India celebrates National Sports Day honoring Major Dhyan Chand

India celebrated National Sports Day on August 29, marking the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. The day was observed across the country with various tributes, sporting events, and initiatives aimed at promoting physical fitness and the Fit India Movement.

National leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and various state Chief Ministers, paid homage to Major Dhyan Chand, describing his legacy as an inspiration for generations. The central government promoted the ‘One Hour on the Playground’ theme, encouraging citizens to dedicate time to physical activity.

Regional celebrations included the foundation stone laying of the Uttarakhand State Sports University by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and various fitness runs in Delhi and Patna. In Assam, celebrations integrated modern sports with indigenous traditional activities. Additionally, the day saw the conferment of National Sports Awards 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.