Brain Booster for UPSC & State PCS Examination (Topic: National Sports Day)

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The National Sports Day in India is celebrated on August 29, the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.

August 29 was designated as India's National Sports Day in 2012.
The president gives away sport-related awards such as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award on this day to the players.

Dhyan Chand was born on August 29, 1905 at Prayagraj in India to a Kushwaha Rajput family.
He was the son of Sharadha and Rameshwar Singh.
Dhyan Chand had two brothers- Mool Singh and Roop Singh.
Dhyan Chand joined the British Indian Army as a sepoy at the age of 16. He exclusively played in army hockey tournaments between 1922 and 1926. He played his last international match in the year 1948.
He had played a pivotal role in India's three consecutive Olympic wins in 1928, 1932 and 1936.
He is often referred as ‘The Wizard’ for his incredible hockey skills.
He scored over 400 goals in his career that lasted from 1926 to 1948.
Dhyan Chand's performance in the 1936 Berlin Olympic final is considered as one of his best. He was the top scorer in the game with 3 goals and India went on to easily defeat Germany 8-1.
He was awarded India's third highest civilian honour of Padma Bhushan in 1956.
The legend was originally named Dhyan Singh and he received the nickname 'Chand' as he used to practise all night in the moonlight.
Dhyan Chand died on December 3, 1979, in Delhi.

This day raises awareness of the value of sports and physical activity in everyday life.
Since the first commemoration of the National Sports Day in India in 2012, the government has used the occasion to announce several sports-related projects.
National Sports Day is observed to honor Major Dhyan Chand's legacy and to recognize the value of sports in our lives.
Multiple honors, including the Arjuna Award and the Dhyan Chand Award, are presented to sporting heroes to recognize their contributions to sports.
It brings people together. We can join in the joy of another's hard-won victory through sports.
Sports can bring people from all walks of life together in ways they would never meet otherwise.

"Sports teach us many key life skills along with keeping us fit and physically as well as mentally strong!" was the theme of 2021 National Sports Day.

Apart from keeping fit and healthy, it improves concentration and reflexes.
Sports improve stamina and strengthen the body.
Children who play sports develop sportsmanship spirit. They learn how to work together and cooperate in a team.
When it comes to sports, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Playing sports increases a child’s ability to deal with failure. These kids are able to cope better with failure.
Sports also help in weight loss. Sports provide a chance for children to showcase their leadership skills. It helps them to develop discipline.
Playing sports provides an opportunity for children to display their talent and achieve success.