National Sports Day

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India celebrates National Sports Day on 29 August every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyanchand.

IMPORTANT FACTS -

• The day raises awareness about physical activity, sports and overall health.

• The day is also dedicated to the eminent sports persons and sports champions of India, who have made a significant contribution to the sport to make the country proud.

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will organize the 'Meet the Champion' initiative in 26 schools across the country on the occasion of National Sports Day.

• Some prominent athletes including Commonwealth Games and World Championships gold medalist Nikhat Zareen, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games medalist Bhavna Patel, Tokyo Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalist Manpreet Singh will be part of the initiative.

• Theme of 2022 - 'Meet the Champion' 

History of the day :

• The first National Sports Day was celebrated in India on 29 August 2012.

• Major Dhyan Chand, widely known as 'Hockey Wizard' and 'The Magician', was born on August 29, 1905 in Uttar Pradesh and National Sports Day is celebrated to commemorate his birthday.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -

Significance of the day :

• Its primary objective is to promote awareness about the importance of sports in the daily life of all citizens and to be physically active.

• Various programs, seminars etc. are also organized by the government to increase awareness about the importance of physical activities and sports in life.

• The day is used as a platform to launch various sporting schemes.

About Major Dhyan Chand :

• He was a member of the Indian Men's Hockey team.

• He was born in Allahabad (Prayagraj) in Uttar Pradesh on August 29, 1905.

• He was instrumental in helping India complete its first hat-trick of Olympic gold medals with victories at the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Summer Olympics.