Raipur: Sports Minister Shri Patel congratulated on National Sports Day

On the occasion of National Sports Day (29 August), the Sports and Youth Welfare Minister, Mr. Umesh Patel greeted the sports talents, coaches and citizens dedicated to sports on the occasion of National Sports Day (29 August), the birthday of Major Hockey player Major Dhyanchand.

    In order to pay tribute to National Hockey Player Major Dhyanchand, it was decided by the Government of India to celebrate Major Dhyanchand’s birthday on August 29 as National Sports Day in India every year since 2012. Major Dhyanchand was born on this day on 29 August 1905 in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Major Dhyanchand is one of the greatest players in world sports history. He has won three Olympic gold medals to the Indian team in hockey in 1928, 1932 and 1936. Major Dhyanchand had his mastery of ball control in hockey. He used to perform magic as he used to in the playground with his hockey stick, so he was called a hockey wizard. Apart from this, he was also given the title of Hockey Wizard. Major Dhyanchand has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third largest civilian award, by the Government of India for his contribution to hockey.