India celebrates 12th anniversary of National Sports day

India celebrates National Sports Day to pay tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand Singh on his birth anniversary on August 29 every year. This day is a reminder of the incredible contributions and achievements of athletes who have had a profound impact on society.

This year marks the 12th anniversary of Rashtriya Khel Divas, which was first celebrated on August 29, 2012. The theme for this year’s National Sports Day is “Sports are an enabler to an inclusive and fit society.”

Major Dhyan Chand Singh, born on August 29, 1905, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s most revered sporting icons. He earned the nicknames ‘Hockey Wizard’ and ‘The Magician’ for his remarkable skills and understanding of the game. During his career from 1926 to 1948, he represented India in 185 matches and scored over 400 goals. His excellence led India to three consecutive Olympic Hockey gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936.

In 2012, the Indian Government declared Major Dhyan Chand Singh’s birthday as National Sports Day to inspire future generations and promote sports and physical fitness across the country.

National Sports Day underscores the vital role of sports and physical activity in our daily lives. It encourages people of all ages to adopt a healthier lifestyle through regular exercise. On this day, the government often launches initiatives to support budding athletes with better training facilities, financial aid, and recognition.