India Celebrates National Sports Day: Tributes Pour in for Hockey Legend Major Dhyan Chand

New Delhi, August 29, 2024 – India observed National Sports Day today, commemorating the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, with Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya leading the tributes. The day emphasizes the importance of sports and physical activities, inspiring Indians to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya paid floral tributes to Major Dhyan Chand at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Emphasizing the importance of fitness, Dr. Mandaviya stated: “Citizens should prioritize staying fit and healthy. A healthy citizen builds a healthy society, and a healthy society builds a prosperous country. Sports play a vital role in developing physical and mental well-being, discipline, and teamwork skills.”

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Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the multifaceted benefits of sports:

“Sports not only keep us physically fit but also instill discipline, perseverance, and camaraderie. It helps build character, boosts confidence, and enhances mental toughness. By embracing sports, we can create a healthier, more resilient, and productive society.”

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, wishing the nation on National Sports Day:

“Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy inspires us to strive for excellence in sports. Let’s pledge to make India a fit and healthy nation, where sports is an integral part of our daily lives.”

Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary field hockey player, is revered for his exceptional skills and contributions to Indian sports. He won three Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, and 1936) and scored over 400 goals in his international career.

National Sports Day aims to:

1. Promote fitness and sports culture
2. Encourage citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle
3. Develop sports infrastructure
4. Support talented athletes
5. Foster discipline and teamwork skills

The sports ministry has launched various initiatives, including:

1. Fit India Movement
2. Khelo India
3. Sports Infrastructure Development
4. National Sports Development Fund

Reportedly, citizens from all walks of life participated in outdoor sports and fitness activities, responding to Dr. Mandaviya’s call to action.

Benefits of Sports:

1. Physical fitness and well-being
2. Mental toughness and resilience
3. Discipline and teamwork skills
4. Character building and confidence boost
5. Social interaction and community engagement
6. National pride and representation

By embracing sports, India can:

1. Develop a healthier workforce
2. Improve productivity and efficiency
3. Enhance national pride and international recognition
4. Foster social cohesion and community development
5. Build a stronger, more resilient nation