National Sports Day is annually observed across India on 29th August to commemorate the birth anniversary of Olympian and Indian Hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand, who is popularly known as the “Hockey Wizard” and “the Magician”.
He was born on 29th August 1905 in Allahabad, British India, present-day Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
The National Sports day aims to create awareness about the importance of sports and reminds the need for sporting activities in life.
Background:
i.The Government of India has decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand as the National Sports Day starting from 2012.
ii.The first National Sports Day in India was observed on 29th August 2012.
Significance:
i.The government of India uses the National Sports Day to launch various schemes related to sports such as the Khelo India movement, which was announced by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi in 2018.
ii.The national sports and Adventure awards will be presented on National Sports Day
The national sports awards are:
- Dronacharya Awards
- Dhyan Chand Awards
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar Awards
- Arjuna Awards
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (Maka) Trophy
Note:
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting honour of India, has been renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in honour of the hockey Wizard Dhyan Chand.
Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur Launched Fit India Mobile App:
On the occasion of the National Sports Day 2021, Union Minister Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur launched the Fit India Mobile app, India’s most comprehensive fitness app, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Delhi.
- The mobile app launched as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav also celebrates the 2nd anniversary of the Fit India Movement.
- Fit India Movement was launched by PM Modi on 29th August 2019, National Sports day 2019.
About Fit India Mobile App:
i.Fit India Mobile app is a free application available for both android and iOS users. The app is available in both English and Hindi.
ii.The features of the application include fitness score, animated videos, activity trackers and ‘my plan’ which supports the specific needs of the individuals.
Additional info:
During the 1st anniversary of the Fit India movement, PM Modi launched “The Age-Appropriate Fitness Protocols” for 3 age groups (5to 18 years, 18to 65 years and 65+ years) which was developed by an expert committee and endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports:
Union Minister– Anurag Singh Thakur (Constituency- Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh)
Minister of State– Nisith Pramanik(Constituency- Coochbehar, West Bengal)
