New Delhi: Every year on August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day in honour of Major Dhyan Chand, a renowned hockey player and one of the country’s most prominent personalities. The day is also used to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the country’s athletes who have received national and international honours for their efforts in sports.
On National Sports Day, my greetings to all sportspersons. India is proud of their contributions to the nation. I pay homage to Major Dhyan Chand Ji as well on his birth anniversary.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2023
The initial intention of National Sports Day was to encourage healthy lifestyles, promote good sportsmanship and collaboration, and encourage individuals to choose a career in sports.
History
The National Sports Day is accredited to the birth of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary athlete who rose to prominence in the sport of hockey. His superior stick skills and knowledge of the game gained him the title of “Hockey Wizard,” and he quickly conquered the hockey world.
Major Dhyan Chand , Wizard of Hockey
He Never Got Bharat Ratna But He Is Bharat Ratna In True Sense pic.twitter.com/X71fuYd7i3
— indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) August 29, 2023
Born on August 29, 1905, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, he joined the British Indian Army early in his life. Over the course of his career, which lasted from 1926 to 1948, he played for India in 185 matches and scored more than 400 goals, cementing his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Amazing the globe with his hockey prowess, he helped India win gold at the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics.
In 2012, the government of India recognised his extraordinary impact on the sporting world by designating his birthday as National Sports Day.
Significance
The major purpose of celebrating National Sports Day is to encourage young participation in sports throughout the country. The significance of National Sports Day lies in the fact that it draws attention to the value of sports and other forms of physical exercise.
On #NationalSportsDay, I’m urging everyone, young or old, to go out and pick up a sport, exercise regularly and stay fit. Let’s make India healthy and happy! 🇮🇳
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) August 29, 2023
The value of physical activity, fitness, and a generally healthy way of life are emphasised. The consequences of inactivity and illnesses associated with it are also highlighted.
The nation’s sports culture was given a significant boost on this day as well. It promotes a wide range of physical activities, including sports and games, to individual development. Most importantly, sports have the special ability to unite individuals of different cultures, languages, and beliefs. That solidarity is on display on National Sports Day.
Celebration
Government initiatives, programmes, and policies to encourage and develop young athletes are often unveiled on National Sports Day. These efforts are made with the intention of providing better training facilities, financial assistance, and public acknowledgement to athletes who deserve it.
The National Sports Awards Ceremony is held on this day to honour and celebrate outstanding achievements in sports by deserving athletes, people, and teams. The President of India bestows the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna to deserving athletes and coaches, along with the Arjuna Award and the Dronacharya Award.
Theme: Sports are an enabler to an inclusive and fit society
On 25th August 2023, the IIML community came together to commemorate Major Dhyan Chand and celebrate National Sports Day on campus. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Sports are an enabler to an inclusive and fit society”.#FitIndia #IIMLucknow #IIM #IIML pic.twitter.com/OImAgd1VAA
— IIM Lucknow (@IIML) August 27, 2023
