National Sports Day 2026 Observed on 29 August

What Happened?

National Sports Day was observed across India on 29 August 2026, marking the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player who won three Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936). The day is organised under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Key Highlights

• National Sports Day was instituted by the Government of India in 2012.
• The day traditionally sees the presentation of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, and Dhyan Chand Award.
• India's highest sporting honour was renamed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 (formerly the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award).
• Schools, colleges, and sports academies across the country organised competitions and fitness activities.

TNPSC Relevance

Major Dhyan Chand, born 29 August 1905, is known as the "Hockey Wizard." Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi is named after him.

3 TNPSC MCQs

1. National Sports Day is observed every year on:
   (a) 28 August (b) 29 August (c) 30 August (d) 31 August
   Answer: (b) 29 August
   Explanation: It marks the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.
2. Major Dhyan Chand is most associated with which sport?
   (a) Cricket (b) Football (c) Hockey (d) Badminton
   Answer: (c) Hockey
   Explanation: He won three Olympic gold medals in hockey (1928, 1932, 1936).
3. India's highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, was formerly known as:
   (a) Arjuna Award (b) Dronacharya Award (c) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (d) Padma Shri
   Answer: (c) Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
   Explanation: It was renamed in 2021 after Major Dhyan Chand.