National Sports Day is observed in India every year on 29 August, the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Born on 29 August 1905 in Allahabad, now Prayagraj, he won three Olympic gold medals with India in 1928, 1932 and 1936. In 2026, the day marks his 121st birth anniversary.
This article was first written for his 115th birth anniversary in 2020. We have updated it with corrected facts and the changes since then, including the renaming of India’s top sporting award after him in 2021.
National Sports Day: quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 29 August every year |
| Honours | Major Dhyan Chand, hockey player |
| Born | 29 August 1905, Allahabad (now Prayagraj) |
| Olympic gold medals | 1928 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles, 1936 Berlin |
| Award in his name | Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (renamed 2021) |
| Died | 3 December 1979, AIIMS, New Delhi |
Why is National Sports Day celebrated on 29 August?
The date is Dhyan Chand’s birthday. He is widely seen as India’s greatest hockey player, and fans and commentators called him “The Wizard” for his ball control. Marking his birthday as National Sports Day is meant to push Indians towards sport and fitness, and to recognise the country’s athletes.
The day is traditionally linked with India’s national sports awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the Arjuna Award and the Dronacharya Award. Schools, colleges and sports bodies hold events, matches and fitness drives across the country.
Dhyan Chand’s Olympic record
Dhyan Chand was part of three Olympic gold-winning Indian hockey teams: Amsterdam 1928, Los Angeles 1932 and Berlin 1936. Newspapers reported that he scored four goals in the 1936 final, but he claimed three, and that is the figure in the international hockey federation’s records.
His goal tally is hard to pin down. His autobiography puts it at 570 goals in 185 matches, and he is credited with more than 1,000 goals across his domestic and international career. The earlier version of this article said 400 goals; the number from his own book is higher.
10 facts about Major Dhyan Chand
1. He joined the army at 17
Dhyan Chand enlisted as a sepoy in the 1st Brahmans of the British Indian Army on 29 August 1922, his 17th birthday. He kept practising hockey alongside his army duties.
2. The story behind the name “Chand”
The popular story is that friends started calling him “Chand”, meaning moon, because he practised late into the evening by moonlight.
3. Army tour to New Zealand
Between 1922 and 1926 he played regimental matches and army tournaments, and was picked for the Indian Army team that toured New Zealand. He was promoted to lance naik in 1927.
4. He rose from sepoy to officer
He became a jemadar in 1938, acting subedar by 1942, and got an emergency commission as a second lieutenant on 9 April 1943. He is known as Major Dhyan Chand, though records show he retired as a lieutenant (acting captain), and it is unclear when he was promoted to major.
5. He retired from the army in 1956
Dhyan Chand retired from the army on 29 August 1956, on his 51st birthday.
6. Padma Bhushan in 1956
He received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, in 1956. The earlier version of this article said 1952, which was the year his autobiography came out.
7. His autobiography is called Goal!
Dhyan Chand published his autobiography, Goal!, in 1952. It is the source of his own count of 570 goals.
8. He coached at NIS Patiala
From 1961 to 1969 he was Chief Hockey Coach at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala. He later spent his final years in Jhansi.
9. His final years were difficult
He faced financial hardship after retirement. He was treated for liver cancer at AIIMS, New Delhi, where he died on 3 December 1979, aged 74. He was cremated at the Heroes ground in Jhansi.
10. Stadium and awards named after him
Delhi’s National Stadium was renamed the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in 2002, the same year the Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime achievement in sport was started. On 6 August 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour, would be renamed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna.
Recent winners of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
The 2024 Khel Ratna went to chess player Gukesh Dommaraju, hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, para-athlete Praveen Kumar and shooter Manu Bhaker. The award carries prize money of Rs 25 lakh along with a medallion and certificate.
The Bharat Ratna question
There have long been calls to award Dhyan Chand the Bharat Ratna. He was among the names considered in 2014, but that year the honour went to Sachin Tendulkar and scientist C. N. R. Rao, which disappointed his family.
Read more profiles of Indian icons in our celebs section and more fact files in listicles.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Sports Day celebrated in India?
National Sports Day is celebrated on 29 August every year, the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.
Why is Dhyan Chand called the Wizard?
Fans and commentators called him “The Wizard” because of his extraordinary ball control and goal-scoring in hockey.
How many Olympic gold medals did Dhyan Chand win?
He won three Olympic gold medals with India, at Amsterdam in 1928, Los Angeles in 1932 and Berlin in 1936.
Which award is named after Dhyan Chand?
India’s highest sporting honour, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, has carried his name since August 2021. Delhi’s national stadium is also named after him.
Sources: Dhyan Chand (Wikipedia), Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (Wikipedia).
