Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Leads National Sports Day Celebrations
Bharat celebrated a historic National Sports Day on August 29, 2025, uniting approximately 300 million citizens across the nation to honor the 120th birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The event, led by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, featured a floral tribute at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, followed by a series of interactive sporting activities at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This massive mobilization underscored the importance of sports in promoting fitness and well-being among citizens.
Nationwide Celebrations and Pledge
The celebrations kicked off with a collective pledge, where millions reaffirmed their commitment to fitness and well-being. The day was infused with the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, and Respect, alongside the Paralympic values of Courage, Determination, Inspiration, and Equality. This spirit of sportsmanship resonated throughout the nation, as communities engaged in various sporting activities. From community hockey exhibitions to mass fitness drives in schools and local bodies, the event transformed into a true “Jan Andolan of Sports,” showcasing the unifying power of sports across Bharat.
Activities were organized in every district, facilitated by sports academies under the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Khelo India, and local governments. Schools, colleges, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and corporate entities actively participated, ensuring that no organization was left out of this nationwide celebration. The slogan “Har Gali, Har Maidaan; Khele Saara Hindustan” encapsulated the essence of the day, emphasizing that sports should be accessible to all.
Grassroots Engagement and Inclusivity
The Indian Olympic Association, Paralympic Committee of India, and various National Sports Federations played a crucial role in bringing sports to the grassroots level. Their initiatives encouraged participation from all segments of society, reinforcing the idea that sports is not merely about competition but a vital aspect of life. Chief Ministers from various states, including Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh and Siddaramaiah in Karnataka, led local celebrations, further amplifying the movement.
In a notable initiative, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands held a 15-day celebration culminating in an underwater tribute to Major Dhyan Chand. Additionally, the Isha Gramotsavam, Bharat’s largest rural sports festival, engaged 35,000 villages with competitions in volleyball and throwball, showcasing the diversity of participation across the nation. This inclusive approach highlighted the commitment to making sports accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
Inauguration of New Athletic Facilities
A significant highlight of the day was the inauguration of Bharat’s first MONDO Athletics Track at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Completed in just four months by SAI’s engineering team, the track was unveiled in the presence of prominent athletes and officials. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra described the event as a milestone for Bharat’s sports landscape, while Paralympic gold medallist Sumit Antil emphasized its potential to inspire future generations of athletes.
Dr. Mandaviya, along with other distinguished athletes, participated in a spirited 400m demonstration run on the new track. The day concluded with a friendly cricket match between a Ministers XI and a Media XI, embodying the celebratory spirit of the occasion. Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the importance of sports in national development and the ambition to position Bharat among the top five nations in the Olympics by 2047.
Social Media Buzz and Future Events
The excitement of National Sports Day was amplified on social media, with messages of support from renowned athletes and celebrities, including Sachin Tendulkar and PV Sindhu. Their participation helped make the event a trending topic, showcasing the widespread enthusiasm for sports across the country.
The celebrations are set to continue over the next two days, featuring sports debates and competitions in indigenous sports such as kho-kho and kabaddi. The culmination of the event will include a nationwide cycling initiative promoting a healthy lifestyle, themed “Swadeshi Bharat.” Additionally, a National Conclave on Sports Goods Manufacturing will be inaugurated, aiming to boost domestic sports manufacturing and exports.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
