Every year on August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day to honour Major Dhyan Chand, a renowned hockey player. This day commemorates his birth anniversary and emphasises the value of exercise and sports. National Sports Day, founded in 2012 by the Indian government, aims to encourage national unity, a healthier way of life, and motivate the younger generation to participate in sports. The day has several goals, including honouring Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy, encouraging sports, boosting awareness, encouraging participation, introducing government projects, and developing a sports culture.
About Major Dhyan Chand
Major Dhyan Chand, also know as “The Wizard of Hockey,” came into the world on August 29, 1905. His exceptional hockey talents elevated him to the ranks of the world’s most well-known Indian players. He helped India win three successive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, as well as 1936. Major Dhyan Chand began his career in 1926 and played till 1948, serving India during 185 games and scored 400 goals. To commemorate Major Dhyan Chand’s contributions to Indian sports, the Indian government named his birthday National Sports Day in 2012. This day honours his outstanding devotion, self-discipline, and passion, encouraging athletes all throughout the country.
As per Olympics website, “Star of the Indian hockey team that dominated the sport in the years before World War II, Dhyan Singh played an important role in helping India complete their first hat-trick of Olympic gold medals with wins at the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Summer Olympics.”
Significance of celebrating National Sports Day
National Sports Day highlights the importance of sports and a healthy lifestyle. The day serves various important reasons, including honouring Major Dhyan Chand’s achievements and inspiring future generations to thrive in athletics. Major Dhyan Chand, had amazing skills that contributed to India’s early twentieth-century hockey domination, which resulted in three Olympic gold medals.
Another important part of National Sports Day is to raise awareness about the benefits of sports. The event emphasises the importance of sports in promoting overall health, mental wellness, and physical wellness. It emphasises the role of athletics in fostering control, discipline, management, and teamwork. This day promotes physical exercise and sports engagement, particularly among young people, while pushing towards a healthy way of life.