National Sports Day 2022: Know The Date, Significance, History & Theme of the Special Day!

The National Sports Day also known as the Rashtriya Khel Divas, is celebrated on August 29 every year on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand. To commemorate the memories of the Indian legend, the Indian government decided to celebrate his birthday as National Sports Day every year since 2012.

National Sports Day in India is celebrated on August 29 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Indian hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand. Born on August 29, 1905, in Uttar Pradesh, India. He was also the captain of the Olympic gold-winning hockey team in 1936 Berlin. The first National Sports Day was celebrated in 2012 on August 29. Every year it is celebrated extensively on a national level, organized by the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the president of India presents awards to the outstanding players of the country. Major Dhyan Chand Birth Anniversary: Lesser-Known Facts About the Indian Legendary Hockey Player You Need To Know

National Sports Day Significance

On August 29, every year this day is used as a platform to launch various sporting schemes as well as to organize various sporting events. On this day events and seminars are held in schools and various public places to spread awareness about the importance of sports. Sports are important for the physical and mental well-being of a human being. A person who plays sports remains healthy and also develops social and interpersonal skills, with cooperative and leadership qualities. It motivates the person to push his limits and also reduced the risk of obesity. A serious problem in many nations.

History of National Sports Day

The National Sports Day also known as the Rashtriya Khel Divas, is celebrated on August 29 every year on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand. In 1979 after his death, the Indian postal department paid a tribute to the Indian hockey legend and renamed the National Stadium of Delhi as Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. To commemorate the memories of the Indian legend, the Indian government decided to celebrate his birthday as National Sports Day every year since 2012.

As the Rashtriya Khel Diyan is celebrated in India a number of awards are distributed among the Indian sportspersons by the Prime Minster. Including, the Major Chand Khel Ratna Award (highest sporting honour of India), Arjuna Award (second highest spots award) along with Dronacharcya Award, and Dhyan Chand Award.

National Sports Day Theme

This year on National Sports Day, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports would be conducting ‘Meet The Champion’ program across 26 schools in the country. This initiative will witness the participation of some high-profile athletes of the country, the likes of which include World Champion and Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medallist Nikhat Zareen, table tennis star as well as CWG 2022 gold medal winner Bhavina Patel among others. Also, as part of the Fit India Mission, people at schools, colleges and governmemt institutions would be encouraged to participate in sporting activities for atleast one hour.