 "National Sports Day is celebrated in India on 29 August in honour of the great Dhyan Chand. Image: PTI")
No matter your generation-Gen X, Millennial, Gen Z, Alpha, or whatever comes next- every Indian has a sports lover inside, and every year, the National Sports Day fires up that passion and reminds us that India is steadily rising as a global sports powerhouse.
Being an Indian, one must know the importance of Sports Day, its history, significance and some other factors. You may have read about it in school or in the newspaper, but it is time to get on board the time capsule to freshen your memory, and in case you haven’t, it is time to spare two minutes and learn what the National Sports Day is all about.
When is National Sports Day and why is it celebrated?
National Sports Day in India is celebrated annually on August 29. The day marks the birth anniversary of India’s “Hockey Wizard” Major Dhyan Chand. Ironically, this year the Asia Cup 2025 hockey will kick-start on the same day.
What is the theme of National Sports Day 2025?
The theme for National Sports Day 2025 is “Sport to Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies.” This theme stresses the role of sports in fostering unity, teamwork, and harmony across different communities, promoting peace and inclusivity through physical activity.
History
The National Sports Day was first observed in 2012 by the Government of India to honour Major Dhyan Chand. Born on August 29, 1905, in Allahabad, Dhyan Chand was a field hockey player who led India to Olympic gold medals in 1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles), and 1936 (Berlin). His mastery of ball control and goal-scoring ability earned him global recognition.
Purpose of National Sports Day
The day was brought into existence to celebrate Dhyan Chand’s legacy, promote sports culture in the country, and encourage physical fitness among citizens. It has slowly become a day to take pride in India’s sporting achievements and spread awareness among the future generations to take up the path of sports.
Significance
As mentioned, the day honours the achievements of Major Dhyan Chand and other athletes, and celebrates the contributions of athletes who have brought glory to India.
Besides honouring individuals’ sporting brilliance, the day aims to spread awareness about sporting culture all over India. How? It encourages people of all ages to adopt a fitter lifestyle and follow the standards defined by initiatives like the Fit India Movement.
The 2025 celebrations include a three-day nationwide event (August 29 to 31) led by Fit India Mission, featuring campaigns like “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Mein” (One hour on the playground) to promote 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
National Sports Awards are also presented on this day. The President of India presents coveted awards like Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, and Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime achievement on this day, recognising excellence in sports and coaching. Notably, in 2025, the awards were announced on January 2 and presented on January 17.
National Sports Day is also a stark reminder of India’s immediate goals in the field of sports. India is ready to make a huge stride in the area of sports by hosting the Summer Olympics. It is not a secret that the current Indian government desires to win the bid to host the 2036 Olympics.
Additionally, the day highlights India’s broader vision of promoting health, youth empowerment, and international sports diplomacy.