Every year on August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day, a special occasion dedicated to honouring the spirit of sports in the country. This day goes beyond celebrating India’s athletic achievements; it emphasizes the crucial role of sports in maintaining health, fostering community, and inspiring generations. At the heart of this celebration is the legacy of India’s legendary hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand, whose extraordinary skills and contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting history.
The Indian government officially announced the celebration of National Sports Day in 2012. The choice of August 29 as the date for this observance was deliberate and significant, aligning with the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.
Major Dhyan Chand, born on August 29, 1905, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is revered as the ‘Wizard of Hockey‘. His remarkable career, spanning from 1926 to 1948, saw him play 185 matches for India, scoring an impressive over 400 goals. Under his leadership, Indian hockey experienced a golden era, with the national team securing three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936.
The primary objective of National Sports Day is to increase participation in sports among India’s youth. By dedicating a day to sports, the government aims to highlight the importance of physical activity and athletic pursuits in personal development and national pride.
On this day, various sports-related events are organized across the country. These events serve as platforms to honor athletes, teams, and individuals for their outstanding achievements in different sports disciplines. The recognition ranges from local to national levels, celebrating both emerging talents and established stars.
National Sports Day plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about the importance of sports and physical fitness in daily life. It encourages people of all ages to engage in physical activities, promoting a healthier and more active society.
Each year, the celebration of National Sports Day is often associated with a specific theme. While the theme for 2024 has not been announced at the time of writing, the previous year’s theme was “Sports are an enabler to an inclusive and fit society.” This theme underscored the role of sports in fostering inclusivity and promoting fitness across all segments of society.
The day is marked by a variety of events across India, including:
Born into a Rajput family, Dhyan Chand’s journey in hockey began in the Indian Army. His dedication to the sport was evident from his practice routines – he would often train at night under moonlight, earning him the nickname ‘Chand‘ (moon in Hindi).
Throughout his illustrious career, Dhyan Chand’s achievements were nothing short of extraordinary:
Dhyan Chand’s influence on Indian hockey and sports, in general, continues long after his active years:
The Indian government has taken several steps to honor Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy:
In the most recent celebration of National Sports Day, the government recognized outstanding athletes across various sports. Notably, badminton players Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy were awarded the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award for their exceptional performance and contribution to Indian badminton.
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