The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports marked National Sports Day on August 29, 2026, with celebrations led by Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The day commemorated the 121st birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The event featured a nationwide initiative called ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’, aimed at encouraging Indians to spend time on sports and fitness.
What happened at the celebrations
The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Union Minister of Law and Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal paid floral tributes at Major Dhyan Chand’s statue to begin the programme. Hundreds of participants joined sporting activities starting from 8:00 AM. The event included cricket matches, football and tug of war competitions designed to promote active participation and teamwork.
Dr Mandaviya stated that the ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ initiative was designed to support the broader Fit India Movement and encourage people to incorporate sports into their daily routines. He noted that lakhs of young people across the country have been taking part in the programme by dedicating one hour to play in their neighbourhoods and local grounds.
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted how regular sports participation supports both physical fitness and mental well-being. He connected National Sports Day to the ‘Hum Fit Toh India Fit’ initiative, describing regular sporting activity as essential for building a developed nation.
A cricket competition organised at the event included four teams: Ministry XI, SAI XI, Media XI and Influencers XI. The Ministry XI team, led by Dr Mandaviya and including the Secretary of the Department of Sports, won its opening match against the Media XI.
What this means for you
If you are a student, young professional or parent, the government is actively promoting the idea that dedicating one hour weekly to sports and physical activity is important for individual and national health. The ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ initiative invites ordinary citizens to participate in sports in their local communities. The celebrations signal government commitment to making fitness and active living a normal part of daily life across India.