National Sports Day

India observes the National Sports Day on August 29 to promote sporting activities in the country to improve mental and physical wellbeing of people. Also known as Rashtirya Khel Diwas, it was included in India?s list of national celebrations in 2012. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, popularly known as the ?Hockey Wizard? and ?The Magician?.
Born in 1905, Major Dhyan Chand was one among the Indian hockey team that won gold medals in three consecutive Summer Olympics in 1928, 1932 and 1936. He received the Padma Bhushan, India?s third highest civilian honor, in 1956.