The National Sports Day in India is celebrated on 29 August, on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. This day is observed to spread awareness on the importance of sports and daily activities in every individual’s life. Also on this day, Indian president honours notable sports personalities with major awards including Khel Ratna, Arjuna Awards, Dronacharya Awards and Dhyan Chand Award.
The Union Government officially announced 29 August as the country’s National Sports Day in 2012 to honour Major Dhyan Chand and his achievements in the field of sports.
Sports Day in India marks the birth date of Major Dhyan Chand Singh, the hockey player who won gold medals in the Olympics for India in the years 1928, 1932 and 1936. In his career, from 1926 to 1948 he scored over 400 goals in total. He is considered a legendary figure in the Indian and world hockey and had been trained under the coach Pankaj Gupta. The highest award for lifetime achievement in sports and games in India and the National Sport day celebrations on his birthday are the most noted memorials for him.
After the death of Chand in 1979, the Indian Postal Department issued stamps in his honour. As a tribute to him, the National Stadium of Delhi was also renamed to Major Dhyan Chand stadium.
The special day not only highlights Dhyan Chand’s contribution to India’s rich sports history and culture but also spreads awareness about the significance of sports and games in India.
The Indian government over the years has launched many schemes related to sports on this day including the Khelo India scheme in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some of the other Schemes launched by Narendra Modi Government to promote sports in India are:
-Fit India Movement
-Sports Talent Search Portal
-National Sports Development Fund
-Empowered Steering Committee on Sports
-Sports & Games for Persons with Disabilities Scheme
-Schemes of Sports Authority of India (SAI)
-Target Olympic Podium Scheme
-National Sports Awards Scheme
-Promotion of sports amongst School Students under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme
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