20 Recommendations for Chinese Dramas about Sports, Full of Struggles and Romance

Kapanlagi.com - Chinese dramas themed around sports are increasingly attracting viewers' attention as they combine the spirit of competition with touching love stories. Through various sports settings such as e-sports, car racing, and figure skating, these stories present exciting and emotional dynamics.

Not only about ambition and dreams, these dramas also showcase relevant personal conflicts and strong character growth. Elements of romance are woven in to add emotional depth amidst their struggles in the arena.

Here, KapanLagi.com summarizes from various sources about various dramas set in sports and captivating stories. The following list provides the best recommendations for those who want to enjoy inspiring yet entertaining shows, Sunday (04/05/2025).

1. Amidst a Snowstorm of Love (2024)

This drama tells the story of Lin Yi Yang, a former snooker athlete who chose to withdraw from the professional world after experiencing severe pressure. In the midst of his uncertain life, he meets Yin Guo, a nine-ball billiards athlete who is rebuilding her confidence.

The winter setting abroad enhances the deep emotional atmosphere. In addition to presenting a romantic side, this drama showcases the journey of two athletes trying to rise from their pasts. The visuals of snooker and billiards matches are presented with elegant cinematography, intensifying the tension in every competitive scene.

2. Nothing But You (2023)

Drama Nothing But You (Image by mydramalist)

Highlighting the story of You An, a career woman who bravely makes a big decision to pursue a new life. She meets Song San Chuan, a badminton athlete struggling with past trauma. Both are at a critical point in their lives and develop a relationship that grows from mutual understanding and encouragement to change.

This drama not only highlights the world of sports but also personal growth and emotional relationships among characters. The story flows with a backdrop of realistic athletic training and strong psychological dynamics, making each episode engaging to follow.

3. We Go Fast and Trust (2023)

Drama We Go Fast and Trust (Image by Viki)

This drama follows Chen Mo Bai, a prospective professional racer who defies his family's wishes to pursue his dream in the world of Formula Super China. His journey is filled with obstacles, including parental disbelief and early career failures.

His encounter with Shen Xi, an ambitious automotive engineer, enriches the story with strong technical and emotional collaboration. Together, they devise strategies to break into the high-pressure world of racing. This drama offers the typical tension of the racing world with a sense of friendship and gradually built trust.

4. Falling Into You (2022)

Drama Falling Into You (Image by Viki)

Duan Yu Cheng has big dreams of becoming a high jumper despite his stature being considered less than ideal for the sport. His perseverance and passion lead him to meet coach Luo Na, who challenges him to push beyond his limits.

The relationship between the athlete and coach is developed emotionally, depicting the process of building trust and the struggle against stigma. The story also explores the mental pressure faced by young athletes in achieving success. The visuals of training and competition are made intense, adding realism to this inspiring story.

5. Hello, the Sharpshooter (2022)

Drama Hello, the Sharpshooter (Image by Viki)

Tang Xin is assigned to cover the national shooting team, not realizing that one of its athletes is her past love, Yuan Shen Qing. Personal and professional conflicts color their dynamic interactions.

The story highlights the disciplined and structured life of shooting athletes, as well as the pressure to always perform perfectly. On the other hand, questions arise about how the past influences performance and relationships in the present. The combination of personal emotions and the competitive sports world is the main attraction of this drama.

6. Falling Into Your Smile (2021)

Drama Falling Into Your Smile (Image by mydramalist)

This drama follows Tong Yao, the only female player in the renowned professional e-sports team ZGDX on the national stage. Despite facing prejudice and doubt from a male-dominated environment, Tong Yao proves her abilities through outstanding strategies and gameplay techniques.

Her relationship with the team captain, Lu Sicheng, slowly develops amidst the pressures of competition and conflicts within the team. Their interactions depict how personal feelings can influence performance in a competitive world. Set against the backdrop of a dynamic and competitive gaming world, this drama presents an intriguing blend of professional ambition and a tender love story.

7. You Are My Glory (2021)

Drama You Are My Glory (Image by mydramalist)

Qiao Jingjing, a famous celebrity, decides to improve her skills in mobile gaming to maintain her endorsement contract. She never expected to meet Yu Tu again, a former schoolmate who has now become a technology expert and a skilled gamer.

Their story unfolds against the backdrop of tournament preparations and the dynamics of hard work, exploring the past and current ambitions. Their relationship develops through a natural and not instant process. This drama features e-sports elements quite deeply while also weaving in a touching adult love story.

8. To Fly with You (2021)

Drama To Fly with You (Image by Viki)

Tang Xue, a former speed skating athlete who lost her way, returns to the ice world to pursue her dream of becoming a professional. She meets Li Yu Bing, a college ice hockey athlete, who turns out to have a childhood connection with her.

Past rivalries turn into solid cooperation, where both encourage each other to grow as athletes. This story illustrates how hard work and determination can unite two individuals on different paths. The winter atmosphere and ice sports competitions provide a unique and refreshing backdrop, adding visual appeal and emotion.

9. Ping Pong Life (2021)

Ping Pong Life Drama (Image by mydramalist)

Xu Tan is a table tennis player who is not particularly outstanding physically but possesses incredible spirit and technique. In contrast, Yu Kenan has natural talent, but his careless attitude makes it difficult for him to stay at the highest level.

These two characters represent two sides of the sports world: hard work versus natural talent. Throughout their journey, they learn from each other and grow under the guidance of a strict yet caring coach. This drama provides a realistic portrayal of the struggles in professional sports, including intense training and national team dynamics.

