O.N. KOUL
National Sports Day is annually celebrated in India on 29th of August and on this occasion legendry hockey player and Capitan Major Dhyan Chand who had revolutionized hockey playing and made game of hockey popular among the people of India is commemorated and remembered.29 August is the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand and this day is celebrated in his honor and tributes are paid to the Hockey legend .He has to his credit gold medals which he won in Olympics for India in the years 1928,1932,and 1936.He scored 400 goals in his illustrious hockey career ,from 1926-1949.National sports celebrations are organized on this occasion to mark this day .The most noted memorials for him were the Major Dhyan Chand Award ,the highest award for life time achievement in sports and games in India .There is no one who has reached his level in hockey. The birth anniversary of hockey legend is on 29th August 1905. The national sports day was yesterday celebrated across the country and in Jammu and Kashmir UT ,the day was celebrated in schools ,colleges ,universities and sports department celebrated this day with great enthusiasm and fervor by organizations various sports events and activities .National Sports Day is a public holiday in various countries to honor the national sports teams and sports traditions of those countries .On this day, people from different age groups take part in sports like Kabaddi, marathon ,basketball, hockey ,cricket etc. Every year on 29th August ,India comes together to celebrate National Sports Day .National Sports Day not only celebrates his birth anniversary but also emphasizes the importance of sports ,games and other physical activities in our daily life .Thus importance of games and sports is highlighted and brought home to the people especially to students and young generation because after all the contribution and value of playing games and sports and other physical activities is very great in the full development of the human personality and on this occasion, people and students are made aware of the value of games and sports so that they will think it their priority to participate in games ,sports and physical activities for the development of their personality .As we observed National Sports Day 2024,it is an opportune time rather moment to reflect on the significance of sports in fostering national unity ,promoting a healthy lifestyle ,and inspiring the younger generation to engage in physical activities .As we honor the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand Ji on his birth anniversary ,let us commit ourselves to making India a powerhouse on the global sporting stage..On the National Sports Day ,we should commend our athletes ,coaches, and everyone who has devoted their life to development of sports .The man known as ”The Wizard of Hockey ”Major Dhyan Chand was born on August 29,1905.He became one of the best -known Indian players in the world for his outstanding hockey skills .He became a legend in sports world because of his unmatched accuracy in scoring goals and ball control .Major Dhyan Chand started playing in 1926 ,and his career spanned till 1948 .He represented India in 185 games and scored a whopping 400 goals during his career .It was in 2012,the Indian government declared his birthday as National Sports Day in recognition of his contributions to Indian sports .
His commitment ,self control ,discipline and passion for the game are celebrated on this day ,motivating athletes throughout the nation .”Star of the Indian hockey team that dominated the sport in the years before world war 2nd ,Dhyan Chand played an important and enviable role in helping India compete their first hat-trick of Olympic gold medals with wins at 1928,1932 and 1936 Summer Olympics .”National Sports Day is celebrated to promote the significance of sports and physical activity in the country .The day serves several important purposes such as follows—1Honoring Major Dhyan Chand Legacy .He played a crucial role in India’s dominance in hockey during the early 20th century, leading the Indian team to win three Olympic gold medals .It was believed that once the ball hit his stick ,it only resulted in a goal .His achievements brought international recognition to Indian hockey, and his name became synonymous with excellence in the sport .National Sports Day was established to commemorate his contributions and to inspire future generations to excel in sports.2-Promoting the importance of Sports…The annual celebration of National Sports Day serves as a reminder of the value of sports in promoting overall wellbeing ,mental health ,and physical fitness .
It stresses how important athletes are for developing self -control ,self -discipline ,leadership qualities and tramwork .
The day is an opportunity to promote physical activity and sports participation, which are essential components of a healthy lifestyle ,particularly among young people.3-Raising Awareness about significance of sports. The National Sports Day is an occasion to highlight the value and importance of sports and games in the development of the human personality and the younger generation is made aware about the value and significance of games and sport.4-Raising Awareness and Encouraging participation .
It aims to increase the participation of youth in games and sports for a balanced and fit life .As reported by Business Standard ,the theme for National Sports Day 2024 has not been yet announced .Last year ,the theme focused on ”Sports as an enabler to an inclusive and fit society ,”The National Sports Day aims to increase public awareness of health and sports .Numerous initiatives and events are organized to highlight the importance of games and sports in human life .As we observed National Sports day 2024,it is an opportune moment to reflect on the significance of sports in fostering national unity ,promoting a healthy lifestyle and inspiring the younger generation to engage in physical activities .National Sports Day 2024 celebrated the unbeatable spirit of sportsmanship and the enduring legacy of Major Dhyan Chand .It is the day to reflect on the importance of sports in our lives ,promote physical fitness and inspire the next generation of athletes .National Sports Day also aims to increase public awareness about health and sports .Various initiatives and events were organized to showcase the benefits of regular physical exercise and inspire more people to partake in sports .Schools ,colleges, and sports organizations nationwide arranged sports activities ,workshops, and fitness programs and engaged the community and stressed the importance of an active lifestyle .Government initiatives often coincide with National Sports Day to promote sports and fitness .
For instance ,Prime Minister Modi launched the ”Fit India Movement ”on National Sports Day in 2019.This movement encourages Indian’s to prioritize fitness and integrate it into their daily lives .Building a sports culture is another significant goal of National Sports Day .
The day serves as a reminder of sports potential to unite people ,foster national pride ,and enhance the country’s global standing in various sports disciplines .It emphasizes the need for better sports infrastructure ,support for athletes, and the development of sports at grassroots level. At the end we can say that we should continue to celebrate the National Sports Day in future as well with redoubled enthusiasm.
(The author is retired education officer and columnist)
