New Delhi: India celebrated National Sports Day 2026 on Saturday, commemorating the 121st birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. The national celebrations were held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium at India Gate, with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of Law and Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal participating in the event.
This year's celebrations focused on the nationwide ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ initiative, which encourages citizens, particularly young people, to dedicate time to sports and physical activity and make fitness a regular part of their lives.
Tribute to Major Dhyan Chand
The programme began with Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal paying floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand by garlanding his statue.
Hundreds of participants joined the celebrations from 8 am and took part in a range of sporting and fitness activities organised at the stadium.
Mandaviya Calls for Greater Focus on Fitness
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said the ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ campaign was aimed at strengthening the Fit India Movement and encouraging people to incorporate sports into their everyday routines.
He highlighted the participation of young people across the country and called for greater attention to individual and community health.
The Sports Minister said that building a healthy and fit population was important for India's development and encouraged citizens to spend regular time on the playing field.
Arjun Ram Meghwal Highlights Physical and Mental Benefits
Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal also extended his greetings on National Sports Day and emphasised the importance of regular physical activity.
Sharing his personal association with sports, Meghwal said he had participated in games such as kabaddi and football and continues to play badminton regularly. He highlighted the role of sports in maintaining physical fitness, improving health and reducing mental stress.
He also said that the call to dedicate time to sports supports the broader vision of building a healthier and fitter India.
Cricket, Football and Tug of War Among Activities
Several sporting activities were organised during the National Sports Day programme to encourage teamwork, participation and an active lifestyle.
The activities included:
- Cricket
- Football
- Tug of war
- Fitness and physical activity sessions
A special cricket competition was also organised featuring four teams — Ministry XI, SAI XI, Media XI and Influencers XI.
The Ministry XI, led by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and including Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and ministry officials, defeated Media XI in the opening match.
The Influencers XI included social media influencers and Fit India Ambassadors.
National Sports Day Promotes Fit and Active India
The celebrations highlighted the government's continued efforts to promote sports participation, physical fitness and active lifestyles among citizens.
The nationwide ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ initiative also seeks to encourage young people to move beyond sedentary routines and make regular physical activity an integral part of their lives.
The National Sports Day celebrations at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Major Dhyan Chand while reinforcing the message that sports and fitness can play an important role in building a healthier and more active India.
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