New Delhi: On Thursday, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya urged citizens across India to dedicate one hour to fitness and play on the occasion of National Sports Day 2025, observed annually on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
This year, the Fit India Mission, in collaboration with the Indian sports ecosystem, will lead a three-day, pan-India sporting celebration from August 29 to 31.
Aligned with India’s vision to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036, the celebrations aim to inspire mass participation in sports and fitness, showcasing India as a nation where sports are becoming a people’s movement.
From blocks and districts to schools, universities, workplaces, and residential communities, citizens will unite to celebrate sports while embracing the Olympic values of Friendship, Respect, and Excellence, as well as the Paralympic values of Determination, Courage, Inspiration, and Equality.
Outlining the three-day schedule, Mandaviya said special tributes will be paid to Major Dhyan Chand through nationwide assemblies and commemorative events on August 29.
“National Sports Day honours our hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand. This year, we are celebrating it from August 29 to 31. I urge all citizens to dedicate ‘Ek ghanta khel ke maidaan mein.’ As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, only healthy citizens can build a prosperous nation. Students, employees, and institutions across the country should step onto playgrounds and dedicate one hour to sports and physical activity for a fitter India,” Mandaviya said, according to a press release from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
He added, “We have aligned National Sports Day with the Olympic and Paralympic movement, encouraging citizens to participate enthusiastically in sports and fitness activities, while incorporating these habits into their daily lives.”
India’s first Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra, and football icon Sunil Chhetri also encouraged people of all ages to join in the celebration of health and fitness through social media appeals.
Major stadiums in every district will host events with participation from Members of Parliament, while leading athletes will join local programmes to inspire citizens to adopt sports as a way of life.
On August 30, Fit India will host carnival-style events nationwide, including debates, panel discussions, talks, and competitions to raise awareness and enthusiasm for active living.
On August 31, citizens will participate in Fit India “Sundays on Cycle”, promoting cycling as a regular fitness habit. Additionally, the Fit India App will introduce a Carbon Savings Incentivisation feature to encourage eco-friendly practices alongside healthier lifestyles.
Through initiatives like Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and the National Sports Governance Act 2025, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is laying the foundation for India to become a global sporting superpower by 2047, while also achieving overall national development.
National Sports Day 2025 represents a decisive step toward building a fit, active, and internationally competitive sporting nation, moving India closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
