Quick Summary
Table of Contents
National Sports Day, observed on August 29, commemorates the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand and celebrates the nation’s commitment to sports and its athletes. This day serves as an occasion to honour athletes who bring global recognition to India, inspiring national pride and unity. States like Haryana, Punjab, and Karnataka mark the day with sports events and seminars to promote the value of physical activity.
The day also provides a platform for launching government initiatives, including the Khelo India program, introduced in 2018 to increase sports participation. To celebrate the achievements of Indian athletes, the President presents prestigious awards such as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna(formerly the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna), Arjuna Award, Dhyan Chand Award, and Dronacharya Award in a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
National Sports Day, held on August 29, promotes sports and fitness across India and honours the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary figure in Indian sports. But how did this day come to be, and who is it dedicated to? Let’s delve into the history of National Sports Day and who National Sports Day is celebrated for.
The story of National Sports Day is totally linked to the life and achievements of Major Dhyan Chand Singh (1905-1979). Widely regarded as the greatest field hockey player ever, Major Dhyan Chand’s magical stickwork and exceptional skills dominated the sport for decades. He captained the Indian hockey team that secured three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936. His mastery on the field earned him the nickname “The Wizard,” and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring athletes across India.
The National Sports Awards, presented annually on August 29 (National Sports Day), honour outstanding contributions to Indian sports. The top accolade, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, is awarded for exceptional athletic performance, often to Olympic medalists, with chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand as the first recipient in 1991. The Arjuna Award, the oldest since 1961, celebrates sustained athletic success, while the Dronacharya Award (established in 1985) recognizes top coaches. The Dhyan Chand Award, introduced in 2002, celebrates lifetime achievements in sports. National Sports Day, officially designated in 2012 to coincide with Major Dhyan Chand’s birthday, promotes sportsmanship, fitness, and respect for sports heroes.
Every year on August 29th, India comes alive with the spirit of sportsmanship as the nation celebrates National Sports Day. But why is this day significant, and how does it promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage participation in sports? Let’s find out.
Born on August 29, Dhyan Chand emerged as one of the greatest hockey players in history. He showed his extraordinary skill and dedication to the sports that helped India win their Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936.
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.
Starting his hockey career with the regimental team of the British Indian Army, a young Dhyan Singh was a special talent. But what made him stand out was his dedication to his craft.
With most of the day spent in regimental duties, Dhyan Singh would practice his hockey at night under the moonlight, a reason that earned him the name Dhyan Chand (Chand means moon in Hindi).
He would rise through the ranks in the coming years, helping his teams with the various inter-Army matches, and would soon be called up for the Indian hockey team for the 1928 Olympics.
There would be no looking back from there as Dhyan Chand went on to rule the world of hockey with his delightful stick work and understanding of the game that earned him the moniker of ‘Hockey Wizard’ and ‘The Magician’.
The hockey legend’s career spanned from 1926 to 1948 and ended as one of the greatest hockey players of all time after having represented India in 185 matches and scored over 400 goals during this period.
While he retired as a Major in the Punjab Regiment of the Indian Army in 1956, the Indian government went on to confer the Padma Bhushan – the third-highest civilian award – the same year. The National Sports Day is celebrated on Dhyan Chand’s birthday on August 29 to honour the hockey legend. National Sports Day 2024 was celebrated on Thursday.
National Sports Day holds a special place in India’s calendar. It commemorates the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, a true sporting icon. This day serves a multitude of purposes, including:
National Sports Day serves as a national platform to celebrate sporting achievements and encourage participation in sports at all levels. Schools and sports organizations across the country organize various activities like tournaments, marathons, and awareness campaigns on this day. The prestigious National Sports Awards are also conferred on deserving athletes and coaches during this time.
Click here to read about National Sports Day in Hindi.
