National Sports Day

National Sports Day is an annual celebration in India dedicated to honoring the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary hockey player. Observed on August 29, this day promotes sports and physical fitness across the nation, inspiring individuals to engage in athletic activities.

Quick Facts

When is it?: August 29
Tagged as: National Sports Day
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalSportsDay
When was it founded?: 2012
Who founded it?: Government of India

History of National Sports Day

National Sports Day was first celebrated in India on August 29, 2012. The date was chosen to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, who was born on this day in 1905. Known as the “Wizard of Hockey,” Dhyan Chand played a pivotal role in securing three Olympic gold medals for India in 1928, 1932, and 1936. His extraordinary skills and dedication to the sport have left a lasting impact on Indian sports.

Timeline

2012: National Sports Day established.
2016: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award renamed to honor his legacy.
2019: Launch of the Fit India Movement coinciding with National Sports Day.
2021: National Sports Day celebrated with various events promoting sports culture.
2024: Upcoming celebrations planned with nationwide participation.

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month	Date	Day
2024	August	29	Thursday
2025	August	29	Friday
2026	August	29	Saturday
2027	August	29	Sunday
2028	August	29	Tuesday

Observed Activities

National Sports Day is marked by various events across India, including:

Inter-school and inter-college sports competitions.
Marathons and fitness camps.
Workshops and seminars on health and fitness.

Fun Facts About National Sports Day

Major Dhyan Chand practiced hockey at night under moonlight, earning him the nickname “Chand,” which means moon.
The President of India presents prestigious awards like the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award on this day.
The day aims to encourage youth participation in sports and physical activities.

Quiz

Who is National Sports Day dedicated to?
What year was National Sports Day first celebrated?
How many Olympic gold medals did Major Dhyan Chand win?

Answers:

Major Dhyan Chand
2012
Three

FAQs

What is National Sports Day?

National Sports Day is an annual event celebrated on August 29th in India to honor Major Dhyan Chand and promote sports and physical fitness.

How is it celebrated?

The day features various sports events, competitions, and awareness campaigns about the importance of physical activity.

Why is it important?

It emphasizes the role of sports in promoting health, teamwork, discipline, and national pride.

Importance of National Sports Day

National Sports Day serves as a reminder of the significance of sports in our lives. It encourages individuals to adopt an active lifestyle and highlights the contributions of athletes to society. This day also plays a crucial role in fostering a sports culture among youth, promoting teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.