SYLLABUS

GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. 

Context: 

India celebrated National Sports Day on August 29, 2025, to promote sports culture and fitness across the nation.

National Sports Day 2025

• The theme for National Sports Day 2025 was “Sport for Promoting Peaceful and Inclusive Societies.”
• The Prime Minister of India highlighted India’s transformation in sports, from grassroots talent nurturing to world-class facilities. 
• The celebration featured the Fit India campaign themed ‘Ek Ghanta Khel ke Maidan Main,’ a three-day nationwide drive (29–31 August 2025) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, urging citizens to spend at least 60 minutes daily on physical activity.
• The spirit of NSD 2025 also pays special tribute to Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, Respect and Paralympic values of Courage, Determination, Inspiration, and Equality.

National Sports Day

• The day is observed every year on 29 August to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, regarded as the “Wizard of Hockey”.
• The day was first instituted in 2012 to promote sports and recognise the contribution of Indian athletes, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with events held nationwide.
• Over the years, it has expanded into a platform for launching major sports schemes such as Khelo India and the Fit India Movement.
• National Sports Awards, including Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, and Dhyan Chand Award, are presented on this day by President of India.

Significance of the Day

• Promotion of Fitness Culture: It emphasized the importance of daily physical activity through the Fit India campaign, motivating citizens to dedicate at least one hour to exercise.
• Recognition of Sporting Excellence: By conferring national sports awards like Khel Ratna and Arjuna, it honours athletes and coaches, inspiring future generations.
• Boost to Sports Infrastructure and Policy: It provided momentum to grassroots sports promotion, infrastructure development, and national initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India, shaping India’s vision as a global sports hub.
• Shaping a sporting nation: Reinforcing India’s ambition to nurture talent and strengthen its global sporting presence.

Government Initiative to boost sports culture

• National Sports Governance Act 2025: It replaces the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, with a legally enforceable law ensuring ethical practices, good governance, and welfare of sportspersons.
• National Sports Policy 2025: A strategic vision to empower citizens through sports and position India as a global leader with focus on the 2036 Olympics.
• Khelo Bharat Niti 2025: It envisions turning sports into a nationwide movement and a sustainable career option and India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics.
• KIRTI (Khelo India Rising Talent Identification): It is a nationwide initiative to identify and nurture sporting talent among children aged 9 to 18.

Source:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=155107&ModuleId=3 https://indianexpress.com/article/india/national-sports-day-2025-date-theme-history-and-significance-10217638/ https://www.newsonair.gov.in/national-sports-day-being-celebrated-today-to-mark-birth-anniversary-of-legendary-hockey-player-major-dhyan-chand/#:~:text=The%20day%20is%20celebrated%20on,Promote%20Peaceful%20and%20Inclusive%20Societies.