Major Dhyan Chand, born on August 29, 1905, earned the title “The Wizard of Hockey” for his exceptional skills, ball control, and scoring precision. Key to India’s three consecutive Olympic golds in 1928, 1932, and 1936, he became an international hockey legend. With a career from 1926 to 1948, he represented India in 185 matches, scoring an impressive 400 goals. In 2012, his birthday was declared National Sports Day by the Indian government to honour his legacy and inspire athletes across the nation. The Olympics website praises him as the star of India’s pre-WWII hockey dominance, contributing to their Olympic hat-trick of gold medals.
Hockey, India’s national sport, holds a cherished place in the nation’s heritage and is closely linked to National Sports Day, celebrated on August 29. This day honours hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, whose remarkable skill and passion continue to inspire generations. National Sports Day embodies values like unity, discipline, and perseverance, which hockey represents so well. Through various events and activities, the celebration promotes a dynamic sports culture, encouraging India’s youth to embrace an active lifestyle and the spirit of teamwork.
National Sports Day goes beyond competition, highlighting sports’ role in fostering unity, pride, and community spirit. Major Dhyan Chand’s legendary career exemplifies excellence through dedication and skill, inspiring generations. This day embodies the idea that sports are more than physical activity—they represent resilience and aspiration. By celebrating National Sports Day, India reinforces its dedication to building a healthier, united nation through sports and fitness.
National Sports Day in India, celebrated on August 29th, is a vibrant showcase of sports and culture. The day features various sports competitions, with schools, colleges, and sports clubs hosting events in athletics, football, cricket, basketball, and hockey, all honouring Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy. These activities promote teamwork, healthy competition, and sportsmanship. The celebrations also include cultural performances and art exhibitions, highlighting the connection between sports and creativity. National Sports Day unites people through sports and inspires a collective passion for physical activity and fitness.
Speeches have a powerful ability to inform, inspire, and unite audiences, serving as a timeless tradition to share ideas and spark change. From historic addresses to motivational talks, the delivery and content of a speech are crucial in evoking strong emotions and connecting with listeners. Inspirational messages resonate universally, transcending time and culture, shaping opinions, and inspiring action, whether delivered in person or digitally.
The theme for National Sports Day 2025 in India is “Sport to Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”, highlighting the role of sports in building unity, teamwork, and social harmony across diverse communities. Aligned with this vision, the Fit India Movement has introduced the campaign “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main” (One Hour on the Playground), inspiring citizens to dedicate at least an hour each day to physical activity.
National Sports Day, celebrated annually on August 29th, is a significant event in India’s sporting calendar. This day marks the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary figure in Indian hockey. The day is also an occasion to honour India’s sporting heroes with prestigious awards.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announces the winners of these National Sports Awards on National Sports Day. The Hon’ble President of India confers the awards at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The National Sports Day Awards 2025 was a significant event for all sportspeople and people in the field of sports. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports released the list of winners, recognizing the hard work and perseverance of many sportspersons.
The Hon’ble President of India conferred the National Sports Awards 2025. The event was a testament to the excellence in sports that these athletes have demonstrated. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for future generations of sportspeople in India.
| S. No. | Awardee | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gukesh Dommaraju | Chess |
| 2 | Harmanpreet Singh | Hockey |
| 3 | Praveen Kumar | Para-Athletics |
| 4 | Manu Bhaker | Shooting |
Awarded for outstanding performance in sports and games over the previous four years.
