India commemorated National Sports Day on August 29th, marking the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. The occasion saw Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and renowned hockey player Zafar Iqbal join hands to pay tribute to the sporting icon.
Mandaviya, after laying floral tributes at the statue of Major Dhyan Chand at the National Stadium, emphasized the significance of fitness in building a healthy society. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on the importance of sports participation for individual and national growth. He urged citizens to incorporate sports into their lives, promoting a healthier and happier nation.
Meanwhile, Zafar Iqbal, a former hockey captain, expressed his delight at the Indian athletes’ performance at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, where India secured six medals. However, he acknowledged that substantial effort is still required for the continued growth of sports in India.
Iqbal recognized the nation’s progress and the improved performance of its athletes, attributing it to the development of a sporting culture and government investment in athlete training. He expressed confidence in India’s future performance, emphasizing the potential for medal wins in disciplines like swimming, table tennis, athletics, and badminton.
Highlighting the significance of India’s bronze medal win in hockey in Paris, Iqbal recognized it as a major achievement after a four-decade absence from the podium. The victory serves as a powerful motivation for young athletes to take up hockey and represent the country.
However, Iqbal also acknowledged the looming absence of key players like goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and potential retirement of former captain Manpreet Singh, emphasizing the need for developing new talent to fill the gaps.
The celebration of National Sports Day served as a platform to reflect on India’s sporting achievements, acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead, and reaffirm the commitment to nurture a thriving sports culture for future generations.
