National Sports Day 2024: Date
National Sports Day in India, observed every year on 29th August, celebrates the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary field hockey player renowned for his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport.Major Dhyan Chand, popularly known as "The Wizard of Hockey," was born on August 29, 1905 and played a crucial role in shaping what is considered the golden period of Indian hockey. With his unprecedented skills, he led India to win 3 Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936.
National Sports Day 2024: Inspiring Quotes
“If I, being a mother of two, can win a medal, so can you all. Take me as an example and don`t give up- Mary Kom“If we really want to become a good football nation, we need to work at the grass-root level. We need to open more academics with top facilities. – Baichung Bhutia
“When people throw stones at you, you turn them into milestones.” – Sachin Tendulkar
“I want to be the best, it’s not about the ranking, it’s about being consistent.” – Saina Nehwal
National Sports Day 2024: Significance and celebrations
The National Sports Day in India is celebrated to encourage people of all ages to participate in sports and other physical fitness activities and to honour the achievements of our athletes. In recent years, the Indian government has also come forward with many initiatives to promote sports and fitness.Since its inception in 2017-18, the 'Khelo India' program has emerged as a flagship government initiative dedicated to promoting sports across all age groups and levels. On National Sports Day in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the '
National Sports Day not only celebrates sports but also honors the remarkable achievements of Indian athletes, highlighting their contributions to the country's pride and international reputation.
On this day, the President of India presents several prestigious sports awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, which is the highest sporting honor in the country.
Educational institutions like schools and colleges organize various events such as inter-school and intercollege competitions, sports festivals, and exhibitions to promote engagement in diverse sports.
Major cities and towns host marathons, fitness camps, and workshops led by acclaimed athletes and coaches, further encouraging public participation in sports.