National Sports Day
Major Dhyan Chand, India's greatest hockey player, was born on August 29. India celebrates his birthday as National Sports Day. Chand was known for his talent for scoring goals. He brought home three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936 as part of the Indian field hockey team. He scored 400 goals in 22 years and in 1956, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan. After his death in 1979, the Indian postal department issued stamps in his honour. The National stadium of Delhi was renamed Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in 2002.
Facts:
* On National Sports Day, the President of India gives away national sports awards including Arjuna award, Dronacharya and Dhyan Chand awards.
* The Indian government has launched many sports-related schemes on this day. In 2018, Khelo India, in 2019, Fit India and so on.
* Vishwanathan Anand is said to be the best chess player of India. He held the FIDE World Chess Championship from 2000 to 2002 and was the undisputed world chess champion from 2007 to 2013.
* Gama Pahelwan is known to be the greatest wrestler in Indian history. He fought 60 fights and never lost.
* Jimmy George is said to be the greatest volleyball player India has produced.
