New Delhi, August 29: Lauding sportspersons who have represented India and made it proud, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his government is making numerous efforts to popularise sports and support sporting talent in the country. In a series of tweets to mark National Sports Day, he also urged everyone to make sports and fitness exercises a part of their daily routine.

"National Sports Day is a day to celebrate the remarkable achievements of all those exemplary sportspersons who have represented India in various sports and made our nation proud. Their tenacity and determination are outstanding," he said. National Sports Day 2020: 10 Mind-Boggling Facts About Indian Sports & Sportspersons to Celebrate the Special Day!.

The prime minister also paid tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player whose birth anniversary is celebrated as National Sports Day, and said his magic with the hockey stick can never be forgotten.

"Government of India is making numerous efforts to popularise sports and support sporting talent in India. At the same time, I urge everyone to make sports and fitness exercises a part of their daily routine. There are many benefits of doing so. May everyone be happy and healthy," he added. National Sports Awards 2020: Rohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma to Miss Virtual Ceremony Due to IPL; Three Awardees Test COVID-19 Positive.

This is also a day to laud the outstanding support given by the families, coaches and support staff towards the success of our talented athletes, Modi said.