Udaipur: National Sports Day was celebrated in Udaipur on Saturday to mark the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. As part of the ongoing National Sports Festival, a series of sporting competitions were organised at Maharana Pratap Khel Gaon, Udaipur, witnessing enthusiastic participation from players.

The programme commenced with a floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand at the Regional Sports Training Centre. Various competitions in boxing and judo across different weight categories were organised at the Judo-Boxing Hall at Maharana Pratap Khel Gaon.

The event also featured traditional sporting activities, including tug-of-war and Sitoliya, which attracted considerable attention from the participants and spectators. The tug-of-war competition showcased teamwork, strength and coordination, while the Sitoliya matches highlighted the players’ agility, accuracy and competitive spirit.

At the conclusion of the competitions, players who delivered outstanding performances were felicitated with medals and mementoes.

District Sports Officer Dr. Mahesh Paliwal welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of sports, discipline and physical fitness. He also encouraged young people to actively participate in sporting activities and develop a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.

National Sports Day is observed every year on August 29 in honour of Major Dhyan Chand, whose contribution to Indian hockey remains an inspiration for generations of sportspersons. The Government of India officially declared August 29 as National Sports Day in 2012. On the occasion, outstanding sportspersons and coaches are honoured with prestigious awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award and Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Fit India Movement was also launched on August 29, 2019, with the objective of promoting sports, exercise and physical fitness as an integral part of everyday life.

The programme was attended by sports personalities, coaches, players and sports enthusiasts, including Narpat Singh Chundawat (Boxing), Bindu Joshi (Basketball), Reena Purohit (Yoga), Gagan Vyas and Manoj Sanadhya (Swimming), Jitendra Singh Bhati (Skating), Chahat Jain (Judo), Shalini Naruka (Boxing), Kanishka Chauhan (Hockey), Usha Acharaj (Basketball), Khemraj Gameti (Lawn Tennis), Nandini Gurjar (Volleyball), Praveen Singh and Arvind Kumar (Athletics), Bhupendra Singh Jhala (Gym), along with Radheshyam Suthar, Harsh Talesara, Dashrath Singh and Gajendra Singh, among others.