As the nation gears up to celebrate the 118th birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, India is set to commemorate National Sports Day on August 29th. This annual celebration emphasizes the significance of sports and physical activities in daily life and also serves as a platform to honor the nation's sports heroes and acknowledge their remarkable contributions.
Major Dhyan Chand, a renowned figure in the world of hockey, continues to inspire generations with his remarkable prowess on the field. This year's National Sports Day marks his 118th birth anniversary, reminding the nation of his enduring legacy. Formally established as a commemorative occasion in 2012, National Sports Day has become an integral part of India's cultural calendar. Celebrated on August 29th each year, it pays homage to Major Dhyan Chand and his contributions to hockey. Promoted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, this observance aims to recognize the achievements of Indian athletes and cultivate a culture of sports within the nation.
National Sports Day holds special importance in spreading awareness about the integral role sports play in maintaining both physical and mental fitness. Among the notable sports champions being celebrated on this occasion is Neeraj Chopra, who recently clinched historic gold at the World Athletics Championships, making him the first Indian to achieve this feat. The event will witness the prestigious National Sports Awards being conferred upon deserving athletes during a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. These awards serve as tokens of recognition for athletes who have made significant contributions to their respective disciplines. The awards ceremony encompasses a range of honors, including the revered Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. This accolade is joined by the Dhyan Chand Award, designed to recognize lifelong contributions to sports, the Arjuna Award for exceptional achievements in previous seasons, and the Dronacharya Award, highlighting exceptional coaching contributions within the Indian and international sports arena. Beyond the formal proceedings, National Sports Day also resonates with grassroots sporting activities. The Fit India and Khelo India campaigns facilitate various sports competitions, engaging people of all ages across the nation. Schools, colleges, and institutions are encouraged to participate in these events, encouraging a sense of fellowship and healthy competition.
The objective of National Sports Day is to highlight the benefits of engaging in sports. From promoting physical fitness and instilling discipline to promoting teamwork and resilience, sports serve as an integral component of a well-rounded lifestyle. States like Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, and others actively participate in the festivities by organizing sporting events and seminars. These initiatives contribute to the broader goal of promoting physical activities and sports as essential components of daily routines. The Indian government seizes the occasion of National Sports Day to introduce and champion sports-related schemes, with a notable mention of the Khelo India movement, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.
As the nation stands to celebrate yet another National Sports Day, the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand and the remarkable achievements of Indian athletes continue to inspire millions to embrace the world of sports and physical fitness.
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