| S. No. | Name | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jyothi Yarraji | Athletics |
| 2 | Annu Rani | Athletics |
| 3 | Nitu | Boxing |
| 4 | Saweety | Boxing |
| 5 | Vantika Agrawal | Chess |
| 6 | Salima Tete | Hockey |
| 7 | Abhishek | Hockey |
| 8 | Sanjay | Hockey |
| 9 | Jarmanpreet Singh | Hockey |
| 10 | Sukhjeet Singh | Hockey |
| 11 | Rakesh Kumar | Para-Archery |
| 12 | Preeti Pal | Para-Athletics |
| 13 | Jeevanji Deepthi | Para-Athletics |
| 14 | Ajeet Singh | Para-Athletics |
| 15 | Sachin Sarjerao Khilari | Para-Athletics |
| 16 | Dharambir | Para-Athletics |
| 17 | Pranav Soorma | Para-Athletics |
| 18 | H Hokato Sema | Para-Athletics |
| 19 | Simran | Para-Athletics |
| 20 | Navdeep | Para-Athletics |
| 21 | Nitesh Kumar | Para-Badminton |
| 22 | Thulasimathi Murugesan | Para-Badminton |
| 23 | Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan | Para-Badminton |
| 24 | Manisha Ramadass | Para-Badminton |
| 25 | Kapil Parmar | Para-Judo |
| 26 | Mona Agarwal | Para-Shooting |
| 27 | Rubina Francis | Para-Shooting |
| 28 | Swapnil Suresh Kusale | Shooting |
| 29 | Sarabjot Singh | Shooting |
| 30 | Abhay Singh | Squash |
| 31 | Sajan Prakash | Swimming |
| 32 | Aman | Wrestling |
| S. No. | Awardee | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sucha Singh | Athletics |
| 2 | Murlikant Rajaram Petkar | Para-Swimming |
Regular Category
| S. No. | Coach | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Subhash Rana | Para-Shooting |
| 2 | Deepali Deshpande | Shooting |
| 3 | Sandeep Sangwan | Hockey |
Lifetime Category
| S. No. | Coach | Discipline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S. Muralidharan | Badminton |
| 2 | Armando Agnelo Colaco | Football |
| S. No. | Awarded To | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physical Education Foundation of India | Recognized for promotion/development of sports. |
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| High-profile Khel Ratna winners | Chess prodigy Gukesh D, hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, shooter Manu Bhaker, and para-athlete Praveen Kumar received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awards. |
| New visibility for para-sports | Heavy representation of para-athletes across Arjuna awards (many para categories), reflecting India’s strong Paralympic performance. |
| Lifetime Arjuna spotlight | Murlikant Petkar, an 80-year-old Paralympic champion and veteran, honoured with Lifetime Arjuna — a significant emotional and historical moment. |
| Universities & growth | MAKA Trophy win for Chandigarh University — milestone for private univs in university-level sports. |
The Government confers the list of awardees after the Committee’s recommendations and immense scrutiny. The awards are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the sportspersons who have brought laurels to the country in their respective sports.
National Sports Day in India is a nationwide celebration of sportsmanship, marked by various events that emphasize physical activity and healthy competition. From school fields to professional arenas, the day features athletics, cricket, football, basketball, and traditional games, with enthusiastic participation from all.
State and national-level tournaments also take place, showcasing top athletes in disciplines like archery, wrestling, badminton, and table tennis. These events not only highlight established champions but also provide a platform for emerging talent.
National Sports Day serves as a reminder of the power of sports to unite the nation, with athletes and spectators alike embodying determination, resilience, and passion. It’s a celebration of the transformative impact of athleticism, reaffirming the spirit of unity and competition.
Women in sports are breaking barriers and rewriting history with their exceptional achievements. These athletes challenge norms, redefine standards, and push the limits of human potential. Their stories are not just about competition but about courage, persistence, and progress.
Their accomplishments show that talent has no gender, and the spirit of sportsmanship is universal. As we celebrate these trailblazers, let’s continue to promote equality in sports and provide opportunities for all athletes to thrive, regardless of gender.
National Sports Day plays a key role in inspiring the youth and shaping a nation’s future by fostering a strong sporting culture. It honours the past while motivating young athletes to excel. By promoting sports at the grassroots level, the day helps identify talent, provides opportunities for growth, and connects youth aspirations with development, paving the way for future champions.
India first celebrated National Sports Day with the aim of fostering a robust sports culture within a society that presents challenges and opportunities with far-reaching impacts on physical well-being, community engagement, and national identity. Limited access to sports facilities, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas, poses another challenge. The lack of infrastructure restricts the potential talent pool. To turn this obstacle into an opportunity, invest in community sports centers, public parks, and school programs that democratize access to sports. Such initiatives identify budding athletes and foster inclusivity and social integration.
