By News On Air Aug 29, 2026
National Sports Day is being celebrated across the country today to commemorate the birth anniversary of one of India’s greatest sporting icons, Major Dhyan Chand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid homage to the Indian Hockey Legend Major Dhyan Chand on the occasion of National Sports Day. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that Major Dhyan Chand’s brilliance in Indian hockey continues to inspire generations. Extending his greetings to all sports lovers, the Prime Minister said that their dedication, passion and determination make the nation proud.
The day celebrates India’s rich sporting heritage and encourages people to make sports a regular part of their daily lives. National Sports Day 2026 is being observed as a three-day nationwide campaign under the pillars of Tribute, Play and Move. This year, National Sports Day is being celebrated under the call, Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein”. Various sporting activities are being organised across the country to mark the occasion.
In Delhi, Union Ministers Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Arjun Ram Meghwal participated in a cricket match under the campaign. Talking to the media, Dr Mandaviya called upon people to spend at least one hour on the playing field every week to remain fit and healthy. He said a fit youth and a healthy society are essential for building a prosperous nation. Mr Meghwal said he plays badminton every day. He said sports help people remain healthy and fit and also help in keeping stress away.
The government has been making sustained investments in India’s sporting ecosystem, with the results increasingly visible on the global stage. India’s performances at major international sporting events reflect the country’s growing strength across Olympic, Paralympic and multi-sport disciplines.
In the Union Budget 2026-27, over 4400 crore rupees were allocated to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, compared to just around 1200 crore rupees in 2013-14. India’s Olympic journey has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years. The country won two medals at Rio 2016, seven at Tokyo 2020 and six medals at Paris 2024. India’s performance at the Paralympic Games has also improved remarkably. The medal tally rose from four at Rio 2016 to 19 at Tokyo 2020.
At Paris 2024, India recorded its best-ever Paralympic performance with 29 medals. India has also consistently improved its performance at the Asian Games. The country won 57 medals at the 2014 Asian Games and improved its tally to 69 in 2018 and scripted history by winning a record 107 medals in 2023. Initiatives such as Khelo India, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, and Khelo India Rising Talent Identification are strengthening the sporting ecosystem and helping athletes prepare for competition at the highest level.