Everyone is familiar with term sports. It plays very crucial role in our life. Several countries have produced many amazing sportspersons who have made their countries proud. Similarly, India is also blessed with many iconic players in different games. Many Indian sports personalities have created world records in different sports. Among the legendaries Indian players, Dhyan Chand’s name is on top. He was one of the most popular and all-time greatest hockey players, who had won several medals for the nation. To honour him, India celebrates National Sports Day on August 29 every year. This day also commemorates the birth anniversary of Hockey genius Major Dhyan Chand. Let’s understand in detail about the importance and purpose of this day.
History of National Sports Day 2021
Major Dhyan Chand was the greatest hockey player of India. He was born in Prayagraj formerly known as Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. After completing his basic education he joined Indian Army in 1922. He was a true sportsperson and got inspired by Subedar Major Tiwari to play Hockey. He was first appointed as a soldier in Army but due to his outstanding performance in hockey he was appointed as ‘Lance Naik’ in 1927. Later in 1932 he got promoted to Nayak and in 1936 to Subedar.
Dhyan Chand himself led the Indian hockey team to three consecutive Olympic gold medals under British rule. But in 1948 in London Summer Games, India defeated the host Britain and won its first gold Olympic medal after independence.
Dhyan chand became the captain of the Indian hockey team and got promoted in army and became Lieutenant, Captain and then Major. His excellent performance in Hockey made him the best player of Hockey in the world. To pay him a tribute, Indian government decided to celebrate his birthday as Sports Day of India in 2012.
Achievments of Major Dhyan Chand
Dhyan Chand was a great hockey player. He was called Hockey Wizard because of his unmatchable skills. If a ball stuck to his stick, it surely scored a goal. That’s why during a match, his hockey stick was broken to check whether his stick has any hidden magnet. Dhyan Chand won three gold medals in Olympics in three consecutive years i.e. 1928, 1932 and 1936. He appointed as the captain of Indian Hockey team in Berlin Olympics of 1936. He scored more than 400 international goals from 1926 to 1948 and scored around 1000 goals in his entire career. He was also awarded with India’s one of the most prestigious awards Padma Bhushan in 1956.
Celebration of National Sports Day 2021
Since 2012, August 29 is celebrated as the National Sport Day of India. Each year on this day, Indian Prime Ministers paid tribute to the legendary Major Dhyan Chand and congratulates all the sportsperson for their undying enthusiasm for sports. Also, President of India present National Sports Awards on this day. On National Sports Day 2020, President Ram Nath Kovind had given National Sports and Adventure Awards virtually due to Covid-19 pandemic. President of the Indian Olympic Association and other dignitaries had attended the virtual ceremony.
Under the National Sports Award, awards like Arjuna Award, and Dronacharya Award are given to the current and former players. To honour Major Dhyan Chand, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports renamed the country’s highest sporting honour Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to Major Dhyan Chand Award in 2021. The government of India along with citizens is celebrating the National Sports Day 2021 and is prouder than never before as India secured its best ever medal tally in Olympics in Tokyo. Moreover, after 41 years, Indian hockey team has won a medal in the Olympics this year.
Some of the Olympic medalists are Mirabai Chanu, who won silver in weight lifting in women category, PV Sindhu bags bronze medal in badminton, Ravi Kumar Dahiya won silver medal, Neeraj Chopra won gold in men’s javelin throw. Apart from this, people are showering the congratulations and wishes on social media. Many famous personalities are also sharing National Sports Day related quotes and images to celebrate this day.
Role of National Sports Day 2021 in Social Life
The National Sports Day is celebrated in India to raise awareness about different sports and sports personalities. This day also makes us realize the value of sports and daily activities in our life. Playing any game is not only a physical activity but it is a way to keep ourselves healthy and fit. Specially, during such crucial time of pandemic where our body’s inner immunity matters the most, the sports help us to keep ourselves fit and fine. Moreover, hard work and achievements of different sportsperson motivate us to do something grateful for the nation. Society now is accepting the change and motivating the young generation to opt sports as a career option. The popularity of several sports has also increased the demands of Sports teacher or Physical trainer and increased the job opportunities in that field. So, National Sports Day directly or indirectly has changed the scenario of sports in India.
Conclusion
India has been a land of sports gems. Pre-independence to post-independence, India has given its contribution towards sports field and produced famous sports personalities. With Major Dhyan Chand, several other sportspersons like Ranjit Singh, Milkha Singh also known as ‘Flying Sikh’, PT Usha, Sachin Tendulkar and many more has scripted great history in sports. So, a day should be given to these personalities, to honour their work, achievements, passion, and dedication. These sports personalities not only inspire us from their sporting achievements but also taught us real meaning of sportsmanship in our life. So, School Megamart also wishes you Happy Sports Day and encourages you to learn from their actions that how to be remain positive in every situation of life.
National Sports Day 2021: FAQs
Q1. When do we celebrate National Sports Day?
Ans. In India National Sports Day is celebrated on 29 August every year.
Q2. To whom National Sports Day 2021 is dedicated?
Ans. National Sports Day is celebrated in India to mark the Birth Anniversary of Hockey Player Major Dhyan Chand.
Q3. In which year did India declare 29 August as National Sports Day?
Ans. In 2012, the government of India declared 29 August as National Sports Day.
Q4. Which is the highest sports award in India?
Ans. Major Dhyan Chand Award is the highest sports award in India.
Q5. Who is the God of hockey?
Ans. Major Dhyan Chand was known for his extraordinary goal-scoring feats and known as God of hockey.
