National Sports Day-2025: 29 August

Why in News ?

• National Sports Day is celebrated every year on 29 August in India.
• The purpose of this day is to promote the importance of sports and encourage the young generation towards sports and fitness.
• National Sports Day was first officially announced to be celebrated in the year 2012.
• The Government of India declared Major Dhyan Chand's birthday as this special day to honor his contribution to sports. Since then, this day has become a symbol of respect for sports and sportspersons across the country.

Major Dhyan Chand: Magician of Hockey

• Major Dhyan Chand was born on 29 August 1905 in Prayagraj (then Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh.
• He was one of the most outstanding hockey players of his time. He won three gold medals for India in the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games.
• His extraordinary hockey skills and grip on the ball were so great that it seemed as if the ball was stuck to his hockey stick.

Importance of National Sports Day

• This day spreads awareness about the importance of sports and physical activities across the country. 
• It inspires the youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle and participate in sports regularly. 
•  This day tells that sports is not just a means of entertainment but also a respectable career option.

Events and Honors

• On the occasion of National Sports Day, many programs and honor ceremonies are organized by the Government of India. 
• The most prominent among these is the distribution of National Sports Awards.
• On this day, players who have performed outstandingly in the world of sports are honored by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prominent among these awards are:
  • Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award: This is the highest sports honor of India, which is given to the player who has performed the most outstandingly in the field of sports in the last four years. 
  • Arjun Award: It is given to those players who have performed excellently at the international level.
  • Dronacharya Award: This award is given to the best coaches for their guidance.
  • Dhyan Chand Award: It is given to those players who have made significant contribution to the development of sports even after their sports career.