National Sports Day celebrated across Telangana

National Sports Day was celebrated across Telangana on Saturday, August 29, 2026, marking the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. The event saw sporting and related activities organized at all 33 district headquarters and major sports venues in Hyderabad. Celebrations were coordinated by the Sports Authority of Telangana, featuring events at locations such as the Gachibowli Hockey Stadium, LB Stadium, KVB Indoor Stadium, Saroornagar Indoor Stadium, Cycling Velodrome and Gymkhana Grounds. At the Gachibowli Hockey Stadium, Sports and Youth Services Minister Vakiti Srihari paid floral tributes to Major Dhyan Chand at his statue. Sports Authority of Telangana Chairman Shivasena Reddy, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director A. Sonibala Devi, Arjuna Awardee and badminton player Gayatri Gopichand, badminton player Treesa Jolly and athlete Nandini Agasara, alongside officials, athletes and coaches, participated in the program. The Sports Authority of Telangana recognized the achievements and contributions of Nandini Agasara, Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly during the event. Later, Mr. Srihari, along with Mr. Sivasena Reddy and Ms. Sonibala Devi, inaugurated the final match of the Major Dhyan Chand Memorial Khelo Telangana Hockey League at the Gachibowli Hockey Stadium. As part of the National Sports Day celebrations, a special edition of the Sundays on Cycling programme was planned for Sunday, to be held at all 33 district headquarters and at various Sports Authority of Telangana venues in Hyderabad. National Sports Day is observed annually on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, a revered figure in Indian sports history. Born in Allahabad, now Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, in 1905, Dhyan Chand played a pivotal role in establishing India's dominance in world hockey. He scored over 400 goals during his career, contributing to India’s historic achievement of winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals in hockey at the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Games. His legacy continues to inspire generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts across the nation. The celebration of National Sports Day serves multiple purposes beyond honoring Dhyan Chand. It aims to promote physical activity and fitness, encouraging youth participation in sports. The day also coincides with the presentation of major sporting honors, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, which is considered the highest honor in Indian sports. This award was formerly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna before being renamed in honor of Dhyan Chand. The tradition of celebrating National Sports Day includes sporting and fitness activities at educational institutions and public spaces. These efforts align with national programs such as the Khelo India initiative, launched in 2017-18 to foster sports participation among diverse age groups. In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi further emphasized the importance of physical fitness by launching the Fit India Movement on National Sports Day, reinforcing the significance of active lifestyles and health consciousness. Dhyan Chand's journey into hockey was not straightforward. Initially interested in wrestling, he took up hockey at around the age of 14 and joined the British Indian Army. His dedication to the sport became legendary, as he practiced hockey under the moonlight despite his regimental duties. His exceptional skills led him to represent India in 185 matches, earning him the nickname “The Hockey Wizard” due to his remarkable talent and performance on the field. His contributions to Indian hockey remain unmatched, and his influence continues to shape the landscape of sports in India today.