National Sports Day 2024: National Sports Day is celebrated on 29 August, it is a day dedicated to honouring the sports culture in India and to celebrating the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. In 2024, the day holds special importance as India continues to pay importance to physical fitness and sportsmanship in shaping a healthy nation.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated to ANI, ”On the occasion of National Sports Day, we paid floral tribute to Major Dhan Chand, today. As it is his birth anniversary today, we are celebrating it as National Sports Day…people of India should stay healthy and fit. A healthy citizen is responsible for creating a society and a healthy society forms a prosperous country. To build Vikshit Bharat in 2047, every citizen needs to stay healthy as all need to stay fit.”

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National Sports Day 2024: History

Major Dhyan Chand is known as one of the legendary hockey players in India. He was born on 29 August 1905. His exceptional skills and vision on the field make him popular as ”The Wizard” of hockey. During his remarkable career, he won three prestigious Olympic gold medals for India in 1928, 1932 and 1936. His contribution to the field of hockey made him a dominant player. The National Sports Day is observed to pay tribute to his legacy and to remember his unparalleled contributions.

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National Sports Day 2024: Significance

The National Sports Day is commemorated not just honouring past achievements but also by boosting the culture of sportsmanship and encouraging youth on the importance of physical fitness. The government of India has launched several programs for promoting sports at the grassroots level. Initiatives like the Khelo India program and Fit India Movement were introduced to identify young talents and nurture their skills. The aim is to provide world-class infrastructure and to encourage youth to live an active lifestyle. Young talents are being skilfully trained to increase their participation on world-class platforms like the Olympics. Across the country, National Sports Day is acknowledged by conducting various sports events and activities. A wide level of participation and competition is organized by schools and sports academies.