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National Sports Day, celebrated on August 29, pays tribute to hockey legend Dhyan Chand, who led India to three Olympic golds and scored over 400 goals.
The day promotes sports culture and physical fitness, encouraging participation in sports activities and recognizing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
It also honors outstanding athletes with prestigious awards, inspiring others to strive for excellence in sports.
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What’s the story
National Sports Day, celebrated on August 29 in India, honors the contributions of athletes and promotes physical fitness.
This date commemorates the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary hockey player known as “The Wizard of Hockey,” who led India to multiple Olympic golds.
His legacy makes August 29 the perfect day to celebrate sportsmanship and athletic excellence.
Who was Major Dhyan Chand?
Born on August 29, 1905, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, Major Dhyan Singh, later known as Dhyan Chand, became a key figure in pre-independence Indian hockey.
Starting with the British Indian Army, his dedication to practicing under moonlight earned him the name “Dhyan Chand.”
He retired in 1956, and that year, the Indian government honored him with the Padma Bhushan.
Celebrating Major Dhyan Chand: National Sports Day and his legacy
National Sports Day, or Rashtriya Khel Divas, honors Dhyan Chand’s extraordinary hockey achievements.
Known as “The Wizard,” he scored over 400 goals and played a crucial role in India’s Olympic gold medal hat-trick in 1928, 1932, and 1936.
In his honor, a statue with four hands and four sticks stands in Vienna.
Major Dhyan Chand Award, India’s highest sports honor, commemorates his lifetime contributions.
Sports culture
Promoting sports culture and physical fitness
National Sports Day not only honors a sports legend but also promotes sports culture and physical fitness.
It encourages all ages to engage in sports and physical activities, highlighting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Schools, colleges, and sports institutions organize events, competitions, workshops, and awareness campaigns to inspire the younger generation to embrace sports and learn teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Celebrating excellence: Recognizing and honoring athletes
Another key aspect of National Sports Day is honoring athletes who have significantly contributed to Indian sports.
The President of India presents prestigious awards such as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, and Dhyan Chand Award to deserving individuals.
These awards recognize their achievements and inspire others to pursue excellence and dedication in sports.