Since 2012, every year 29th August is celebrated as National Sports Day. In fact, on this day, legendary player Dhyan Chand was born. Major Dhyan Chand is also known as ‘Hockey Magician’. To remember the great player who scored more than 400 goals in his 22-year career, the Government of India had announced to celebrate National Sports Day on his birth date from 2012. Let us tell you, in 1956, he was awarded the country’s third highest honor Padma Bhushan.

Dhyan Chand started his hockey career in 1926 and retired in 1948 after a glorious hockey career of 32 years. To celebrate this day in a grand manner, the President of India presents National Sports Awards which include the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award and Major Dhyan Chand Award.

Dhyan Chand was part of the Indian hockey team that won gold medals at the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics. Dhyan Chand led the team with three goals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics final, which they won 8-1 against Germany. This game was the peak of India’s hockey achievements under Dhyan Chand’s leadership. Even after retiring, he continued to contribute to the sport. He also taught at several coaching camps in Rajasthan apart from serving as the chief coach at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala.

Let us tell you, this day is celebrated very well in many schools of India. Many sports competitions are held in schools and colleges. Not only this, sports training camps are organized at many places. Many people have given many good wishes to the Indians on this special day. Not only this, many players of the cricket world also put their views on social media regarding National Sports Day.

Cricketers on social media wished everyone on National Sports Day:

#NationalSportsDay on August 29 is a tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, whose hockey skills and achievements brought international acclaim to India and inspired countless athletes. pic.twitter.com/4R068IPM8c

— Virushka (@Virushka_018) August 29, 2024

The icon who showed the world what an Indian athlete is made of!#MajorDhyanChand #NationalSportsDay pic.twitter.com/ADcpJyiiDr

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 29, 2024

Cricket has given me more than just accolades. It has taught me life lessons that go beyond the pitch. Here’s to the transformative power of sports!#NationalSportsDay

— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 29, 2024

On this National Sports Day, I look back on how cricket has shaped my life and values. Sports teach us to overcome challenges, build character, and foster unity. Let’s keep the spirit of sports alive in every aspect of our lives. #NationalSportsDay

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 29, 2024

Happy National Sports Day 😊🙏 pic.twitter.com/EpKVyHWboS

— Rahul Sharma (@ImRahulSharma3) August 29, 2024

Greetings on #NationalSportsDay ,

Remembering the contributions of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary today.

On this day, let’s honor our athletes, past and present, who have brought glory to the nation and continue to motivate us to strive for excellence… pic.twitter.com/lbg4QSoYaB

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 29, 2024

Happy National Sports Day to all our incredible athletes! Let’s fuel our passion and determination to make India a true sporting powerhouse.

Together, we can achieve greatness on and off the field!#NationalSportsDay2024

— DK (@DineshKarthik) August 29, 2024

National Sports Day always makes me reflect on the hard work and dedication of our athletes.

Today, as we honor Major Dhyan Chand, let’s celebrate the passion and commitment that drives our sports community.

Wishing everyone the strength to keep chasing their dreams. Happy…

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) August 29, 2024