National Sports Day 2023: PM Modi, Sports Minister Thakur pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, greet sportspersons

Aug 29, 2023 - 12:30

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National Sports Day 2023: PM Modi, Sports Minister Thakur pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, greet sportspersons

India is celebrating its National Sports Day on 29 August which is observed to commemorate the birthday of the hockey great Major Dhyan Chand and also to acknowledge the contributions of the sportspersons of the nation who have made the country proud with their achievements.

Major Dhyan Chand was part of the Indian hockey team that won the Olympics gold in the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics. He scored 570 goals for India in 185 matches.

National Sports Day 2023: Its history and significance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Dhyan Chand on the occasion of his 118th birth anniversary and the 12th National Sports Day on Monday.

“On National Sports Day, my greetings to all sportspersons. India is proud of their contributions to the nation. I pay homage to Major Dhyan Chand Ji as well on his birth anniversary,” PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

On National Sports Day, my greetings to all sportspersons. India is proud of their contributions to the nation. I pay homage to Major Dhyan Chand Ji as well on his birth anniversary.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2023

Sports Minister Anurag Thakur paid homage to Dhyan Chand at his statue in the National Stadium in Delhi and declared that the government will be launching “key” initiatives for Indian sports on National Sports Day on Tuesday.

. .
Paid my tributes to the wizard of Indian Hockey, Major Dhyan Chand Ji on #NationalSportsDay at National Stadium, Delhi
On this special occasion, we are launching key initiatives on #IndianSports. Join me today to find out!… pic.twitter.com/hhuyspfhMh
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 29, 2023

India’s first individual gold medallist in the Olympics, Abhinav Bindra, said that National Sports Day not only reminds him of medals “but of the resilience, discipline, and camaraderie sports instilled” in him.

“Sport doesn’t just shape champions in arenas but in life. It molds a society that thrives on health, values, and unity. There’s truly no better way to craft a better tomorrow. Let’s champion the spirit of sport, today and always,” he wrote on X.

Today, on #NationalSportsDay, I’m reminded not just of medals and accolades but of the resilience, discipline, and camaraderie sports instilled in me. Sport doesn’t just shape champions in arenas but in life. It molds a society that thrives on health, values, and unity. There’s…
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 29, 2023

Many other politicians, sportspersons, and sports teams also celebrated National Sports Day on social media. Here are the best reactions:

On the occasion of #NationalSportsDay, we strive to keep the legacy of Dhyan Chand alive & make a sporting superpower!!
Wishing everyone a very happy National Sports Day pic.twitter.com/OyJnUHwCCR
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) August 29, 2023

Tributes to hockey wizard #MajorDhyanChand on his birth anniversary, also celebrated as #NationalSportsDay. His contributions to the field of hockey, unwavering dedication to sports and his lasting legacy will continue to inspire millions of sportspersons. #OdishaForSports pic.twitter.com/Vo9GFTHTNZ
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 29, 2023

On #NationalSportsDay and birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand,
I pay my humble tribute to legendary ‘The Wizard of Indian Hockey’.
I also salute all the athletes who had played for India & brought laurels for our country!#MajorDhyanChand #KheloIndia #NationalSportsDay2023 pic.twitter.com/xNVEFMVp6P
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 29, 2023

Nothing unites our nation as sports. Remembering the great Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary today. #NationalSportsDay
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 29, 2023

Celebrating the legacy of Major Dhyanchand on #NationalSportsDay!
A big salute to all our sportspersons who exemplify dedication and determination. Your relentless efforts bring glory to our nation. pic.twitter.com/FLDeoD1wnj
— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) August 29, 2023

On #NationalSportsDay and birth anniversary of #MajorDhyanChand,
I pay my humble tribute to legendary ‘The Wizard of Indian Hockey’. pic.twitter.com/8LbE0EIdOV
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) August 29, 2023

Let’s encourage our Athletes to achieve more success and glorify our Nation!
Happy National Sports Day!#MohunBagan #MohunBaganAthleticClub #MohunBagan1889 #MB #MBAC #NationalSportsDay #Sportsmanship #GreenAndMaroonSpirit pic.twitter.com/w5MkfWwSDk
— Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) August 29, 2023