August 29 was celebrated as National Sports Day, 2025

National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29, 2025 on the birth anniversary of the "Wizard of Hockey" Major Dhyan Chand. Major Dhyan Chand played an important role in making the country win gold medals in the Olympic Games three consecutive times.

• The importance of sports in India finds its permanent symbol in Major Dhyan Chand, whose birth anniversary on August 29 is celebrated as National Sports Day. Dhyan Chand was known for his extraordinary ball control and goal-scoring ability, due to which he earned the titles of "Wizard of Hockey."
• Major Dhyan Chand played an important role in making India win three consecutive gold medals in the Olympic Games in the years 1928, 1932, and 1936.
• This day was celebrated for the first time in the year 1995 and began to be celebrated at the national level from the year 2012. This day also witnessed the beginning of the Fit India Movement in 2019, which since then has become a widespread fitness revolution across the country.

About Major Dhyan Chand

• Dhyan Singh was born in Allahabad, present Prayagraj, he was called Chand by his friends. This name was given because he often practiced for many hours in the moonlit night after his duty.
• Dhyan Chand retired as a Lieutenant from the Indian Army in August 1956 after 34 years of service and after this he was honored with the Padma Bhushan Award, the third highest civilian honor of India.
• On December 03, 1979, this Wizard of Hockey passed away. Dhyan Chand, who fell prey to liver cancer, will always be remembered as one of the greatest hockey players.

Fit India Mission

• The National Sports Day (NSD) 2025 celebrations were led by the Fit India Mission and are being organized under the inspiring theme of 'One Hour, On the Playground' as a three-day, nationwide sports and fitness movement from August 29 to 31.
• This movement seeks to spread awareness about the importance of dedicating at least 60 minutes daily to physical activity for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases.

Sports Budget

• To advance this approach, the central government has allocated a record ₹3,794 crore to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the financial year 2025-26. A large portion of this, i.e., ₹2,191 crore, has been allocated for central sector schemes.

Khelo India Policy 2025

• Launched in July 2025, the Khelo India Policy 2025 marks a revolutionary change in India’s sports ecosystem. Building on the foundation laid by programs like Khelo India, the aim of this policy is to transform sports into a nationwide movement and a viable career path, aligned with the goals of Viksit Bharat and the aspiration of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

National Sports Awards

• These national awards, presented annually by the President of India on National Sports Day (August 29), honor athletes, coaches, and institutions who have made significant contributions to Indian sports.