Sports play a major role throughout the world. It unites many countries together and bring some sort of friendship among the countries. The aim of conducting sports events is to build a healthy and fit body. People should be motivated regarding participation in the sports as it is necessary for the welfare of the society.
Table of Contents
Meaning of Sports Day
Sports days or field days are certain events which are conducted throughout the world at different times. The sports days are conducted in schools, colleges and even offices. During this time, students and colleagues, they all participate in competitive sports activities such as cricket, hockey, etc. The aim of it is to win trophies or prizes. Simple sports day can be conducted at any time in a year whereas National Sports day is fixed.
History of National Sports Day
The National Sport of India is HOCKEY since 1928 when India played Hockey in Olympics in Amsterdam. The National Sports Day is also known as “Rashtriya Khel Diwas”. Therefore national sports day is celebrated on 29th August every year, that is on the day of birth anniversary of the hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. He is regarded as the India’s greatest hockey player of all the time. This day is celebrated to create awareness among people to stay fit and healthy. On this day, the president of India honours several sports personalities with major trophies and awards such as Khel Ratana, Arjuna Awards, Dronacharya Awards and Dhyan Chand Award. Each award has its own importance.
National Sports Day of 2019
The Indian Government always launch several themes during the National Sports Day every year. One such theme was “Khelo India” and the theme of 2019 was “FIT INDIA MOVEMENT”. In 2019, two athletes were selected for the Khel Ratana award. These two athletes were Wrestler Bajrang Punia and Rio Paraolympics silver medalist Deepa Malik. This award is celebrated according to the performances of the players. Therefore, the events highlight the importance of sports and make the people realise the importance of healthy and fit body. Some other great athletes are also remembered on this day. The competitions conducted are purely healthy and no ill effects of competitions are seen. During this day some schools and colleges conduct their individual matches and races to celebrate this day.
Significance of National Sports Day
Along with spreading awareness among the people regarding staying fit and healthy, it also highlights some achievements of Dhyan Chand to motivate people. The president gives awards to the sports person who have performed brilliantly in various sports meet. After the death of Dhyan Chand, the Indian postal department has issued stamp in the honour of Dhyan Chand. Delhi’s national stadium was also renamed to Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. Punjab and Haryana are the major states which participate in the sports and all the sports related events. Various competitions are conducted such as Kabbadi, Marathon, Basketball, Table Tennis, Cricket, Football, Hockey. They are conducted with the aim to promote talent with which the youth of our country is filled.
Contribution of Dhyan Chand in Indian Hockey
The Hockey legend Dhyan Chand was born in the city of Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh on 29th August 1905. He was a master in the field of Hockey. The late hockey player Dhyan Chand has won three olympic gold medal in the year 1928, 1932 and 1936. Most memorable was the Berlin Olympics in which the Adolf Hitler, the leader of Italy was greatly impressed by the playing skills of Dhyan Chand. He even at the end of event desired to buy the hockey stick of Dhyan Chand. Dhyan Chand is also remembered as during Berlin Olympics 1936, he refused to salute the German dictator when match was played against Germany. He has also been awarded with Padma Bhusha in 1956. He has also served in Indian army. In his memory is “Dhyan Chand Award”, the highest award for the sports person who have given their contribution in sports.
Notable Arjuna Awardees of 2020
As-usual, this year also National Sports Day will be celebrated on 29th August on Saturday. This will be held in India itself. The players that are to be awarded with Arjuna Award this year are
- Mohammed Anas Yahiya (Athlete)
- Anjum Moudgil (Shooting)
- Ajay Thakur (Kabaddi)
- Sai Praneeth (Badminton)
- Swapna Barman (Athlete)
These awards will be distributed by the President of India that is Ram Nath Kovind. The events are held in Indira Gandhi Stadium Complex in New Delhi. The two major initiatives that have been taken on National Sports Day 2019 are “Khelo India Scheme” and ” Fit India Movement”. These movements are developed so as to bridge the gap between the participation of people in sports and the available resources. It is also meant to organise more gender sensitive sports. According to WHO study of 2019, it was concluded that Indian girls have lowest level of participation in activities. The reason behind being the influence of society and increased domestic works at home. Fit India Movement also discuss some of the major problems that the elderly people face now a days such as diabetes and hypertension, as these two diseases are well controlled by participation in sports activities.
Conclusion
Our India is filled with major talent from all the states in the field of sports. India has a very young talent to be presented on the ground. Whenever possible, these young players have won medals for the country and have made us all proud. Therefore celebrating National Sports Day and distributing awards is the best way to celebrate the glory of our country. We must be proud of all the athletes who bring glory to our country by bringing different medals and awards for our country. We must try to become one of them to bring medals for country. We must participate in different events conducted during National Sports Day. It is thus our own duty to keep ourselves fit and healthy by participating in different events. Along with health, it will also lead to the winning spirit among the people. Thus, on being the citizen of India, let us give our hundred percent in popularizing the sports among those who are unaware.
Writing Credits: Salony Goyal
I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both educative
and entertaining, and without a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the
head. The problem is something not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
I’m very happy that I came across this in my hunt for something
relating to this.