National Sports Day 2025: A Three-Day “Jan Andolan” Celebrating Fitness and Sporting Legacy

National Sports Day: A Movement Kicked Off by the Fit India Mission

This year, National Sports Day, observed on August 29 to honor the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, grew beyond symbolic celebrations and transformed into a powerful three-day fitness movement. Running from August 29 to 31, the campaign urged citizens to dedicate at least one hour every day to sports and physical activity under the theme “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main”.

The initiative, led by the Fit India Mission, was not just about professional athletes—it aimed to reach every household, school, workplace, and community. By encouraging people from all walks of life to actively participate, it turned into a true “Jan Andolan,” or people’s movement, showcasing the country’s growing commitment to health, fitness, and sports.

A Classroom Like No Other: Minister Mandaviya’s Vision

Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya spearheaded the national celebrations with a tribute to Major Dhyan Chand at the iconic National Stadium in Delhi. His address carried a powerful message: “No classroom is bigger than the sporting arena, and no teacher is better than sports.”

To mark the occasion, he also inaugurated India’s first world-class MONDO athletics track at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This addition strengthens India’s preparation for international competitions and reflects the government’s commitment to upgrading sporting infrastructure.

Mandaviya reiterated that sports are not just about winning medals—they are about discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He also highlighted recent policy steps, including the Khelo Bharat Niti and the National Sports Governance Act 2025, both designed to nurture talent and make India a sporting superpower by 2047.

Uttarakhand’s Dynamic Push for Sporting Excellence

While Delhi witnessed central celebrations, Uttarakhand emerged as one of the states making bold strides in sports development. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid homage to Major Dhyan Chand and highlighted the state’s expanding sports infrastructure.

Among the major announcements was the establishment of a new Sports University in Haldwani and 23 sports academies across eight cities. These academies aim to provide professional training to athletes in multiple disciplines, with a special focus on encouraging participation among women and rural youth.

The state has also introduced scholarships for budding athletes, built open gyms in rural stadiums, and issued directives to ensure stadiums remain accessible to players throughout the day. Hosting the 38th National Games earlier this year further underscored Uttarakhand’s growing stature in the national sports landscape.

National Leadership and Sporting Spirit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes on the occasion, emphasizing that National Sports Day reflects India’s unwavering commitment to sporting excellence. He highlighted how sports foster unity, discipline, and national pride, while also contributing to the physical and mental health of citizens.

The Prime Minister’s message resonated with the campaign’s focus: building a healthier and more confident India through collective participation in fitness and sports activities.

A Celebration That Reached Every Corner of India

What set National Sports Day 2025 apart was the scale of participation. Millions of citizens took part across villages, towns, and cities. From school students and college athletes to Resident Welfare Associations and local communities, the campaign became a nationwide fitness festival.

Unique celebrations were seen across regions:

• In the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, underwater ceremonies were held to pay tribute to sports.
• Several villages hosted traditional sports festivals, combining cultural games with modern fitness challenges.
• In states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, local organizations organized “Khel Mahotsavs” that drew crowds of all ages.

The variety of events highlighted how sports can unite communities, inspire creativity, and strengthen cultural identity while promoting health and fitness.

A Blend of Bollywood and Sports

Adding glamour to the celebrations, several Bollywood stars joined the campaign by sharing their love for fitness and sports. Many actors used their social platforms to promote the message of “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main”, proving that sports inspire not just athletes but also cultural icons. Their involvement helped amplify the campaign’s reach, especially among younger audiences.

Final Thoughts

National Sports Day 2025 was more than a commemoration—it was a transformative experience. By honoring the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand and combining it with ambitious infrastructure projects, innovative campaigns, and widespread citizen participation, the day turned into a festival of fitness, resilience, and unity.

From government initiatives and state-level investments to local traditions and celebrity endorsements, this year’s celebrations reflected a single message: India is not just playing sports—it is building a sporting culture.

With such large-scale participation and renewed policies, the nation is taking decisive steps toward becoming a healthier, stronger, and more competitive sporting powerhouse.