National Sports Day 2024: Get Active, Stay Healthy

India celebrates National Sports Day on August 29, the birth anniversary of hockey hero Dhyan Chand. In 2012, the day was declared India’s National Sports Day. In Indian and international hockey, Major Dhyan Chand was a legend. He played a key role in India’s achievement of their first Olympic hat-trick, winning gold at the Summer Olympics in 1928, 1932, and 1936. Dhyan was known as “Chand” because he would practice hockey at night after his regular day’s work was done, demonstrating his dedication to his craft. It is an important day to consider the amazing feats of sportsmen and their deep influence on society, serving as a reminder of their commitment and exceptional accomplishments. This day also pays homage to the athletes who have left an indelible mark on the world of sports.

National Sports Day 2024 promises to be a nationwide celebration of Athleticism, teamwork, and the spirit of sportsmanship. At this yearly celebration honoring the late Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, communities all over the nation will unite to acknowledge the value of sports in promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Universe Public School (CBSE and RBSE) is all set to celebrate National Sports Day 2024 with great enthusiasm and vigor. Several thrilling events and activities will be held as part of this year’s celebrations to emphasize the value of sports and physical fitness in student’s lives.

From inter-house competitions in various sports disciplines to fitness challenges and interactive sessions with renowned athletes, the day promises to be both inspiring and fun-filled. Universe Public School emphasis on promoting a healthy and active lifestyle will be at the forefront, encouraging students to participate and excel in sports.

The Theme For National Sports Day 2024

The Theme for National Sports Day 2024 is ‘Sport for the Promotion and Peaceful and Inclusive Societies’. This theme highlights how athletics can strengthen social bonds, unite individuals, and give communities the tools they need to promote inclusivity and peace.

History of National Sports Day 

Many people believe that Major Dhyan Chand, a field hockey player, is the best player of all time. Dhyan Chand was born on August 29, 1905, in Allahabad, India, to a Kushwaha Rajput family. He was the son of Rameshwar Singh and Sharadha. Mool Singh and Roop Singh are the two brothers of Dhyan Chand. The latter, a hockey player as well, competed for India in field hockey and won gold medals in the 1932 and 1936 Olympics. Chand’s father served in the British Indian Army, where he was a member of the hockey team. Chand was renowned for his exceptional ball-handling and goal-scoring skills. Beyond these victories, his influence can be seen in the eight Olympics held between 1928 and 1964, where India won the field hockey competition seven times.

According to his memories, Chand played internationally from 1926 until 1949, scoring 570 goals in 185 matches during his home and international career. He was given the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, by the Indian government in 1956, the same year he retired from the army with the rank of major.

To mark his birthday, India established National Sports Day in 2012. The celebration’s goals are to pay tribute to the sports hero and raise public awareness of the value of sports in daily life, with an emphasis on physical fitness and wellbeing. On this day, prominent sports stars receive important awards from the President of India, such as the Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya, and Dhyan Chand awards. The death of Dhyan Chand occurred on December 3, 1979.

Significance of National Sports Day 

Every year on August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day in honor of Major Dhyan Chand, one of the greatest hockey players of all time, who was born on this day.

  • On National Sports Day, we honor the accomplishments of Indian athletes and raise awareness of the value of sports in our culture.
  • Additionally, it is a day to honor Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy and his commitment to Indian sports.
  • Numerous sporting activities take place all throughout the nation on National Sports Day. Anyone can participate in these events, regardless of age, gender, or ability level.
  • The goal is to encourage people to participate in sports and to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
  • On National Sports Day, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards are presented by the President of India.
  • Athletes who have made exceptional achievements to sports are eligible to receive these prizes, which are the greatest honors in Indian sports.

National Sports Day is a celebration of the spirit of sportsmanship and the importance of physical fitness. It’s a time to unite, support our athletes, and motivate the upcoming generation of sports heroes.

National Sports Day Timeline 

  • 1925 (Inter-Provincial Tournament): Chand’s skillful stick work caught everyone’s attention when he was selected to represent the United Provinces (U.P.) in the Inter-Provincial Tournament in 1925.
  • 1934 (India’s Hockey Team Captain): He had an incredible career with Indian hockey, winning two gold medals at the Olympics, and was named captain in December 1934.
  • 1956 (Padma Bhushan Award): Chand received the Padma Bhushan Award in 1956, India’s third-highest civilian honor). 
  • 2012 (National Sports Day): In 2012, India established National Sports Day to honor Dhyan Chand’s birthday. 

National Sports Day Activities

  • Form Your Own Team: Bring your buddies together to cheer on your favorite team. You can also create your own team outdoors. Regardless of your skill level, it will be worthwhile to appreciate the challenge and physical activity.
  • Read About Dhyan Chand: Dhyan Chand is one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Learn about his background, his experiments in several sectors, and his many successes.
  • Share Pictures of Your Team Jersey: Give your friends and family a group photo of you all sporting your favorite sports jerseys. Include the hashtag #NationalSportsDay in your images as well.

5 Facts About Sports

  • Olympic Ring Significance: The Olympic rings and the white background stand in for the flags of every nation competing in that year’s competition.
  • The World’s Second Most Popular Sport:After football, hockey is the world’s second most popular sport.
  • Sports Champion: Dhyan Chand is said to be hockey’s Muhammad Ali.
  • Many Different Kinds of Sports: The “World Sports Encyclopedia” lists about eight thousand sports.
  •  First Sport in the World: Probably the earliest sport as we know it now was wrestling, which dates back to 776 B.C. in Greece.

Why We Love National Sports Day 

  • It Creates Awareness: The importance of sports and physical activity in daily life is highlighted on this day. Since National Sports Day was first observed in India in 2012, the government has announced an array of sports-related initiatives on the occasion.
  • It Holors Dhyan Chand’s Legacy: To celebrate the importance of sports in our lives and to pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy, National Sports Day is celebrated. Multiple honors, including the Arjuna Award and the Dhyan Chand Award, are presented to sporting heroes to recognize their contributions to sports.
  • It Brings People Together: Via sports, we can share in the happiness of someone else’s well-earned success. People from all walks of life can connect via sports in ways they never would have otherwise.
FAQs 

What is National Sports Day?

National Sports Day is an annual event celebrated on August 29th in India to honor the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. It seeks to honor the accomplishments of Indian athletes and raise awareness of the value of sports and physical activity in daily life.

What is the Theme for National Sports Day 2024?

The Theme for National Sports Day 2024 is ‘Sport for the Promotion and Peaceful and Inclusive Societies’.

Why is National Sports Day celebrated on August 29th?

August 29 is designated as National Sports Day in honor of Major Dhyan Chand, one of India’s best hockey players and a major figure in Indian sports history.

How is National Sports Day celebrated?

National Sports Day is celebrated with various competitions, sports events, and activities in schools, colleges, and sports organizations. Events frequently consist of marathons, fitness competitions between schools, athlete tribute ceremonies, and fitness challenges. Educational institutions also conduct seminars and workshops to emphasize the importance of sports and fitness.

How can individuals participate in National Sports Day?

On National Sports Day, people can take part in physical activity and sports, host or attend neighborhood sporting events, go to workshops and seminars, and use social media to advocate for the advantages of an active lifestyle.