National Sports Day is celebrated every August 29 to honor hockey icon Dhyan Chand and promote fitness and team spirit
Events like “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main” encourage everyone to play outdoors and stay active
The day brings together people from across India and celebrates sports as a way to unite the nation
Every year, August 29 brings a wave of excitement across India. People come together to celebrate the achievements of athletes, enjoy their favorite games, and promote fitness in schools, parks, and communities. Whether it’s cricket, hockey, badminton, or kabaddi, sports unite people from every corner of the country.
National Sports Day is all about encouraging teamwork, celebrating victories, and pushing boundaries. It’s a date when everyone, from children to adults, has a reason to play and dream bigger.
Why August 29? The Story Behind The Date
The choice of August 29 isn’t random. That’s the birthday of Major Dhyan Chand, one of India’s true sports legends. Known as the “Wizard of Hockey,”. He made history with his magical skills, leading India to three Olympic gold medals. Stories about his incredible talent still inspire people today.
In 2012, India officially began marking his birthday as National Sports Day to remember his contribution and motivate future generations. Every year, schools and communities organize special events and talk about how sports help build character and bring everyone together.
National Sports Day 2025: What’s Happening
This year, people in India will join a three-day movement called “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main,” led by the Fit India Mission. It’s a nationwide call to spend one hour a day playing outdoors and staying active. Popular sports like hockey, badminton, kabaddi, and kho-kho get special attention, but the real focus is on having fun and building healthy habits.
Schools, sports clubs, and local communities will host games and fitness activities, and sports awards will recognize outstanding athletes across the country.