With a vision to make India a fit nation, the Prime Minister marked the National Sports Day by launching the ‘Fit India Movement’. This drive is aimed at encouraging people to adopt fitness as a part of their lifestyle. The National Sports Day, celebrated every year on August 29, pays homage to Major Dhyan Chand Singh, the hockey legend. This day also sees the President of India presenting various prestigious sports awards like Khel Ratna, Arjuna Awards, Dronacharya Awards, and Dhyan Chand Award to outstanding athletes in different sports disciplines. (Source: PIB)
The Origin of ‘Fit India Movement’
A vision of our Prime Minister, the ‘Fit India Movement’ was launched on National Sports Day with the motive to make fitness a lifestyle choice among the citizens of India. The initiative is more than just a government program, it’s a People’s Movement that encourages active participation from all age groups and sectors. The aim is to raise awareness about the importance of physical activities and sports in everyone’s daily lives.
Why National Sports Day on August 29?
The date of August 29 is significant as it is the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand Singh, an iconic figure in the field of Indian Hockey. Known for his extraordinary goal-scoring feats, Singh brought glory to the nation by winning three Olympic gold medals in years 1928, 1932, and 1936. To honour his contributions, India celebrates this day as the National Sports Day.
National Sports Day: A Tribute to Athletes
Beyond being an occasion to launch the ‘Fit India Movement’, the National Sports Day is a day to recognize and appreciate the hard work and achievements of athletes across various sports. The President of India, on this special day, presents the prestigious Khel Ratna, Arjuna Awards, Dronacharya Awards, and Dhyan Chand Award to athletes who have achieved exceptional success in their respective disciplines.
Awards and Their Significance
The awards presented on National Sports Day hold immense gravity as they are a form of recognition for the dedication, hard work, and passion of the athletes. The Khel Ratna is given for spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports. The Arjuna Awards are bestowed upon individuals for consistently outstanding performance over four years, while the Dronacharya Awards are for trainers and coaches. The Dhyan Chand Award recognizes lifetime contribution to sports development.
| Award Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Khel Ratna | For spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports |
| Arjuna Awards | For consistently outstanding performance over four years |
| Dronacharya Awards | For outstanding coaches in sports |
| Dhyan Chand Award | For lifetime contribution to sports development |
‘Fit India Movement’ and Its Importance
The ‘Fit India Movement’ strives to bring about behavioural changes and promote a culture of fitness. It aims to encourage Indians to include physical activities and sports in their everyday lives, thus enhancing their overall health and wellbeing. With the alarming rise in lifestyle diseases, the movement takes on added importance, aiming to reduce the health impacts caused due to physical inactivity.
