PM Modi Salutes India’s Sporting Heroes On National Sports Day, Mandaviya Pushes ‘One Hour’ Fitness Call

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday greeted sports lovers on National Sports Day, praising the dedication, passion and determination of sportspersons while paying homage to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand on his 121st birth anniversary.

Modi said the commitment of sportspersons makes the entire nation proud and remembered Dhyan Chand’s brilliance and contribution to Indian hockey, which continue to inspire generations. His message came as the country marked the occasion with sporting and fitness activities aimed at encouraging wider participation.

At the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led the National Sports Day celebrations in the presence of Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The ministers began the programme by paying floral tribute to Dhyan Chand, while hundreds of participants joined various sporting and fitness activities from 8 am.

This year’s celebrations centred on the nationwide ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ initiative, which calls on citizens, particularly young people, to spend at least one hour playing sports or engaging in physical activity. Mandaviya said the campaign seeks to strengthen the Fit India Movement and make sports and fitness part of everyday life.

Calling for a stronger culture of fitness, Mandaviya said millions of young people were participating in the initiative across streets and playing fields. He urged people to dedicate time every week to physical activity, stressing that a fit population and healthy society are important for building a prosperous nation.

Meghwal also highlighted the role of regular sporting activity in maintaining physical and mental well-being, sharing his own enthusiasm for kabaddi, football and badminton. He backed the call for an hour of sports as part of efforts to build a fitter India.

The celebrations featured cricket, football and tug of war, promoting teamwork and an active lifestyle. A four-team cricket competition involving Ministry XI, SAI XI, Media XI and Influencers XI was also held, with Mandaviya-led Ministry XI defeating Media XI in the opening match.

The day's events brought together a tribute to Dhyan Chand’s enduring legacy and a wider call for Indians to make sport, fitness and active living a regular part of life.