqib Saleem has represented Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi in district and state-level cricket. Credit: Instagram/@saqibsaleem

Rakul Preet Singh, who has worked in both Kannada and other South Indian film industries, is a national-level golf player. Being an Army kid, Rakul was always exposed to sports and such activities. Credit: Instagram/@rakulpreet

Before trying his hand in acting, Salil Ankola was a successful cricketer and has represented India from 1989 to 1997. Credit: Instagram/@salilankola

Actor Rahul Bose has represented India in rugby and was part of the national team for more than 10 years. Credit: Instagram/@rahulbose7

Not many know Neetu Chandra is a five-time state-level gold winner and has represented India at the World Taekwondo Championship in 1997. Credit: Instagram/@nituchandrasrivastava