India is observing National Sports Day 2026 today, August 29, paying tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, whose extraordinary achievements helped establish India as a dominant force in world hockey.
National Sports Day is celebrated every year on August 29 to commemorate Major Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary and recognise the contribution of athletes, coaches and sports professionals across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to sports lovers across India on Saturday and paid homage to Major Dhyan Chand. He said the dedication, passion and determination of Indian sportspersons make the entire nation proud.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Dhyan Chand’s lasting contribution to Indian hockey, saying his brilliance continues to inspire generations of athletes.
Major Dhyan Chand, popularly remembered as the “Hockey Wizard,” remains one of the most celebrated figures in Indian sporting history. During his illustrious career, he played a crucial role in India’s Olympic hockey triumphs and was part of the teams that won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936.
His exceptional ball control, goal-scoring ability and understanding of the game earned him global recognition and made him an enduring symbol of Indian sporting excellence.
National Sports Day 2026 is being marked through a nationwide campaign under the theme “Tribute, Play, and Move.” Celebrations are being held from August 28 to 30 with programmes aimed at encouraging sports participation, physical fitness and active lifestyles among young people.
At the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, celebrations scheduled for August 29 include a floral tribute to the hockey legend followed by sporting activities such as football, cricket and tug of war involving ministers, media representatives and Sports Authority of India teams.
The government has also used this year’s National Sports Day celebrations to promote greater youth participation in sports through initiatives connected with Khelo India and MY Bharat.
Ahead of National Sports Day, Prime Minister Modi participated in the Khelo India Dialogue, where he stressed that sports should not be seen only through the lens of winning medals but also as an important part of youth development and India’s broader vision of becoming a developed nation.
As India celebrates National Sports Day today, Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy continues to serve as a reminder of discipline, excellence and dedication to sport, while inspiring a new generation of athletes to represent the country on the global stage.
source – Press Information Bureau (PIB)
Supreme News Network
