National Sports Day in India is celebrated annually on August 29 to honor the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, whose birth anniversary falls on this day. Major Dhyan Chand, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of Indian sports, earned global recognition for his exceptional skills on the hockey field. He was instrumental in India’s three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes in India and around the world.
The Indian government introduced National Sports Day in 2012 as a tribute to Dhyan Chand’s unparalleled contribution to Indian sports. The day serves not only to commemorate his legacy but also to raise awareness about the importance of sports and physical fitness in everyday life. Various sports events and activities are organized across the country to promote the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that sports foster.
Each year, National Sports Day is also an occasion to recognize outstanding Indian athletes through prestigious awards such as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the Arjuna Award, and the Dronacharya Award, which are presented by the President of India.
In celebrating National Sports Day on August 29, India pays homage to its sporting heroes while encouraging a culture of fitness and dedication among its people, especially the youth.
