National Sports Day

National sports day is the date when India celebrates the achievements and contributions of the players of different sports in India. The national sports day is celebrated on 29 August. It is important to note that 29 August is celebrated as national sports day only in India, different countries celebrate the sports day on different dates, for example, the national sports day of  Iran is celebrated on October 17.

The article deals with the history and significance of the celebration of the national sports day, it also mentions the brief biography of Dhyan Chand whose contributions are invaluable to Indian sports. The article also mentions the national sports day quotes and the slogan on national sports day. 

Why is national sports day celebrated?

The national sports day is celebrated in remembrance of the prolific player Dhyan Chand, who is known for his outstanding performance in hockey. He won gold medals in the Olympics on behalf of India. To celebrate his achievements and inspire young players to achieve their maximum potential the day of 29th August is celebrated as the national sports day in India, the most common greeting of the day is ‘happy national sports day’, it is done to raise the spirits of the fellow members.

 The importance of this day is also seen in the fact that sports are an important part of the overall development of a person, it helps in creating a physical discipline as well as helps an individual to create a stronger mindset, an individual involved in sports is likely to have a more healthy body. The national sports day is also used to promote this message to the younger population of the country. On this day players like Dhyan Chand, PT Usha, Sachin Tendulkar, and many more are acknowledged for their contributions in their respective games. Although the day was first celebrated to acknowledge the contribution of the veteran hockey player it is a very good way to create awareness related to sports and its benefit among the common people.

National sports day celebration

As discussed earlier, national sports day is celebrated on 29 August, some of the famous national sports day quotes include the quote by PV Sindu, one of the star athletes of India. One of her national sports day quotes is as follows,

"Your dreams are what define your individuality. They have the power to give you wings and make you fly high.”

As we have already understood the cause of celebration it is now important to understand the major events that take place during the celebration of the national sports day. The events of this day are celebrated at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the events are organized by the serving President of India every year. 

On this day the players are acknowledged for their invaluable contributions by honouring them with accolades, as we have already known the celebration of this day is done as the remembrance of the extraordinary hockey player Dhyan Chand, to further commemorate his achievements Government of India honours player with Dhyan Chand award for their contributions in their respective games.  

Some of the other major awards given to players on this day include the following honour, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, and Dronacharya Award.

The government of India announced the celebration of the day on 22 August 2012, since then the celebration is done on the birthday of Dhayan Chand that is on 29 August.  

Who was Dhyan Chand?

He was a famous star hockey player of the Indian National Men’s Team, he is best known for his performance in the Olympics for which he won the gold medal, he is renowned by the title of “wizard of hockey”. He was born on 29 August 1905 in Allahabad city, which is presently known as Prayagraj. He received his basic education in his hometown, Allahabad. After completing his studies he went on to join the Indian Armed Forces, he served in the Indian Army from 1922. 

His love for hockey was seen and motivated by Subedar Major Tiwari, he started playing hockey under his supervision. He was an outstanding sportsperson. He was appointed to play Lance Naik' in 1927, and in 1932 he was promoted to Nayak. He played as a captain of the Indian Hockey Team while serving as a Captain in the Indian Army in the year of 1936. He continued to serve in the Indian Army until he retired at the post of Major. 

Major Dhyan Chand played as a member of the three-time gold medal-winning team of the Olympics. He was the Captain representing India in the Berlin Olympics of 1936, India won a gold medal in hockey that year. 

Major Dhyan Chand scored about one thousand goals during his entire career as a hockey player, he scored nearly four hundred international goals during the years between 1926 to 1948. Needless to say, he was an extraordinary player in the Indian men's hockey team. To celebrate his achievements people greet each other with a happy sports day on 29 August every year. Prior to the year 2012, before the celebration of this day, he had already received the third-highest honour for the civilians of the nation, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan Award by the Government of India in 1956.

In conclusion, happy national sports day and other national sports day wishes are greeted to raise the spirits and remember the contributions of the exceptional players on the 29 August as a part of the national sports day celebration. It is done to celebrate the legacy of these exceptional players whilst motivating others.