Archive · 30 Aug 2026
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.
- When
- Saturday, August 29, 2026; the occasion is observed annually on August 29.
- Where
- Across India, with references to India’s historic hockey tour of New Zealand.
- Why
- National Sports Day marks Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary and celebrates athletes, sporting achievements and sporting figures.
- 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- Historical reference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
