National Sports Day News

This unique occasion honours not only Dhyan Chand's achievements but also other sportsmen's contributions to Indian sports, encouraging the next generation of athletes. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on August 29 on the occasion of National Sports Day in Jhansi. He will also unveil the 25-foot-long statue of Major Dhyan Chand. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was in a Jhansi on a one-day visit.

Major Dhyan Chand was born on 29 August 1905 and his birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day. In honor of Major Dhyan Chand, the players who have performed well in sports for the country are awarded the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. This is the biggest honor given in Sports.

Major Dhyan Chand earned three Olympic gold medals, in 1928, 1932, and 1936.

The Prime Minister took to his official Twitter handle and wrote that Dhyan Chand's magic with the hockey stick can never be forgotten. PM Modi also lauded the achievements of all exemplary sportspersons who have represented the country in various sports. In 2012, the Government of India decided to celebrate August 29 as the country's 'National Sports Day' in order to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand.

Born on August 29, 1905 to a Rajput family in Allahabad, Dhyan Chand was referred to as 'The Wizard' for his incredible hockey skills. The hockey legend led India throughout his playing career and also helped them clinch three Olympic medals – in 1928, 1932 and 1936. In 2012, the Government of India decided to celebrate August 29 as the country's 'National Sports Day' in order to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand.

President Ram Nath Kovind will virtually confer the National Sports and Adventure Awards 2020 on the occasion of National Sports Day on August 29. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju, President of the Indian Olympic Association Narendra Dhruv Batra and other dignitaries will attend the event. 65 awardees are expected to attend the ceremony.

While Malik took the award, Punia had to skip the awards ceremony as he is training in Russia for the upcoming World championships.

Major Dhyan Chand was born in 1905 and was known for his magical hockey skills. He was part of the Indian hockey team which struck gold in the Olympics of 1928, 1932, and 1936.

The Prime Minister, who is seen as a huge health enthusiast himself, also asked people to take the pledge for a fitter India. 

Hockey being one of the most physically demanding sports, it gets difficult to cope with the demands on the other side of 30, but Sardar stays hopeful to extend his career to Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Jhajharia received the award from President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapathi Bhawan along with Sardar Singh, who became only the second hockey player to get the prestigious Khel Ratna on the National Sports Day.

On this day every year, the President of India gives out all the sports-related awards like the Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.

The Chief Minister will also chair a Cabinet meeting at his office at 5 pm

Dhyan Chand is arguably the greatest sportsperson that India has ever produced. It is not surprising that the Government decided to celebrate his birthday as the National Sports Day of the country.

Sakshi, along with shuttler PV Sindhu, gymnast Dipa Karmakar and shooter Jitu Rai were honoured with the country's highest sporting award, Khel Ratna on August 29.

The coaching will be conducted by reputed shuttler Sachin Kumar Rana, one of the five coaches appointed under National coach Pullela Gopichand.

The clamour for the award to Dhyan Chand has resurfaced after he missed out on the honour in 2013 when Tendulkar was chosen for the country's highest civillian honour ahead of the hockey legend.

India returned with two medals, a silver in women's singles badminton and a bronze in women's wrestling, from the Rio Games.