National Sports Day 2023

National Sports Day is one of the children’s most awaited and favorite days. India celebrates national ports day on 29th August every year, This day is chosen for National Sports Day as this marks the birthday of Major Dhyan Chand Singh, one of the greatest hockey players who has represented India in the Olympics and won gold medals in the years,1928, 1932 and 1936. This day is celebrated in many ways by organizing different sports events, spreading awareness about sports, making people understand the importance and value of sports in one’s life, paying tribute to world-class players of Indian history, etc. Some great names who played for India are PT Usha, God of Cricket – Sachin Tendulkar, Major Dhyanchand, and the list is never-ending.

“It is not my country’s duty to push me ahead. It is my duty to push my country ahead”

Legend Major Dhyan Chand

Major Dhyan Chand Singh was one of the most known men from the pre-independence era for his hockey skills. He was born on 29th August in Uttar Pradesh. The career of Dhyan Chand began with a regimental team of the British Indian Army. He was known by different names like ‘Hockey Wizard’ and ‘The Magician’. He used to practice under the moonlight at night after completing daily missions. This gave him the name ‘Dhyan Chand’. He was chosen as the captain to serve the Indian Hockey team in 1936. There was a huge contribution to the first hat-trick of Olympic Goold medals of India with wins at 1928, 1832, and 1936 Summer Olympics. There was an excellent dominance of our Hockey star Major Dhyan Chand before World War 2. His dedication and hard work make him successful and India proud.

History of National Sports Day

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,  Government of India 2012 declared that August 29 would be celebrated as National Sports Day of India, which will mark the birth anniversary of Hockey Legend of the World Major Dhyan Chand Singh. Since then we have been celebrating this day with total energy and enthusiasm and paying honor to Indian Sports and Sportspersons,

Importance of National Sports Day

National Sports Day is significant as it plays a vital role in maintaining physical and mental health. This day promotes sports activities and gives athletes National Sports Awards to honor them for their efforts and hard work. The people to get these awards first were Shahuraj Birajdar for Boxing, Ashok Diwan for Hockey, and Aparna Ghosh for Basketball.

Awards and Recognition

Several awards such as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award are given to athletes at a special ceremony at Rashtrpati Bhavan to honor them. Some of the most excellent Awards are:- 

• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy
• Dhyan Chand Award
• Arjune Award
• Dronacharya Award

These awards are given to the best performers who have played exceptionally well in their sports, generally awarded to Olympic Champions. Viswanathan Anand, the Legend who is a 5 times World Chess Championship winner was the first to get this Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.

Athletes who performed well in the previous seasons are awarded with Arjuna Award. Best Indian and International Coaches who have contributed to success are honored with Droncharya Award.

Some of the quotes given by famous sports players are:-

• “Being a mother of two, if I can win a medal, so can you all. Don’t give up, take me as an example” – Mary Kom
• “Dreams define your individuality. They have the power to offer you wings and make you fly high” – PV Sindhu
• “People will throw stones at you turn them into milestones” – Sachin Tendulkar 
• “One needs to plan accurately to be at the peak. Anyone cants make the mistake of reaching the peak or Olympics, a week earlier or a week later” – Prakash Padukone
• “Confidence or even pretending to be confident is essential. If you make an error but do not let your opponent see what you are thinking, he may overlook the Mistake” – Sania Mirza

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