NEW DELHI, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- India celebrated National Sports Day on Tuesday, and honored the birth anniversary of the nation's hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand, who clinched gold medals in the Olympics for India in 1928, 1932, and 1936, officials said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to all the country's sportspersons and paid homage to Chand. In a statement, Modi expressed, "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 as well on his birth anniversary."
National Sports Day functions as a driving force behind fostering a vibrant sports culture within the nation. It underscores the significance of regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, uniting people irrespective of their background, language, or beliefs. The theme for this year's celebration is "Sports are an enabler to an inclusive and fit society."
India marked its inaugural National Sports Day on August 29, 2012, and this year commemorates the 12th anniversary of Rashtriya Khel Divas (National Sports Day). Sports experts assert that the day also serves as a reminder for everyone to recollect the contributions, determination, and extraordinary accomplishments of athletes, as well as their impact in shaping societies.
Renowned Indian athlete Neeraj Chopra encouraged people to engage in a sport to maintain fitness. He posted on social media, "On National Sports Day, I'm urging everyone, young or old, to go out and pick up a sport, exercise regularly and stay fit. Let's make India healthy and happy!"
Chopra secured a gold medal in the javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, last Sunday. ■
