National Sports Day 2025: When was National Sports Day celebrated for the first time? What is its importance
National Sports Day is celebrated in India on 29 August. Major Dhyanchand, the great hockey player, was born on this day. The President honors the Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awards on the occasion of Sports Day. Apart from this, coaches are given the Dronacharya Award. The Sports Ministry has said that this year Sports Day will be led by Fit India Mission. The ministry said that it has launched a nationwide sports and fitness campaign from August 29 to 31 under the theme at the playground for one hour.
Who was Major Dhyanchand?
National Sports Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyanchand. He was born on 29 August 1905. Known as the great player of Field Hockey, Dhyanchand was part of the Indian teams to dominate the Olympics from 1929 to 1936 before the Second World War. His legacy continued even after his retirement as India won the hockey gold medal in the 1948 Olympics after the Second World War. He also captured Gold in 1952 and 1956. The silver medal won after losing the final to Pakistan in 1960. Then won the gold medal in 1964 by defeating Pakistan.
Dhyanchand had the ability to keep the ball under its control and score goals. Due to this, he also gained fame out of hockey. Australia’s legendary cricketer Don Bradman said about him that he scored goals like scoring runs in cricket. Apart from celebrating National Sports Day on his birth anniversary, India’s highest sports honor Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award has also been named after him.
When did National Sports Day start?
National Sports Day was first celebrated in 2012. The main objective of celebrating this day is to promote sports activities in the country. The important thing is that on this day the Presidents of India offer National Sports Awards in honor of their achievements.
Which National Sports Awards are given by the President every year on National Sports Day?
Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna- Country’s highest sports honor
Arjuna Award- Second highest game honor
Dronacharya Award- Supreme sports honor for trainers
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy- For outstanding performance in university level competitions.
