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India has established a very strong, powerful and new identity on the global sports map in the last few decades. Be it the Mahakumbh of the Olympic Games, the cricket field, the Commonwealth Games or the Asian Games, Indian players have enhanced the prestige of the tricolor in the whole world with their brilliant performance on every front. This ever-increasing progress of India in the world of sports is a clear proof that physical fitness, athletics and sports are now being given top priority in the country. Dedicating this sporting spirit and achievements, 29th August is celebrated with great enthusiasm every year as ‘National Sports Day’. But have you ever wondered why this date of 29th August has been chosen to celebrate Sports Day? Behind this one question lies that golden chapter of Indian sports history which made India famous all over the world. Let us know in this detailed report what is the significance of this historical day of 29th August and how it is connected to the life of the great player Major Dhyanchand.
The main and only reason behind celebrating National Sports Day on 29 August every year in India is the great hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. Known across the world as the ‘Magician of Hockey’, he was the same extraordinary player who stunned the entire world with his magic stick and sporting skills. Major Dhyan Chand was the same great personality who was an integral and most important part of the Indian hockey team which achieved the first historic hat-trick of gold medals in the Olympic Games. He was born on 29 August 1905 in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) city of Uttar Pradesh. His sporting talent can be gauged from the fact that when he used to come on the field with a hockey stick, the ball would stick to his stick as if it was a magnet. The opposition teams looked completely helpless in front of his playing skills. In honor of his unique contribution and taking Indian hockey to global heights, his birthday was chosen as National Sports Day.
Major Dhyan Chand is one of the shining stars of Indian sports history who is counted among the greatest players of the world. In view of his dedication towards sports and the invaluable contribution made to the country, there has been a demand by sports lovers and experts for a long time that he should be awarded the country’s highest civilian honor ‘Bharat Ratna’. However, to forever dedicate his birthday to all the players and sports culture of the country, it was officially declared to be celebrated as ‘National Sports Day’ in the year 2012. The main objective of celebrating this day is to make the young generation of the country aware of sports, to inspire them to make sports an important part of life and to honor the contribution of the best athletes of the country. On the occasion of National Sports Day, a grand ceremony is organized at the Rashtrapati Bhavan of India, where the President of the country honors the outstanding players, coaches and sports organizations with extraordinary and historic performances on the sports field during the last one year with National Sports Awards in various prestigious categories. These include Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award and Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, the country’s highest sporting honour, earlier known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, is now known as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, a true tribute to this great sportsman.
The scope of this sacred and historic day of National Sports Day is not limited only to the distribution of awards, but it has also worked to change the lifestyle of the citizens of the country. Taking a big step in this direction, on this very day in the year 2019 i.e. on 29th August, the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the much awaited ‘Fit India Movement’ on the occasion of National Sports Day. The main objective of this national campaign was to make citizens in every corner of the country aware about physical fitness, health, eating habits and sports and to motivate them to include physical activities in their daily life. Even today, on this special occasion, all the big politicians and sports personalities of the country including Prime Minister Narendra Modi have wished the countrymen on National Sports Day on various platforms of social media. Remembering Major Dhyan Chand in his message, Prime Minister Modi wrote that every Indian who loves sports is proud of your passion and commitment towards sports, and Major Dhyan Chand’s brilliant game has inspired generations to move forward.
In today’s modern era, when people’s lifestyle is becoming increasingly sedentary, the importance of National Sports Day increases even more. This day reminds us that sports are not just a medium for entertainment or winning medals, but are the foundation of discipline, teamwork, mental toughness and physical health. The way Major Dhyan Chand dedicated everything for the country even in adverse circumstances, he is an example for today’s youth. The work being done by the government to nurture talent at the grassroots level through initiatives like Khelo India is poised to make India a superpower in the future. This day of 29th August inspires every Indian to take a pledge that they will adopt sports and fitness in their life and will always respect the players who bring glory to the country.