Why National Sports Day is Celebrated on August 29
· Sports · Times of India, The Hindu
National Sports Day is observed annually across India on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Established in 2012, the day honours his contribution to Indian hockey and promotes physical fitness and active lifestyles nationwide. Dhyan Chand was born in Allahabad, which is now Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, in 1905 and played a central role in India's first hat-trick of Olympic gold medals. The occasion has traditionally served as the date for presenting India's major sporting honours, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also launched the Fit India Movement on National Sports Day in 2019 to further encourage physical activity among citizens.
Why it matters
The observance promotes sports, physical fitness, and active lifestyles among students and citizens across India while recognising top sporting achievements.
Read the original report — Times of India
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