4 days ago
Modi Pays Tribute to Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day
India observed National Sports Day on August 29, 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people who enjoy and support sports.
He remembered Major Dhyan Chand, a famous hockey player.
The day is held on Dhyan Chand’s birthday.
Modi said Dhyan Chand’s skill continues to inspire athletes.
He also recalled that Dhyan Chand travelled with India’s hockey team to New Zealand about 100 years ago.
Modi said sporting success can bring attention to an athlete’s family, school and community.
National Sports Day has been observed every year since 2012.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted sports lovers across India on National Sports Day 2026.
Modi praised athletes and sports supporters for their dedication, passion and determination.
He paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, whose birth anniversary is observed as National Sports Day.
Modi recalled Dhyan Chand’s participation in India’s hockey tour of New Zealand a century ago.
He said sporting success can raise the profile of athletes’ families, schools, districts and states.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian sports lovers and athletes; Major Dhyan Chand was commemorated.
- What
- Modi issued National Sports Day greetings, praised sporting dedication and paid tribute to Dhyan Chand.
- Where
- Across India, with references to India’s historic hockey tour of New Zealand.
- When
- Saturday, August 29, 2026; the occasion is observed annually on August 29.
- Why
- National Sports Day marks Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary and celebrates athletes, sporting achievements and sporting figures.
Key facts
- Occasion
- National Sports Day 2026
- Date
- August 29, 2026
- Honoured figure
- Major Dhyan Chand, a hockey legend
- Historical reference
- India’s hockey team toured New Zealand about 100 years ago with Dhyan Chand among its members
- Sporting relationship
- Modi linked the tour to the centenary of sporting relations between India and New Zealand
- First observed
- National Sports Day was first observed in 2012
- Broader message
- Athletic success can enhance recognition of families, educational institutions, districts and states
Quotes
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
“To every sports lover…your dedication, passion and determination make everyone proud. We also pay homage to the legendary Major Dhyan Chand Ji, whose brilliance inspires generations. #NationalSportsDay”
freepressjournal.in
thehansindia.com
thestatesman.com
“National Sports Day is also an occasion to remember Major Dhyan Chand. A hundred years ago, India’s hockey team toured New Zealand, and Dhyan Chand ji was part of that tour”
freepressjournal.in
thestatesman.com
Sources
Related news
Revanth, Naidu and Pawan Honour Dhyan Chand on Sports Day
National Sports Day Honors Dhyan Chand, Promotes Nationwide Fitness
Telangana Celebrates National Sports Day Across 33 Districts
RCF Kapurthala Celebrates National Sports Day With Hockey Victory
Nagaland Observes National Sports Day, Honours Meritorious Sportspersons
Delhi and Patna Host Fitness Runs on National Sports Day
India's 7.8% GDP Growth Sparks Questions Over Economic Reality
Congress Questions Haryana’s Falling Sex Ratio Despite Beti Bachao
Three Killed, Several Injured in Rewa Bus Collision
West Bengal Plans Mega Durga Puja Show at Eden Gardens
NVIDIA CEO urges Indian startups to build local AI economy