New Delhi, 29 August (H.S.): National Sports Day was observed across the country on Saturday to mark the 121st birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. A special sporting event was organised at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal.

The major highlight of this year’s National Sports Day celebrations was the nationwide “One Hour on the Playground” campaign. The initiative aims to encourage people, particularly young citizens, to dedicate at least one hour to sports and physical activities.

The programme began with Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Arjun Ram Meghwal paying floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand at his statue. From 8 a.m., hundreds of participants took part in various sporting and fitness activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mandaviya said the “One Hour on the Playground” campaign was aimed at strengthening the Fit India Movement and encouraging people to make sports a part of their daily lives.

He said, “On the occasion of National Sports Day, being observed to commemorate the 121st birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the ‘One Hour on the Playground’ programme is being organised across the country. Its objective is to promote the Fit India Movement.”

The Sports Minister said millions of young people across the country were actively coming forward to spend an hour playing on streets and playgrounds. He said, “To build a New India, we must ensure that every individual remains healthy and that society as a whole remains healthy. This will help us build a prosperous nation. Let us spend one hour on the playground every week and focus on our health.”

Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also extended his greetings on National Sports Day and emphasised the importance of regular sports and physical activity. He said sports play an important role in keeping people physically fit and mentally free from stress.

He said, “Sports have always been a part of my life. From kabaddi and football to playing badminton almost every day, sports have remained an integral part of my life. My personal mantra is — music in the morning and sports in the evening. Regular participation in sports keeps us physically fit and healthy while also helping us stay away from mental stress.”

Various sporting activities, including cricket, football and tug-of-war, were organised during the event. The cricket competition featured Ministry XI, Sports Authority of India XI, Media XI and Influencers XI.

The Ministry XI, captained by Dr Mandaviya, defeated the Media XI convincingly in the opening cricket match. The Ministry XI included several senior officials, including Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao. The Influencers XI comprised prominent social media influencers and Fit India ambassadors.

The National Sports Day celebrations paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Major Dhyan Chand while reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting sports, fitness and an active lifestyle across the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar