– National Sports Day is celebrated on 29th August in India every year in honor of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
– The Indian government declared his birthday as National Sports Day in 2012 to pay tribute to his contribution to the sport.
– The day is also aimed at increasing awareness about the importance of sports and promoting physical activity in daily life.
– President of India presents awards such as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, and Dhyan Chand Award on this occasion.
– Major Dhyan Chand won three consecutive gold medals for India in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics and scored more than 400 goals in his career.
– He was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956 for his achievements in hockey.
– Major Dhyan Chand passed away on 3rd December, 1979 in Delhi.