Sports refers to any kind of competitive game or physical activity. It helps in improving or maintaining physical skills in a way that is enjoyable to the participants as well as the audience. It is an important form of business, both inside India as well as in foreign countries.
About National Sports Day
29th August is celebrated as the National Sports Day in India. It marks the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand, and is also known as Rashtriya Khel Diwas. It reminds us about the importance of sports in our lives. Different countries celebrate their National Sports Day on different days.
History of National Sports Day
National Sports Day was celebrated for the first time in India on 29th August in 2012 to mark the birthday of the legendary Hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand. In a country where most sportspersons are celebrities, Dhyan Chan Singh has reserved a special place for himself like no other. He was Born on 29th August, in Allahabad (Prayagraj) in Uttar Pradesh, in 1905. He rose to fame in the present independence period and was a member of the Indian Hockey Team. He was the champion of three consecutive Summer Olympics- 1928, 1932 and 1936. He was called Dhyan Chand because of his dedication and enthusiasm towards Hockey. The Government of India presented him the Padma Bhushan Award in 1956.
He had joined the British Army when he was just sixteen years old. He played Hockey with the British Army, and soon it was clear to everyone that Dhyan Chand had a special dedication towards the sport and played it like no other.
He would practice Hockey at night, under the moonlight, which is why he is known as Dyan Chand (The word Chand means Moon). He would help his team win in the Inter-Army matches, be promoted through the ranks, and be asked to play for India in the Olympics. He played for India from 1926 to 1948. He played 185 matches for India and scored over 400 goals.
National Sports Day is celebrated in many countries globally to encourage people to participate in sports and other physical activities.
National Sports Day 2023 Date
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When is National Sports Day 2023?
National Sports Day for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Tuesday, 29 August.
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National Sports Day dates for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Mon | 29 August | National Sports Day |
| 2023 | Tue | 29 August | National Sports Day |
| 2024 | Thu | 29 August | National Sports Day |
| 2025 | Fri | 29 August | National Sports Day |
| 2026 | Sat | 29 August | National Sports Day |
National Sports Day Quotes
Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That’s what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice. — Bethany Hamilton
The only one who can tell you 'you can't win' is you, and you don't have to listen — Jessica Ennis Hill
Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion. — Michael Jordan
You control your wins and losses. — Maria Sharapova
It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, and waves pound the sand. I beat people up. — Muhammed Ali
Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t pretend that you do and, and some point, you will. — Venus Williams
If I have a reason to do something, and I have enough passion, I generally succeed. — Leander Paes
When people throw stones at you, you turn them into milestones. — Sachin Tendulkar
I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all. — Simone Biles
I always felt that my greatest asset was not my physical ability, it was my mental ability. — Bruce Jenner
I don’t want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant. — Kobe Bryant
Never give up, never give in, and when the upper hand is ours, may we have the ability to handle the win with the dignity that we absorbed the loss. — Doug Williams
Passion first and everything will fall into place. — Holly Holm
National Sports Day Wishes
National Sports Day gives you the perfect opportunity to get yourself interested in the world of sports and thus to adopt a healthy and fit lifestyle. Wishes on National Sports Day to you!
It is proven that both physical and mental health both of these can be improved greatly by participating in sports. National Sports Day wishes to everyone!
Gold medals won by athletes does not consist of gold but their hardwork and determination and we should never forget it. Happy National Sports Day!
Hard days are the best because those are the days when champions are made. Happy National Sports Day!
It is not our country’s responsibility to push us forward. It is our responsibility to move our country forward. On National Sports Day, we salute the sports spirit of Dhyan Chand.
Major Dhyan Chand was a brilliant hockey wizard who brought laurels to the nation. Let us honor him on his birthday.
Champions keep playing until they get it right. Happy National Sports Day!
National Sports Day Messages
Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement. Happy National Sports Day!
Remember that you win as a team and you lose as a team. The most important thing is the team.
Dhyan Chand’s life demonstrates that you can win any sport if you put in your best effort and devotion.
Major Dhyan Chand dedicated his life to bringing honour to the country. Sending best wishes on his birth anniversary.
