PM Narendra Modi Shares National Sports Day Greetings, Praises Athletes for Their Inspiration
On National Sports Day 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greeting, praising sportspersons' unwavering dedication and highlighting the vital role of sports in inspiring and shaping the younger generation.
India today, August 29, 2026, celebrates National Sports Day, an annual observance dedicated to honouring the country's rich sporting heritage and the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. On this significant occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Personalities Extend National Sports Day Wishes, Including Shikhar Dhawan, commending athletes for their unwavering dedication and highlighting the profound impact of sports on national spirit and youth development.
PM Modi Extends Wishes on National Sports Day
Shikhar Dhawan Extends Wishes on National Sports Day
PM Modi Salutes Sporting Spirit and Major Dhyan Chand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings on National Sports Day, expressing immense pride in the dedication, passion, and determination displayed by sportspersons across India. Taking to social media, PM Modi paid homage to Major Dhyan Chand, whose 'brilliance and contribution to Indian hockey continue to inspire generations'.
Just two days prior, on August 27, 2026, during the 'Khelo India Dialogue', the Prime Minister had already extended his advance wishes to the nation's youth and the broader sporting community, recalling Dhyan Chand's significant role in establishing India's sporting ties with New Zealand a century ago. "This day is also to remember a great child of Mother India, Major Dhyan Chand ji," Shri Modi remarked.
Sports Personalities Extend National Sports Day Wishes, Including Shikhar Dhawan
Several sports personalities extended their wishes on National Sports Day, celebrating the spirit of sports, dedication and the role of physical activity in inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, who retired from international and domestic cricket in August 2024, shared an inspiring message encouraging people to participate in different sports. His post featured images of him enjoying a variety of activities, including cricket, football, pool, horse riding and pickleball.
Dhawan wrote, “Jitna kheloge, utna seekhoge... jitna seekhoge, utna jeetoge! Aap kaunsa sport khelte ho? #NationalSportsDay.”
Alongside Dhawan, several other athletes and sports personalities also marked National Sports Day by sharing messages and extending their wishes to fans and fellow sportspersons. Their posts highlighted the importance of fitness, perseverance, teamwork and the positive impact of sports.
Dhawan has also been actively involved in promoting youth sports through his Da One Sports Initiative, which focuses on providing training and mentorship to aspiring athletes at the grassroots level. The Shikhar Dhawan Foundation also promotes sports as a means of building confidence, teamwork and a sense of joy among young athletes.
The Significance of National Sports Day
National Sports Day is observed annually on August 29, commemorating the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, born on August 29, 1905. Revered as "The Wizard of Hockey" or "The Magician," Dhyan Chand famously led India to three consecutive Olympic hockey gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936.
The day, nationally celebrated since 2012, has evolved into a nationwide movement promoting physical activity and fitness. The National Sports Day 2026 celebrations are framed as a three-day nationwide campaign from August 28 to 30, under the overarching theme of “Tribute, Play, and Move,” combining tributes to Dhyan Chand with widespread sporting and fitness initiatives.
The greetings from the nation's leadership and prominent sports figures serve as a powerful reminder of sports' ability to unite, inspire, and contribute significantly to a healthier, more disciplined, and aspirational India.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2026 01:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).