The National Sports Day in India is celebrated on August 29, the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The day was STARTED as India's National Sports Day since 2012.
The president gives away sport-related awards such as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna,
Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award on this day.
Dhyan Chand had played a key role in India's three consecutive Olympic triumphs in 1928,
1932 and 1936. Often referred to as ‘The Wizard’ for his incredible hockey skills,
he scored over 400 goals in his career that
lasted from 1926 to 1948.
Dhyan Chand's performance in the 1936 Berlin Olympic final is considered as one of his best. He was the top scorer in the game with 3 goals and India went on to easily defeat Germany 8-1.
He was awarded India's third highest civilian honour of Padma Bhushan in 1956.
Major Dhayan Chand was Born on August 29, 1905, in Prayagraj (formerly known as Allahabad), Dhyan Chand joined the British Indian Army as a sepoy at the age of 16.
He exclusively played in army hockey tournaments between 1922 and 1926.
He played his first international match in the year 1948.The legend was originally named Dhyan Singh and, according to reports, he received the nickname 'Chand' as he used to practise all night in the moonlight.
Dhyan Chand died on December 3, 1979, in Delhi after going into a coma.
National Sports Day is celebrated to promote the significance of sports and physical activity in the country. The day serves several important purposes:
1. Honouring Major Dhyan Chand's Legacy:
Major Dhyan Chand, born on August 29, 1905, is often called the "Wizard of Hockey" due to his extraordinary skills and contributions to Indian hockey. He played a crucial role in India's dominance in hockey during the early 20th century, leading the Indian team to win three Olympic gold medals. It was believed that once the ball hit his stick, it would only result in a goal. His achievements brought international recognition to Indian hockey, and his name became synonymous with excellence in the sport.
National Sports Day was established to commemorate his contributions and to inspire future generations to excel in sports.
2. Promoting the Importance of Sports:
The annual celebration of National Sports Day serves as a reminder of the value of sports in promoting overall wellbeing, mental health, and physical fitness. It emphasises how important athletics are for developing self-control, self-discipline, leadership qualities, and teamwork.
The day is an opportunity to promote physical activity and sports participation, which are essential components of a healthy lifestyle, particularly among young people.
3. Raising Awareness and Encouraging Participation:
National Sports Day aims to increase public awareness of health and sports. Numerous initiatives and events are organised to highlight the advantages of consistent physical exercise and to inspire more individuals to participate in sports.
Sports activities, workshops, and fitness programs are organized by schools, colleges, and sports organizations all across the nation to include the community and highlight the importance of leading an active lifestyle.
4. Government Initiatives and Fitness Movements:
The government often uses National Sports Day to launch new initiatives aimed at promoting sports and fitness. For example, the "Fit India Movement" was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on National Sports Day in 2019. This movement aims to encourage Indians to prioritise fitness and make it an integral part of their daily lives.
5. Building a Sports Culture:
National Sports Day plays a vital role in building and nurturing a sports culture in India. It serves as a reminder of the potential of sports to bring people together, foster national pride, and contribute to the country's global standing in various sports disciplines.
The day helps in emphasising the need for better sports infrastructure, support for athletes, and the development of sports at the grassroots level.
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