Gujarat to Celebrate ‘National Sports Day’ from 29 to 31 August 2025

Gandhinagar | Gujarat —— National Sports Day is observed every year on August 29 to pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary icon of Indian hockey, and his remarkable contribution to Indian sports. 

Guided by slogans such as ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ (One Hour in the Sports Field) and ‘Har Gali Har Maidan, Khele Sara Hindustan’ (Sports in every street and every ground, India Plays), the nation will come together to celebrate a festival of sports, spirit, and unity while honouring the memory of Major Dhyan Chand. 

Gujarat too will join these celebrations from August 29 to 31, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Every year, on this occasion, the National Sports Awards are presented to outstanding athletes, recognising their excellence and contributions to Indian sports. It is also noteworthy that in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Fit India Movement to encourage a culture of fitness and sports across the nation, strengthening unity through sports, and promoting fitness for all.

A three-day celebration of National Sports Day 2025 will be held across all districts of Gujarat. The Collector’s office, the Commissioner’s office, and the Director General of Police’s office will coordinate the preparations. Each district will organise at least one major sports program, along with additional events at the taluka level. District-wise nodal officers (DSDO and DSO) will be appointed to oversee the arrangements. Distinguished guests, including VIPs and sports personalities, will be invited to participate in the celebrations across the state.

From August 29 to 31, 2025, Gujarat will mark National Sports Day with a series of programmes. On the first day, August 29, district-level events will be held across all districts, where participating competitors will take the ‘Fit India Pledge’. The pledge is,

“I pledge to stay physically fit, mentally strong, and emotionally balanced. I will motivate my family and friends to participate in sports and fitness activities every day. In every game I play, I will uphold the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship.”

On the first day, universities, colleges, and schools across Gujarat will pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand. They will also organise sports competitions, elocution contests, seminars, discussions on physical and mental fitness, and poster-making events. Registration for Khel Mahakumbh 2025 will begin in every district on this day. 

On the second day, August 30, 2025, the State Police Department will lead sports competitions and fitness activities at all police headquarters. Other departments will also participate in the celebrations, while the police department will organise one or more popular games in each district. On the third day, August 31, 2025, a Sunday on Cycle programme will be held across all district headquarters, Municipal Corporations, and Municipalities in the state. The initiative will promote the message of Healthy Gujarat, Obesity-Free Gujarat. NCC, NSS, social and political leaders, religious leaders, NGOs, and others will be encouraged to participate in the event.

Various departments of the Gujarat Government, including the Sports, Education, Police, Urban Development and Housing Departments, along with Taluka and Gram Panchayats, will participate in the three-day celebration. These departments will create awareness among citizens and encourage widespread participation in the programme.