The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organized National Sports Day celebrations at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on August 29, 2026, commemorating the 121st birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal presided over the event, which featured the nationwide 'Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein' initiative encouraging citizens to dedicate at least one hour to sports and physical activity.
The programme began with floral tributes to Major Dhyan Chand's statue, followed by participation from hundreds of attendees from 8:00 AM onwards in various sporting and fitness activities. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that lakhs of youth across the country were participating in the initiative to strengthen the Fit India Movement and support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a new India with fit and healthy citizens. He called for spending one hour every week on the playing field to maintain health.
Minister Meghwal highlighted the importance of regular sports for physical and mental well-being, sharing his personal motto of 'morning music and evening play' and his participation in kabaddi, football, and daily badminton. The event featured cricket, football, and tug of war activities promoting teamwork and active lifestyles. A cricket competition included four teams: Ministry XI, SAI XI, Media XI, and Influencers XI (comprising social media influencers and Fit India Ambassadors). The Ministry XI team, led by Dr. Mandaviya and including Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and ministry officials, secured a convincing victory over Media XI in the opening match.
The celebrations reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting sports culture and active living across India while honoring Major Dhyan Chand's legacy. The event was part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations and supported the 'Hum Fit Toh India Fit' initiative for national development.