National Sports Day isn’t just about celebrating past achievements; it’s about igniting a passion for sports across the nation. Here’s how the day promotes participation:
National Sports Day is a time to celebrate the power of sports in our lives. It’s a day to honour athletes, recognize the importance of physical activity, and ignite a passion for sportsmanship and healthy competition.
Here are some inspirational quotes to fuel your spirit on National Sports Day and beyond:
Quotes on Dedication and Perseverance:
Quotes on Teamwork and Sportsmanship:
Quotes on the Importance of Sports:
National Sports Day also offers a chance to be inspired by legendary Indian athletes like Dhyan Chand or P.T. Usha and their remarkable journeys.
While India celebrates National Sports Day on August 29th, many other countries dedicate a special day to promoting the importance of sports and physical activity. Here’s a glimpse into how some nations observe their respective sports days:
Iran celebrates Physical Education & Sports Week in October, with October 17th marking the main National Sports Day. Public events, school sports competitions, and fitness demonstrations are organized to encourage participation and highlight the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Japan observes Sports Day (体育の日, Taiiku no Hi) on the second Monday of October. Schools hold athletic events and competitions, while companies might organize sports festivals for employees. This day fosters a national spirit of health and well-being.
Malaysia celebrates National Sports Day (Hari Sukan Negara) on the second Saturday in October. Nationwide sporting events, marathons, and community fitness activities take center stage on this day, encouraging people of all ages to actively pursue a healthy lifestyle.
National Sports Day in Qatar falls on the second Tuesday of February. This unique sports day is a national holiday, with government offices and schools closed. Throughout the day, organizers hold public sporting events, fitness challenges, and family-oriented activities, all with the goal of promoting a culture of sports participation across the nation.
Similar to Qatar, Bahrain celebrates National Sports Day on the second Tuesday of February. Schools hold sports competitions, and government departments often organize sports tournaments. Public parks and sports facilities offer free access for the day, encouraging citizens to get active.
South Korea doesn’t have an official National Sports Day. However, they celebrate Health Day (보건의 날, Bogunui Nal) on the third Wednesday of April. While not strictly focused on sports, this day promotes healthy living through public health campaigns, sports events, and free health screenings.
This is just a small sampling of how different countries celebrate information about National Sports Day. Each nation has its own unique traditions and events associated with its sports day, but the core message remains the same: to promote the importance of sports and physical activity for a healthier and more active population.
India celebrates National Sports Day on August 29 to showcase its sports spirit. This day, observed in honour of Major Dhyan Chand’s birthday, reflects the nation’s deep admiration for its sporting heroes and the indomitable human spirit they embody.
By celebrating a happy National Sports Day, India pays homage to athletes’ legendary prowess and underscores the power of sports to unify a diverse nation. This unity, fostered by the common passion for athletic endeavours, mirrors the harmonious blend of diversity that defines India.
Read More:-
Along with the National Sports Day, read the related articles by visiting the above links.
India celebrates its athletes and sports on National Sports Day. On August 29, Major Dhyan Chand’s birthday, it honours Indian athletes who have represented India abroad.
August 29 holds immense significance as it is the birthday of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, who is often hailed as the “Wizard of Indian Hockey.”
India first celebrated National Sports Day on August 29, 2012, which was the 107th birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.
Major Dhyan Chand was an iconic figure in Indian sports history, known for his extraordinary prowess in hockey. He was born on August 29, 1905, and brought tremendous pride to the nation with his remarkable achievements in hockey.
National Sports Day is celebrated on 29th August of every year in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, leading India to three consecutive Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, and 1936).
Authored by, Muskan Gupta
Content Curator
Muskan believes learning should feel like an adventure, not a chore. With years of experience in content creation and strategy, she specializes in educational topics, online earning opportunities, and general knowledge. She enjoys sharing her insights through blogs and articles that inform and inspire her readers. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her hopping between bookstores and bakeries, always in search of her next favorite read or treat.
Editor's Recommendations
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
