National Sports Day, which is celebrated every year on August 29, holds a special place in the hearts of sports lovers across India. The day not only celebrates the athletic spirit but also pays tribute to one of India’s greatest sporting legends, Major Dhyan Chand. Sports play a vital role in maintaining both physical and mental health. People who are actively involved in sports tend to be healthier overall. India has been home to many great athletes, such as PT Usha, popularly known as ‘Udanpari’, Sachin Tendulkar, fondly called the ‘Master Blaster’, and Major Dhyan Chand, popularly known as the ‘Wizard of Hockey’.
History of National Sports Day
National Sports Day was first celebrated in 2012 after the Government of India decided to celebrate the birthday of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. Born on August 29, 1905, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Major Dhyan Chand is often regarded as one of the greatest hockey players in the world. His exceptional skills, strategic play and unwavering dedication to the game earned him the title of “The Magician” and “The Wizard” of Hockey.
The decision to celebrate his birthday as National Sports Day was a fitting tribute to a man who brought unparalleled glory to India through his sporting prowess. The day reminds us of the importance of sports in our lives and the need to encourage the younger generation to participate in physical activities.
Significance of National Sports Day
The main objective of National Sports Day is to spread awareness about the importance of sports and physical activity in daily life. The Government of India organises various programmes, events and seminars to emphasise this. According to the website of the Fit India Movement, the day aims to highlight the core values of sports: discipline, perseverance, sportsmanship and teamwork. It encourages everyone to incorporate sports into their lives and emphasises the importance of staying fit and healthy.
Promoting Sports Culture
One of the primary objectives of National Sports Day is to promote a culture of sports and physical fitness across the country. In a world where sedentary lifestyles are becoming common, this day is a powerful reminder of the benefits of staying active. Schools, colleges and various organizations organize sporting events, competitions and fitness campaigns to encourage participation from all age groups.
Government Initiatives and Awards
The Government of India uses National Sports Day as an opportunity to recognize and reward the country’s sporting achievements. On this day, the President of India usually confers prestigious sports awards, including the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award and Dhyan Chand Award, to athletes and coaches for excelling in their respective fields.
These awards are not only a recognition of individual excellence but also a means to inspire others to pursue sports with passion and dedication. They highlight the importance of sports in shaping the character and discipline of individuals and entire nations.
Awareness and Inclusivity
National Sports Day also plays an important role in raising awareness about the importance of sports and physical activities for people with disabilities. Through various events and initiatives, the day emphasises the need for inclusivity in sports and ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical ability, has the opportunity to participate and excel in sports.
Major Dhyanchand
Major Dhyanchand, popularly known as the ‘Hockey Magician’, was born on August 29, 1905 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. After completing his basic education, Dhyanchand joined the Indian Army as a Sepoy in 1922. His passion for hockey was fostered by Subedar Major Tiwari, who was an ardent sports lover. Under Tiwari’s guidance, Dhyanchand started playing hockey and soon mastered the game.
Thanks to his remarkable hockey skills, Dhyanchand was promoted to the rank of ‘Lance Naik’ in 1927, ‘Naik’ in 1932 and ‘Subedar’ in 1936. The same year, he captained the Indian hockey team. Over time, he rose to the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain and was finally promoted to the rank of Major.
Achievements of Major Dhyanchand
- Major Dhyanchand was a great hockey player. His control over the hockey ball was so precise that people used to think that the ball was magnetised and stuck to his stick. During a match, his stick was even broken to check if it had any magnetic elements.
- Dhyan Chand was a prominent player in the Indian hockey team that won three Olympic gold medals. He was made the captain of the team in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. In his entire career from 1926 to 1948, Major Dhyan Chand scored more than 400 international goals and nearly 1,000 goals overall.
- To honour this great player, the Government of India decided to celebrate his birthday as National Sports Day in 2012. Before this honour, Major Dhyan Chand was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour, in 1956.
Celebrations and Events on National Sports Day 2024
- Sports Events Across the Country: A variety of sporting events and activities will be organised across the country on National Sports Day 2024. From school-level competitions to professional tournaments, the day will be full of excitement and sportsmanship. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore will host large-scale events, while smaller towns and villages will also participate in their unique ways.
- Fitness Campaigns and Awareness Drives: In recent years, the focus on fitness has grown rapidly, thanks in part to initiatives like the Fit India Movement. On National Sports Day 2024, a renewed effort is expected to be made towards promoting physical fitness through marathons, yoga sessions and fitness challenges. Social media campaigns will also play a key role in spreading the message of staying active and healthy.
- Tribute to Sports Legends: National Sports Day 2024 will see celebrations as well as tributes to sports legends who have made significant contributions to their respective sports. Documentaries, films and panel discussions about Major Dhyan Chand and other great athletes will be shown on television and digital platforms.
Conclusion
National Sports Day is not just a day dedicated to sports; It is a day that reminds us of the importance of physical fitness, the spirit of competition, and the value of perseverance. As we celebrate National Sports Day 2024, let us take a moment to honour Major Dhyan Chand, a true sportsman whose legacy continues to inspire athletes across the world.
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