Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

National Sports Day

Get your game face on and join the celebration of National Sports Day! From friendly matches to cheering on your favorite team, let's keep the spirit of sports alive.
Introduction

Get ready to cheer on your favorite team and celebrate National Sports Day on August 29! This special day was first observed in India in 2012 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Indian hockey legend, Major Dhyan Chand. Since then, it has been celebrated globally as a way to promote the importance of sports and physical activity in our daily lives. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply enjoy playing sports for fun, this is the perfect opportunity to get active and show your love for all things sports-related. So grab your jersey and let's kick off this exciting holiday!

History of National Sports Day

National Sports Day Dates

National Sports Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1897</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Major Dhyan Chand</div><div class='timeline-text'>Major Dhyan Chand, the Indian hockey legend whose birthday inspired National Sports Day, was born on this day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1956</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Passing of Dhyan Chand</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Indian hockey legend, who led India to win three Olympic gold medals, passed away leaving a legacy in the field of Sports.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Sports Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Sports Day was observed on August 29th in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Adoption of National Sports Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Other countries began celebrating National Sports Day, recognizing the importance of promoting sports and physical activity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Celebration During the Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite the global pandemic, people around the world celebrated National Sports Day virtually and through socially distant activities, emphasizing the importance of staying active despite new challenges.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Sports Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a sports game</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get tickets to a live sports game and cheer on your favorite team. This is a great way to celebrate National Sports Day and show your support for your team.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Try a new sport</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself and try a new sport that you've always been interested in. It's a great way to celebrate National Sports Day and you might discover a new passion!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a sports-themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite your friends over for a sports-themed party! Have everyone dress up as their favorite athlete and play some fun games like mini golf or basketball.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a sports-inspired adventure</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Plan a day trip to a nearby hiking trail or park and incorporate some sports activities like frisbee or soccer into your adventure. It's a fun and active way to celebrate National Sports Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a sports-related charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Give back on National Sports Day by donating to a charity that supports youth sports programs or provides opportunities for underprivileged children to participate in sports.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Sports Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Sports Day encourages people of all ages to participate in sports and engage in physical activities. Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, and what better way to motivate people than to have a day dedicated to celebrating sports?</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It fosters teamwork and camaraderie</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many sports require players to work together as a team, promoting communication, coordination, and trust. National Sports Day is a great opportunity for friends and family members to come together and bond through sports activities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the spirit of competition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Sports are all about challenging oneself and pushing beyond limits. On National Sports Day, athletes are recognized for their hard work and determination, inspiring others to strive for excellence in their own lives.</p></div></div>

5 Incredible Facts for National Sports Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sports began in Ancient Times</h3><p class='facts-content'>The history of sports dates back to ancient times. Even the Greeks held Olympics, and sports like boxing, discus throwing, and wrestling were part of religious festivals.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sports Boosts Brainpower</h3><p class='facts-content'>Apart from physical health benefits, playing sports also contributes to mental health by enhancing memory and concentration, and stimulating the mind.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Women officially joined the Olympics in 1900</h3><p class='facts-content'>The 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris were the first games women were allowed to participate in. Today, women compete in almost all Olympic events.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sports Boosts Self-esteem</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies have shown that playing sports can enhance self-esteem and improve body image, showcasing the psychological benefits of sports on top of the well-known physical ones.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are Over 8,000 Sports Worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>From mainstream sports like soccer and basketball to unconventional ones like underwater hockey or cheese rolling, there are over 8,000 sports played around the globe.</p></div></div>

National Sports Day FAQs

When is National Sports Day?

National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29 every year. In 2024 National Sports Day will occur on a Thursday.

National Sports Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Aug 29

Tuesday

2024

Aug 29

Thursday

2025

Aug 29

Friday

2026

Aug 29

Saturday

2027

Aug 29

Sunday

Special Interest Holidays