New Delhi: National Sports Day, also known as Rashtriya Khel Diwas, is observed every year on August 29 in India to celebrate the birth anniversary of Indian hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. On National Sports Day, we celebrate the birth anniversary of the great sportsperson and highlight the importance of sports and physical activities in our daily lives. On National Sports Day, let us look at when the day first started and its importance.
On National Sports Day, we celebrate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legend who inspired generations. Let’s honor his legacy by staying active and embracing the spirit of sportsmanship!#NationalSportsDay pic.twitter.com/xd7sLmUWAO
— India Post (@IndiaPostOffice) August 29, 2024
National Sports Day 2024: When did the day start?
The Indian government declared Major Dhyan Chand’s birthday, National Sports Day, in 2012 in honour of his significant contributions to Indian sports.
National Sports Day 2024: What is the importance of the day?
National Sports Day celebrates Major Dhyan Chand’s exceptional commitment, self-discipline, and passion, which inspire athletes nationwide.
National Sports Day also emphasises the importance of sports in enhancing overall well-being, mental health, and physical fitness. It also highlights how sports help develop self-control, discipline, leadership, and teamwork. This day encourages physical activity and sports participation, especially among young people, to support a healthy lifestyle.
About Major Dhyan Chand
Major Dhyan Chand was born on this day in 1905 in Allahabad. He followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Army, where he took up hockey. He was part of the Indian hockey team that won gold in the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics, scoring over 400 goals in his career spanning 22 years.
Dhyan Chand led the team with three goals in the 1936 Berlin Olympic final, which they won 8-1 against Germany. This victory represented the peak of India’s hockey achievements under his leadership.
Even after retiring, he continued contributing to the game, teaching at coaching camps in Rajasthan and serving as head coach at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.
When is National Sports Day celebrated in other countries?
Iran
October 17 is Physical Education & Sports Day, and from October 17 to 23, Physical Education & Sport Week is celebrated. The day emphasises the importance of exercise in the constitution.
Japan
Health and Sports Day is on the second Monday of October. It Commemorates the opening of the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Malaysia
National Sports Day is on the second Saturday in October and aims to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Qatar
National Sports Day is celebrated on the second Tuesday of February to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Bahrain
Bahraini Sports Day aims to spread different sports activities in the second week of February.
National Sports Day aims to build a sports culture, unite people, foster national pride, and enhance the country’s global standing in sports. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
