National Sports Day Celebrates Major Dhyan Chand’s Legacy and Promotes Physical Activity

India is celebrating National Sports Day on August 29th with great enthusiasm, coinciding with the commencement of the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. This day is particularly significant as it commemorates the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary hockey player who significantly impacted Indian sports history. Every year, National Sports Day on August 29th honors Major Dhyan Chand, known as the ‘Wizard of Hockey.’ He led India to three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936. The day has been celebrated as National Sports Day since 2012, recognizing his exceptional achievements. The day extends beyond commemorating a sports icon; it reinforces the importance of sports and fitness in daily life. National Sports Awards are presented to outstanding players and coaches across various sports on this occasion. This year’s event is organized under the ‘Fit India Mission’ by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. A national campaign, ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein,’ will run from August 29th to 31st, encouraging people to engage in at least one hour of physical activity each day. The Ministry’s official statement emphasizes the initiative’s goal of promoting awareness about the health benefits of at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity in preventing lifestyle diseases.