10. Skate Into Love (2020)

Skate into Love Drama (Image by mydramalist)

Li Yu Bing, a university student and ice hockey athlete, reunites with Tang Xue, a childhood friend who used to annoy him. Now, they are on equal footing and slowly rebuild the relationship that was once fractured.

Their story is colored by club competitions, intense physical training, and the challenges of proving themselves in the world of ice sports. Each character struggles hard to balance personal ambitions and campus life. The visuals of the fast-paced and dynamic skating and ice hockey world provide a unique energy to the growing romance within the story.

11. My Unicorn Girl (2020)

Drma My Unicorn Girl (Image by mydramalist)

This drama tells the story of Sang Tian, a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to join the university ice hockey team. With strong determination and an unyielding spirit, she successfully showcases her abilities in a challenging environment.

Sang Tian's relationship with Wen Bing, the cold and perfectionist team captain, evolves from tension to mutual understanding. This story highlights elements of romantic comedy set against the exciting backdrop of the ice sports world, making it a light yet inspiring watch.

12. Hikaru no Go (2020)

Drama Hikaru no Go (Image by mydramalist)

Adapted from a Japanese manga, this drama focuses on Shi Guang, a teenager who accidentally connects with the spirit of a legendary Go player. Although initially uninterested, he gradually discovers an interest and talent in this traditional strategy game.

Shi Guang's journey showcases sharp personal growth, from a beginner to a respected player. Competition, hard training, and a sense of responsibility are the main themes explored in depth. With fantasy elements woven into the sports narrative, this drama successfully creates a competitive yet emotional atmosphere.

13. Cross Fire (2020)

Drama Cross Fire (Image by mydramalist)

Two e-sports players from different eras, Xiao Feng and Lu Xiao Bei, are mysteriously connected through the same game. They form a cross-time collaboration to build a team and face challenges in a professional tournament.

This story presents two perspectives on the struggles in the gaming world: the past filled with limitations and the present that is more modern and complex. The use of technology and visual design in the matches adds appeal, making it one of the most innovative e-sports dramas on this list.

14. The Best of You in My Mind (2020)

Drama The Best of You in My Mind (Image by mydramalist)

This drama tells the story of Lin Xi Chi, a veterinary medicine student, and Xu Fang, a disciplined campus archery athlete. Their relationship slowly grows from a close friendship to a deep love story.

The conflicts that arise come not only from the outside but also from academic pressure and each other's emotional burdens. On the other hand, the world of archery is depicted as a place that demands concentration, perseverance, and mental stability.

15. Go Go Squid! (2019)

Drama Go Go Squid! (Image by mydramalist)

Tong Nian is a genius computer science student who falls in love with Han Shang Yan, a former famous e-sports player who is now a coach for a young team. Their story begins with unrequited interest and then develops through a winding process.

This drama showcases the harsh world of e-sports competition, from tournament preparations to internal conflicts among team members. Tong Nian also strives to prove that she can be a meaningful supporter in a world she does not dominate.

16. The King's Avatar (2019)

Drama The King's Avatar (Image by mydramalist)

This drama follows the journey of Ye Xiu, a professional game player of Glory who was expelled from his team due to differences in principles. Although he had to step back from the main stage, he did not give up and started again from the bottom as an anonymous player.

With extraordinary skills and years of experience, Ye Xiu forms a new team of young players. They face significant challenges to rise to the top and compete with elite teams. This drama showcases game strategies, team dynamics, and the determination to rise and prove oneself in the highly competitive world of e-sports.

17. The Prince of Tennis (2019)

The Prince of Tennis drama (Image by mydramalist)

Adapted from the famous Japanese series, this drama tells the story of Ryoma Echizen, a talented and confident young tennis player. He joins a high school tennis team filled with strong players.

Through intense training and matches against tough opponents, Ryoma learns a lot about sportsmanship, teamwork, and the importance of perseverance. The pressure to perform as a top player pushes him to his limits.

18. Gank Your Heart (2019)

Drama Gank Your Heart (Image by mydramalist)

This drama tells the story of Ji Xiang Kong, an e-sports player with an outstanding reputation but a poor public image due to media misunderstandings. He meets Qiu Ying, an online game host who is trying to build a career in the broadcasting world.

Ji Xiang Kong strives to clear his name and pursue his dreams, while Qiu Ying struggles to gain recognition in a tough industry. This story highlights the harshness of the e-sports and digital media industry, complete with a slowly growing love story and cooperation.

19. My Mr. Mermaid (2017)

Drama My Mr. Mermaid (Image by Viki)

This drama follows Cheng Hao, a former national swimmer who must overcome trauma after being disqualified in a major tournament. He returns to the swimming world with a new spirit, trying to achieve the best position while proving himself worthy to compete.

On the other hand, he meets Yun Duo, an intern reporter who follows his comeback story. Their closeness grows amidst the various pressures and internal conflicts faced by Cheng Hao as an athlete. This drama depicts the heavy struggles, both physical and mental, of a professional athlete, as well as the importance of support from loved ones.

20. Love O2O (2016)

Love O2O Drama (Image by mydramalist)

This drama tells a love story that begins in the world of online gaming. Bei Wei Wei, a computer science student, is known as a top player in the MMORPG game. Unexpectedly, she develops a relationship with Xiao Nai, another top player who is also a popular student and a young CEO.

Initially only interacting in the virtual world, their relationship develops into the real world. This drama shows how the digital world can bring together two people with the same dreams and ambitions.

(kpl/sfa)