India, Aug. 29 -- Today, August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day, an annual occasion that honours the country's sporting heritage while marking the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, one of the greatest figures in Indian sport. The day has grown from a commemoration of the hockey legend into a nationwide effort to encourage participation in sport, physical activity and fitness. National Sports Day was first observed in 1995 and has been nationally celebrated since 2012.

This year, the celebrations have been expanded beyond August 29. National Sports Day 2026 is being observed as a three-day nationwide campaign from August 28 to 30 under the theme "Tribute, Play, and Move". The programme combines tributes to Dhyan Chand with ...