India is celebrating its 13th National Sports Day on August 29, 2024. The day is remembered as a birth anniversary of Indian hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and celebrates the achievement of Indian sports throughout the years. In 2012, India celebrated its first-ever National Sports day when the Indian Government selected this date to honour Major Dhyan Chand for his immense contribution to Indian hockey.
Major Dhyan Chand is regarded as a legend and the greatest hockey player of all time. In his tenure, Indian hockey was having its golden period and used to dominate the world. Dhyan Chand was a part of the Indian hockey team that won three consecutive gold medals in the Olympic games in 1928, 1932, and 1936. He was given the title of the Wizard for his unreal skills on the hockey field.
Due to Major Dhyan Chand’s contribution in Indian sports, the Indian government in 2012 decided to mark his birthday, August 29th, as the National Sports Day. In 2021, the government also named the Khel Ratna award after his name as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. On the occasion of National Sports Day in 2024, Dhyan Chand’s statue was also unveiled by his son Ashok Kumar in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
Gautam Gambhir and other celebrities extend wishes on National Sports Day
Many big Indian celebrities have shared their wishes on the occasion of National Sports Day and birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand. Head coach of the Indian cricket team Gautam Gambhir took to X to hail Dhyan Chand on a special day. Apart from that, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new ICC Chairman Jay Shah also extended their wishes on the occasion of National Sports Day.
“The icon who showed the world what an Indian athlete is made of! #MajorDhyanChand #NationalSportsDay” Gautam Gambhir wrote on his X. On the other hand Jay Shah wrote “On this National Sports Day, I warmly commend our athletes, coaches, and everyone who has devoted their life to sports. As we honor the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand Ji on his birth anniversary, let’s commit ourselves to making India a powerhouse on the global sporting stage!”
Sharing his wishes on National Sports Day PM Narendra Modi wrote, “Greetings on National Sports Day. Today we pay homage to Major Dhyan Chand Ji. It is an occasion to compliment all those passionate about sports and those who have played for India. Our Government is committed to supporting sports and ensuring more youth are able to play and shine”.
Have a look at how other people shared their wishes on National Sports Day.