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Every year, on August 29, India observes National Sports Day. The inaugural National Sports Day was celebrated on August 29, 2012, the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the hero of India’s hockey squad.
This day was chosen to honor this outstanding hockey player and the country’s athletic heroes with prizes such as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Dhyan Chand Award, and Dronacharya Award.
Key Takeaways
- India celebrates 29th August as National Sports Day
- It is commemorated as the birth anniversary of hockey hero Major Dhyan Chand
- The day also honors the nation’s sports heroes and victors, recognizing their contributions and devotion to bringing respect to the country
National Sports Day
On August 29, India observes National Sports Day commemorating the birth anniversary of hockey hero Major Dhyan Chand. The day also honors the nation’s sports heroes and victors, recognizing their contributions and devotion to bringing respect to the country, raising awareness of the qualities of sports such as discipline, persistence, sportsman spirit, and teamwork, as well as encouraging the general public to participate in sports and make it an essential part of their life, while highlighting the need of being healthy and fit.
About Major Dhyan Chand
Dhyan Chand, born on August 29, 1905, in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, was the country’s hockey star in pre-independence India. He began his hockey career with the British Indian Army regimental squad. Under his guidance, India won three consecutive gold medals just at Summer Olympics in 1928, 1932, and 1936.
Dhyan Chand represented India in 185 international hockey matches and scored over 400 goals between 1926 and 1948. Following his retirement from the Indian Army in 1958, the Indian government bestowed with him, the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian honor. The hockey genius died in a coma in 1979.
History of National Sports Days
The day was established in 2012 to honor Major Dhyan Chand. Major Dhyan Chand, who was born on August 29, 1905, went on to become a hockey hero. He began his career in a regimental squad of the British Indian Army.
Major Dhyan Chand was instrumental in India’s three straight Olympic gold medal victories in 1928, 1932, and 1936. In 1956, he received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honor. The Indian Postal Department released commemorative stamps honoring the hockey magician in 1979.
Significance of National Sport Days
National Sports Day aims to raise awareness about the value of sports and the advantages of staying physically active throughout life. Throughout the country, many events encouraging sports among people are organized.
Today, the country’s greatest athletes are recognized with awards such as the Arjuna Award, the Dhyan Chand Award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and the Dronacharya Award. The President of India bestows the honors during a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
However, because of the COVID-19 epidemic, the celebration of National Sports Day has been kept low-key for the previous two years.
National Sports Day Timeline
1. Interprovincial Competition
In 1925, Chand was chosen to represent the United Provinces (U.P.) in the Inter-Provincial Tournament, where his exquisite stick-work caught everyone’s attention.
Captain of India’s Hockey Team
After an incredible run with Indian hockey that featured two Olympic gold medals, he was chosen as India’s captain in December 1934.
2. Padma Shri Award
In 1956, Chand was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor.
3. National Sports Day
In 2012, India established National Sports Day on August 29, to mark Dhyan Chand’s birthday.
National Sports Day Activities
1. Create your team.
Bring your friends together to support your favorite team. You may also establish your squad outside. Regardless of your skill level, it will be worthwhile to appreciate the challenge and physical activity.
2. Learn more about Dhyan Chand.
Dhyan Chand is widely regarded as one of the best hockey players. Read about his childhood, excursions into several areas, and tremendous achievements.
3. Send photos of your team’s jersey.
Share a photo of your family and friends wearing your favorite sports clothing. Also, include the hashtag #NationalSportsDay as well in your photographs.
Why We Love National Sports Day?
1. It raises awareness.
This day promotes the importance of physical activity and sports in everyday life. Since India’s inaugural National Sports Day celebration in 2012, the government has utilized the occasion to unveil several sports-related initiatives.
2. It pays tribute to Dhyan Chand’s legacy.
Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy is honored on National Sports Day, as is the importance of sports in our lives. Athletes get several awards, like the Arjuna Award and the Dhyan Chand Award, to acknowledge their accomplishments in sports.
3. It helps to bring people together.
We may share in the delight of another’s hard-won win through athletics. People from all walks of life may be brought together via sports in a way they never would meet otherwise.
In the realm of sports, our country is brimming with significant talent from all states. India has a lot of youthful talent that needs to be showcased. These young sportspersons have earned medals for their nation wherever possible, making us all proud. Thus, commemorating National Sports Day and presenting medals is the ideal approach to honor our country’s pride. We must be grateful for all the athletes who bring pride to our country by winning various medals and trophies.
We must strive to be one of them to bring medals to our nation. We must engage in various events held on National Sports Day. Our responsibility is to remain active and healthy by participating in various events. Along with health, it will foster a winning attitude among the populace. As Indian citizens, let us contribute our all to popularising athletics among people who are unfamiliar with them.
