Every year on August 29, India erupts in pride and energy as National Sports Day graces our calendars a date immortalized to honor the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, whose magical prowess on the hockey field earned him the title of the Hockey Wizard.
The Legacy of Major Dhyan Chand
Born on August 29, 1905, in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Dhyan Chand’s extraordinary dribbling, ball control, and uncanny goal-scoring abilities transformed Indian hockey into a global powerhouse. Between 1928 and 1936, he led India to three consecutive Olympic gold medals—a feat that galvanized a nation and etched his name into sports history. During his career, he scored over 1,000 goals across domestic and international matches. His birthday was officially designated as National Sports Day in 2012, a tribute befitting his impact.
National Sports Day 2025: Date, Theme & Celebrations
This year, National Sports Day falls on Friday, August 29, 2025. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in partnership with the Fit India Mission, has launched a three-day sports and fitness movement from August 29 to 31 under the campaign “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Mein” (“One Hour on the Playground”).
Another prominent theme guiding this year’s observance is “Sport to Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”, emphasizing how sports can bridge differences and foster unity and diplomacy.
Events Across the Country
Some standout National Sports Day celebrations include:
Kanpur (Green Park): A 5 km Walkathon early morning on August 29, followed by open hockey, badminton, and table tennis championships through the week—all open to public participation.
Patna (Khel Bhawan): A spirited three-day sports festival from August 29–31 featuring:
Tribute ceremony and 5 km race
Running, yoga, kabaddi, tug of war, basketball, cycling, and traditional games like pitto
“Day of Fitness” including yoga competitions for all age groups
City-wide “Sunday on Cycle” rally
Chhattisgarh (Raipur & beyond): Celebrating through district-level contests, seminars on nutrition and mental health, a girls’ football match, and a cycle rally titled “Fit India Sunday on Cycle”, led by local leaders and athletes.
Health Message & Caution
National Sports Day also carries a vital health message. With increased focus on fitness, Dr. Amyn Rajani, a Mumbai-based orthopedic surgeon, cautioned about the dangers of unsupervised or improper gym workouts—stressing the need for proper technique, posture, and guidance to prevent injury.
Further, numerous health experts reminded the public of sports’ broad benefits: combating mental health issues like autism and dementia, enhancing heart, liver, and kidney health, and fighting lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Why August 29 Is Significant
Birth Anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand (1905)—the iconic Hockey Wizard
Honoring his unmatched contribution to Indian hockey and sportsmanship
A day to elevate the values of discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and fitness
Awards like the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya, and other National Sports Awards are traditionally presented to deserving athletes and coaches on this day by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
