New Delhi: Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya led the National Sports Day celebrations at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, joining the nationwide ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ initiative aimed at encouraging greater participation in sports and fitness.
The celebrations marked the 121st birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal also attended the programme at the stadium near India Gate.
The event began with the two ministers paying floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand by garlanding his statue. Hundreds of participants joined sporting and fitness activities from 8 am onwards.
Mandaviya calls for one hour of sport every week
Dr Mandaviya said the ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ campaign was designed to strengthen the Fit India Movement and encourage people, particularly youngsters, to make physical activity part of their routine.
“On the 121st birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, celebrated as National Sports Day, the nationwide ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ programme has been organised to promote the Fit India Movement,” he said.
He said lakhs of youngsters across the country were participating in the initiative on streets and playing grounds.
“Lakhs of youth across the country have been actively participating in every street, on every ground, to come out to play for one hour. I am glad to say that under Modi ji’s leadership, the country is changing, the country is moving forward, a new India is being built,” Mandaviya said.
He also urged people to devote at least one hour every week to sport and physical activity.
“In fulfilling Modi ji’s vision of building a new India, we must also envision everyone to be fit, society should be healthy. That is what will help us become a prosperous nation. Let’s all spend one hour every week on the playing field, and pay attention to our health,” he said.
Arjun Ram Meghwal stresses physical and mental fitness
Meghwal extended his National Sports Day greetings and spoke about the role of regular sporting activity in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
“Sports have always been a part of my life, from kabaddi and football to playing badminton almost every day. My personal motto is ‘morning music and evening play’. Regular participation in sports keeps us physically fit, healthy and free from mental stress,” he said.
He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to dedicate an hour to sport supported the ‘Hum Fit Toh India Fit’ initiative and could contribute to building a developed nation.
Ministry XI win opening cricket match
Cricket, football and tug of war were among the activities organised during the National Sports Day programme.
A four-team cricket competition featured Ministry XI, SAI XI, Media XI and Influencers XI.
Ministry XI, captained by Mandaviya and featuring Department of Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao and other ministry officials, registered a convincing win over Media XI in the opening match.
Influencers XI included prominent social media influencers and Fit India Ambassadors.
The celebrations formed part of the government’s effort to promote regular participation in sport and physical activity while commemorating Major Dhyan Chand’s contribution to Indian hockey and sport.