National Sports Day 2022
Source: PIB
GS II: Policies and Developmental Studies
What is discussed under National Sports Day 2022?
- Major Dhyan Chand
- National Sports Day
Why in News?
Every year on August 29th, India observes National Sports Day to commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Major Dhyan Chand, the hockey legend.
Major Dhyan Chand
- Dhayan Chand was born in Allahabad (Prayagraj) in Uttar Pradesh on August 29, 1905.
- During his time in the British Indian Army, Dhyan Chand began taking his hockey seriously.
- Between 1922 and 1926, he participated in a lot of army hockey competitions and regimental games.
- He was called “Chand” by his classmates since he frequently practised at night beneath the moonlight after his duty hours.
Photo by Maurice DT on Unsplash - When the newly established Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) planned to send a team for the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam, Dhyan Chand was invited for the trials because he had pleased observers of the game during his time in the army.
- The prolific Dhyan Chand was the star of the Indian hockey team that won three straight Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936.
- At the Berlin Olympic Games of 1936, Dhyan Chand was elected the captain of the Indian Hockey team.
- Between 1926 and 1948, Major Dhyan Chand scored approximately 1,000 goals in his whole career, including more than 400 goals on the international stage.
- Dhyan Chand had such remarkable ball control and game mastery that he was given the nicknames ‘Hockey Wizard’ and ‘The Magician’.
- The Indian government awarded him the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour, the same year he resigned from the Indian Army as a Major from the Punjab Regiment.
- The Indian Postal Department paid respect to Major Dhyan Chand after his demise in 1979 and issued stamps in his honour.
- The National Stadium of Delhi has been renamed Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, Delhi as a tribute to him.
National Sports Day
- To honour Major Dhyan Chand, his birthday is observed as National Sports Day on August 29.
- National Sports day is also known as ‘Rashtriya Khel Divas’.
History
- First National Sports Day was celebrated in India on August 29, 2012.
Objective
- National Sports Day aims to increase public awareness of the benefits and significance of including sports and physical activity in daily life.
- The government organises a number of initiatives, gatherings, and seminars to promote awareness of the value of sports and exercise.
- The day is also devoted to India’s sports legends and champions, honouring their efforts and commitment to bringing honour to the nation.
Significance
- Under the National Sports Award, players and former players are honoured with awards such as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, and Dronacharya Award.
- Along with all these honours, the “Dhyan Chand Award” is also given on this day.
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