National Sports Day in India is celebrated annually on August 29. This day marks the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player known as the "Wizard of Hockey," who won Olympic gold medals for India in 1928, 1932, and 1936. The day is dedicated to promoting the importance of sports and physical activity in life and honors the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand. Since 2012, the government has also used this day as a platform to launch various sports initiatives and awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honor. The 2025 celebrations took place on Friday, August 29, under the theme "Sport to Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies".