Every year on August 29, India celebrates its National sports day. The day is celebrated to honor the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand Singh. Te day is observed to spread awareness on the importance of sports and daily activities in everyone’s life.
This year, on the occasion of National Sports Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Fit India Movement’ . He has asked everyone to take up sports as it has a direct connection with fitness and fitness is necessary for a healthy life.
History of National Sports Day
Dhyan Chand Singh joined the army at an early age and learned the game of hockey from his coach Pankaj Gupta. He quickly picked up the technique of ball dribbling which led him to became the captain of the Indian Hockey team. Due to his extraordinary skills, he was named as ‘Chand’.
During his sports career, he has won 3 Olympic medals and till date, he remains the only hockey player who has won Padma Bhushan award. His lifetime awards and achievements in sports are considered as the highest point in the history of Indian sports
National Sports Day 2019
- Just like every year, this year too, two athletes have been nominated by the Selection Committee for sports awards in highest sporting honor in the country – Khel Ratna.
- Wrestler Bajrang Punia and Rio Paralympics silver medalist Deepa Malik has been nominated for the award.
