August 29: National Sports Day in India

India celebrates National Sports Day annually on August 29. It commemorates the birthday of Indian field hockey player Dhyan Chand. He was born on 29 August 1905, joining the army hockey team at the age of sixteen. In 1926, he joined India’s national team, and the Olympic team: India won the men’s gold medal at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. He also contributed to gold medals in hockey at the 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games. He was known as 'The Wizard.’

This year, 2020, marks the 115^thbirthday anniversary of Dhyan Chand (1905-1979).

National Sports Day aims to raise awareness about staying fit and healthy through sports and activity.

MARTINA NICOLLS

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MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of: The Paris Residences of James Joyce (2020), Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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