August 29th marks National Sports Day in India, a day filled with fervor and excitement, also highlighted by the start of the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. This day is a tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, a celebrated figure in Indian sports, whose birthday is commemorated on this day. Major Dhyan Chand, revered as the ‘Wizard of Hockey,’ secured three consecutive Olympic gold medals for India in 1928, 1932, and 1936. His remarkable contributions led to the designation of this day as National Sports Day, starting in 2012. The celebration goes beyond just honoring a great player; it advocates for integrating sports and fitness into everyday routines. The day features the presentation of National Sports Awards to recognize the achievements of deserving players and coaches. Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the ‘Fit India Mission,’ this year’s event includes the ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ campaign, running from August 29th to August 31st. This campaign encourages people to dedicate at least an hour to physical activity daily. The Ministry’s official statement highlights the initiative’s aim to underscore the benefits of 60 minutes of daily physical activity in preventing lifestyle diseases.
