Celebrating the spirit of sports

Dhyan Chand, often referred to as ‘The Wizard’ for his incredible hockey skills, was born on the 29th of August in 1905. To commemorate his birth anniversary, in 2012, the Government of India designated 29 August as the country’s National Sports Day. 

Originally named Dhyan Singh, the legend received the nickname ‘Chand’ from his colleagues as he used to wait for the moon to come out and then practise all night in the moonlight. He captained India throughout his playing career and helped India win three Olympic medals – in 1928, 1932 and 1936.  

National Sports Day was celebrated with great fanfare in the first couple of years, with walkathons and football tournaments held across the country. The first year saw FICCI hold sporting events all across India with the help of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and other sporting bodies.  

On National Sports Day, the President gives out all the sports-related awards like the Arjuna, Dronacharya and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to honour sportspersons and coaches who have made the nation proud with their achievement in their respective sports.