On Father’s Day, when memories swirl around childhood games, first victories, and the quiet wisdom of a father’s encouragement, some families have taken that paternal influence far beyond the backyard or local park. They’ve turned it into legacy. In the world of sports, where passion often becomes profession, a rare few fathers and their children have both worn national jerseys, lifted trophies, and carried the same hopes of millions.
From sun-baked cricket grounds in Mumbai to the roaring football stadiums of Milan, these five father-child duos across different sports have shared more than just a surname — they’ve passed down dedication, discipline, and an undying love for the game.
Cricket: Sunil Gavaskar & Rohan Gavaskar (India)
Sunil Gavaskar is a name that needs no introduction in Indian cricket. Revered as one of the game’s greatest Test batsmen, he redefined what it meant to open the batting against fiery West Indian pacers and swinging English conditions. In an era when helmets weren’t common, Gavaskar’s rock-solid technique and serene composure at the crease brought India pride and prestige. He was the first cricketer to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket and still remains a benchmark for temperament and technique.
Following in such footsteps isn’t easy. But Rohan Gavaskar, Sunil’s son, carved his own path with quiet determination. While he never reached the dizzying heights of his father, Rohan had a commendable domestic career, primarily with Bengal. A reliable middle-order batsman and occasional left-arm spinner, Rohan played 11 ODIs for India in 2004. More than stats, his career was about resilience — of growing up in a shadow and still finding the courage to step into the light.
Today, Rohan continues to contribute to cricket as a commentator and analyst, always respectful of his father’s towering presence but proud of his own journey.
Football: Cesare Maldini & Paolo Maldini (Italy)
Italy, a country where football borders on religion, has long admired its dynasties. But none compare to the Maldinis of AC Milan.
Cesare Maldini, a commanding centre-back in the 1960s, captained AC Milan and later led Italy as a manager. His elegance on the ball and leadership on the field made him a beloved figure in Italian football. But it was his son, Paolo Maldini, who took the family name to unimaginable heights.
Paolo spent his entire 25-year career at AC Milan, amassing over 900 appearances and winning five UEFA Champions League titles. Widely regarded as one of the best defenders in football history, Paolo combined tactical intelligence with physical grace. He could play both as a left-back and centre-back, and was known for his impeccable positioning and sportsmanship.
Their legacy doesn’t end there. Paolo’s son, Daniel Maldini, now dons the red and black of AC Milan, continuing a three-generation tradition. On a recent Serie A match day, when Daniel scored his first goal for Milan, it wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a moment soaked in generational triumph.
Tennis: Ramanathan Krishnan & Ramesh Krishnan (India)
Before the advent of global tennis stars from India like Leander Paes and Sania Mirza, there was Ramanathan Krishnan. A touch artist with a classical game, Krishnan reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon in 1960 and 1961. He was the heartbeat of Indian tennis during its formative years on the international stage, and his graceful play brought India its first real global tennis following.
His son, Ramesh Krishnan, inherited both his father’s artistry and his fighting spirit. Ramesh also reached the quarterfinals of Grand Slams and led India in the Davis Cup, playing a pivotal role in India’s run to the finals in 1987. What set the Krishnans apart was their emphasis on finesse over force. In an era where power was taking over the sport, the Krishnans continued to rely on placement, angles, and court craft.
More than just matches won, their legacy is about laying the foundation for Indian tennis. Ramesh later became a Davis Cup captain and coach, continuing his father’s mission to nurture the sport in India.
Basketball:Dell Curry & Stephen Curry (USA)
In the US, where basketball is often a family affair, few stories are as compelling as that of the Currys.
Dell Curry, a standout shooter in the 1980s and 1990s, played for the Charlotte Hornets and was known for his smooth shooting stroke and consistent scoring. He was one of the first players to specialise in the then-underappreciated art of the three-point shot.
His son, Stephen Curry, didn’t just follow in his father’s footsteps — he created a new path entirely. With his revolutionary range, quick release, and ball-handling wizardry, Steph transformed how the game is played. A two-time MVP and four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, Steph has become one of the most influential athletes of his generation.
Yet, at every step, he acknowledges Dell’s role — from shooting drills in their driveway to handling pressure with poise. Even today, Dell is a regular presence at Steph’s games, his eyes filled with the quiet pride of a father who sees his legacy not just continuing, but soaring.
Hockey:
Balbir Singh Sr & Kabir Singh (India)
India’s tryst with Olympic hockey glory is incomplete without mentioning Balbir Singh Sr., the legendary centre-forward who helped India win gold in 1948, 1952, and 1956. He remains one of the most prolific scorers in Olympic history and was known for his ability to rise to the occasion when the nation needed it most.
Beyond his playing days, Balbir Singh Sr. became a coach, manager, and ambassador of the sport. But it is through his grandson, Kabir Singh, that his influence continues. While Kabir didn’t reach the international stage, he made a name for himself in domestic circuits and has contributed as a coach and mentor. Their story is less about medals and more about values — discipline, humility, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
As Kabir often says in interviews, “For me, my grandfather wasn’t just a hockey legend, he was the man who taught me how to carry myself off the field.”
Cricket:
Lala Amarnath & Mohinder Amarnath (India)
In the chronicles of Indian cricket, few names resonate with such historical weight as Lala Amarnath, the first Indian to score a Test century after independence. A revolutionary all-rounder and fiery personality, Lala wasn’t just a cricketer — he was a symbol of post-colonial pride. As a captain, selector, and mentor, his influence stretched well beyond the pitch, helping shape Indian cricket in its formative years. His leadership style and no-nonsense attitude made him a respected — if sometimes controversial — figure in Indian sport.
Carrying forward that legacy was his son, Mohinder Amarnath, who etched his own place in history as the hero of India’s 1983 World Cup triumph. Mohinder was known for his resilience, especially against hostile pace attacks. His man-of-the-match performances in both the semi-final and final of the 1983 tournament helped India script one of its greatest sporting upsets. Mohinder didn’t merely ride on his father’s name — he earned his own legend status through grit, bruises, and unmatched composure.
Formula 1:Jos Verstappen & Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
In the high-octane world of Formula 1, few father-son stories are as electrifying as that of Jos and Max Verstappen. Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver in the 1990s and early 2000s, was fast but unlucky, often held back by underperforming machinery. However, he was relentless in ensuring that his son, Max, had the support, precision, and toughness needed to succeed at the highest level. From karting tracks across Europe to rigorous training schedules, Jos played the dual role of mentor and manager.
Max Verstappen, now a multiple-time F1 World Champion with Red Bull Racing, is redefining the sport with his aggressive driving style and fearless overtakes. Often credited with bringing back edge-of-the-seat racing, Max has surpassed his father in accolades, but never in gratitude.
He frequently acknowledges that his rise would’ve been impossible without Jos’s sacrifices and meticulous preparation. Together, they’ve become one of F1’s most iconic generational stories.
