New Delhi, Aug 29 (PTI): The inaugural day of the National Sports Day celebrations was marked with the unveiling of a state-of-the-art Mondo track at the renowned JLN Stadium in New Delhi, renewed commitments to elevate India as a global sporting power, and tributes to the legendary Major Dhyan Chand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Japan, took to social media to honor Dhyan Chand on his 120th birth anniversary. Known as the wizard of hockey, Dhyan Chand secured three Olympic gold medals for India in 1928, 1932, and 1936, renowned for his extraordinary ball control and goal-scoring prowess.
He also reaffirmed the government's dedication to transforming India into a "global hub for sporting excellence."
"Over the past decade, India's sports landscape has seen a remarkable transformation. From grassroots initiatives nurturing young talent to the development of world-class facilities, a vibrant sports ecosystem is emerging in our nation."
"Our government stands committed to supporting athletes, building infrastructure, and making India a global hub for sporting excellence," Modi stated in his post.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, present in the city, commenced the day by offering floral tributes to Dhyan Chand's statue at the National Stadium before inaugurating the Mondo track at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium.
The track, crafted from a double-layered vulcanized rubber, is acclaimed for its uniform elasticity, shock absorption, and anti-slip features that enhance athletic performance and diminish injury risk.
It has been installed in preparation for the upcoming World Para-Athletics Championship from September 26 to October 5.
Mandaviya then took part in sports action, playing football and cricket with guests and media amidst a heavy downpour.
"Through the Sports Governance Bill, the Modi-led government aims to position India among the top sporting nations," he shared in a social media post.
"India's sports tradition spans centuries. Under Modi ji's leadership, India is advancing toward becoming a sports superpower. On Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary, I pay countless salutations to him and extend heartfelt wishes to all compatriots on National Sports Day," Mandaviya added.
The minister also urged people to spend at least an hour on the sports field to transform the sporting landscape.
"Let's make this day more meaningful — spend at least one hour on the sports field," he encouraged.
President Droupadi Murmu met young athletes at Rashtrapati Bhawan's Amrit Udyan, while renowned sports icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Abhinav Bindra shared their perspectives on India's sporting development.
"This National Sports Day, I urge everyone to celebrate our athletes, pursue a sport, or engage in exercise, taking the first step towards healthier minds and bodies," stated the cricket icon.
"Interest, talent, and opportunities to participate in sports manifest in various arenas, and athletes deserve our admiration and respect for their participation, hard work, and perseverance to excel," he added.
Bindra, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medalist in 10m air rifle, expressed hope that citizens would embrace Olympic values for national betterment.
"On National Sports Day, my thoughts are with every Indian athlete, known and unknown, and those who support them — parents, coaches, teachers, physios, and friends."
"Sport instills in us the spirit to strive, respect, and unite. May Olympic values guide not only our athletes but also our nation," emphasized Bindra.
On Saturday, Sports Authority of India's Regional Centres will host debates, discussions, competitions, and panel talks on sports, alongside Fit India carnival-style events across the nation.
On August 31 'Sundays on Cycle' emphasizing the theme of the National Sports Movement are set to occur.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