Significance of National Sports Day
National Sports Day is celebrated to acknowledge the importance and significance of sports in our lives. India has achieved heights in the field of sports and is still breaking records. Today, India is not only defined by Cricket or Hockey but also has made its mark in other sports segments. Sports is an important part of the country, and athletes from every part of the country have glorified the nation’s name.
This day highlights and celebrates the achievements of the various athletes who have made our country proud and contributed to the bright history of sports. Sports also help in improving the overall health of individuals. The government has organized several projects related to sports for the benefit of athletes since the inauguration of the day. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, initiated the Khelo India campaign in 2018.
Several states in India like Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka etc., organize seminars and other events related to sports to spread awareness about this day.
Benefits of Sports in Our Lives
- Reduced chances of a heart attack, stroke or other heart diseases.
- Reduced chances of high blood pressure.
- No risk of being overweight.
- Improved development of bones and muscles.
- Increased flexibility of body, endurance and strength.
- Increases the amount of sleep and improves the quality of life.
- It helps in improving self-esteem.
- It helps in accepting criticisms.
- Increases team spirit.
- It helps to improve communication skills.
How Is National Sports Day Celebrated?
National Sports Day in India is celebrated all over the country. It is celebrated in the Rashtrapati Bhavan every year. The President of India gives out the National Sports Awards to all the outstanding athletes of the county. Several states celebrate this day by organizing sports events.
Sports Day Celebrations Around the World
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Iran
Iran celebrates Sports Day from 17th October to 23rd October. This week is also called Physical Education and Sport Week. This week highlights the importance of sports and exercise in the life of people. It is also stated in the Article III of the Iranian Constitution.
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Japan
Japan celebrates its Sports Day in October. It is called Health and Sports Day (Tai-iku no Hi) in Japan, and it was inaugurated on 10th October 1966. It is being celebrated on the second Monday of October every year since 2000.
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Malaysia
National Sports Day in Malaysia (Hari Sukan Negara) is held every year on the second Saturday in October. Its main motive is to spread awareness about the importance of sports and physical exercise. It was first held in 2015 and is a national holiday in the country.
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Qatar
National Sports Day is a national holiday in the country and is held on the second Tuesday in February every year. The aim of this day is to encourage its population to lead a healthy lifestyle. It was celebrated for the first time in 2012.
National Sports Day Awards
The President of India gives out several awards to the deserving athletes of the country. Some of them are:
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Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
It is presented to the athlete who has delivered outstanding performance. It is usually given to the Olympic medalists during the Olympic year.
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Arjuna Award
It acknowledges the athletes of the previous years.
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Dronacharya Award
This award is presented to the best coaches in the country and abroad who have played a major role in the development of sports in India.
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Dhyan Chand Award
It is presented to an athlete for their lifetime achievement in their sports field.
The Sports Ministry appoints an award committee that suggests potential nominees and winners to the government.
Interesting Facts About National Sports Day
- National Sports Day is celebrated to mark the birthday of the legendary Hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand.
- The President of India distributes several important awards to remarkable athletes in the country.
- This day is celebrated in an extravagant manner, and several football and other sports tournaments are held all over the country.
- In the first year of celebration, FICCI organized several events with the help of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and other bodies.
- Two athletes are nominated every year for the Khel Ratna Sports Awards.
- On this day, people remember the greatest Hockey player of all time and cheer for their favourite athlete.
Some Facts About Major Dyan Chand
- The Indian Hockey Team won three Gold Medals under his leadership.
- He joined the Indian Army when he was sixteen years old and retired after attaining the post of Major.
- Adolf Hitler was impressed by his skills and performance in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and offered him German citizenship and a post in the Army.
- The National Hockey Stadium was renamed as Dhyan Chand National Stadium to honour him in 2002.
- Sir Don Bradman, the legend in Cricket, commented that Major Dhyan Chan scores goals like runs.
Sports is an important part of our country and plays an important role in our development. People should be more aware of the benefits of sports, and the government should also take measures to find deserving athletes and give them proper recognition. Parents should also allow and encourage their children to pursue their dreams, and this is how India can have more good athletes like Neeraj Chopra, who will break records and glorify the country in the coming future.
