India celebrates National Sports Day every year on 29 August. This day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyanchand, known as the magician of hockey. Dhyanchand is considered one of the greatest field hockey players of all time. Born in 1905, this player took Indian hockey to new heights with his brilliant skills. Under his leadership, India won consecutive gold medals in the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games and established world supremacy in hockey. The foundation laid by his contribution also led independent India to gold medals in the 1948, 1952, 1956 and 1964 Olympics.
This year, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced to organize National Sports Day under the leadership of Fit India Mission. Under this, a national campaign called Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein will be run from 29 to 31 August. The aim of this initiative is to motivate every citizen to do at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. The ministry believes that this effort will not only promote a healthy lifestyle, but will also help in the prevention of lifestyle diseases.
In a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau, it is said that making fitness a part of everyday habits is the need of the hour. The aim of this campaign is to make the general public aware that regular exercise and sports not only keep the body fit, but also increase mental health and productivity.
National Sports Day was first celebrated in India in the year 2012. Since then, this day has become an occasion not only to pay tribute to Dhyan Chand but also to underline the role of sports in nation building.
The government had already announced that the National Sports Awards 2025 have been organized in January. Now on August 29, different sports activities will be organized across the country. Famous players, sports personalities and public representatives will participate in it. Various sports competitions will be organized in the sports grounds from the state capitals to the districts so that the youth and citizens get inspired to join sports.
National Sports Day is not only a day to remember Major Dhyan Chand, but also gives the message that the vision of a healthy and strong India is incomplete without sports.
