National Sports Day: An inspiration for Sportspersons

National Sports Day: An inspiration for Sportspersons
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In this highly competitive world, those people can only survive who can fight and respectfully get the honour. And sports being one such arena where one can not only showcase their talent but at the same time give the message to stay fit and healthy by building up the excellent stamina and will-power. So, in this world full of competition, people forget the essence of sports in their day to day life.

To commemorate this day, in various parts of the world on different dates started marking it as the ‘The National Sports Day’. It is celebrated distinctly in every single country. Some country says it the 'Physical Education Day' whereas others mark it as the Health and Sports Day. The theme may vary from place to place, but the motto remains the same that is to incorporate the importance of exercise and healthy habits in their personal as well as their social life. For instance, in countries like Iran, the importance of sports in the day to day life has been highlighted in article III of the constitution.

The story behind this day is celebrated on 29th August:

And in India, the reason behind celebrating this day as the ‘National Sports Day’ has a profound influence as it is the day the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand was born. He had won 3 Olympic gold medals for the country in this national game. He never missed a chance to earn respect and glory for India in front of the whole world. A man of pure talent who can make his opponent defenders sit like an audience and watch this strong ability of scoring goal in his unique style. He is indeed said to be one of the best players in the field of hockey of all times, and it used to be tough to stand in front of this wizard of India for a long time. And winning three consecutive gold medals at the Olympics for the years 1928, 1932 and 1936 is not easy to do the task. It is something which requires proper planning and strategy along with a fit mind and body. The magic that Chand has created with that hockey stick has set the future of India in the field of hockey making him the real magician who in his first gold-winning Olympic at Amsterdam had made 14 goals and had set a score which was painful to touch.

A man true to his nation had joined the Indian Army at a tender age of 16 and these numerous practice sessions, especially at night, had made him earn the name of Chand from his team members. Seeing him in action was soothing to the eyes. He was not only good at playing but also had a very calculative mind in analyzing the arena he possessed at the time of the match, and every time has taken the right decision. This has made him score 400 goals throughout his career for 22 years. So, a legend like him needs to be remembered years over and nothing better could have been done by declaring his birth date as the ‘National Sports Day’ as hockey is the pride of India.  And every year on 29th August, the Government of India started awarding the sportsmanship, and they're never giving up attitude as a sportsperson. This is the day the President of India gives away the prestigious awards like the Arjuna, Rajiv Khel, and Dronacharya awards.

Current status of Sports Day and steps needed to make this day popular:

For a couple of years at first, this day was celebrated with great audience and participation by conducting various matches, tournaments across the country. In fact, in the first year, the FCCI had organized various sporting events by shaking hands with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sports Authority of India and various other bodies related to sports. But sadly, in today’s date if anyone knows when the Sports Day is. Surely, most people will be ignorant about it, whereas, this day should be celebrated with passion and excitement to mark the success brought by sportspeople in various fields of sports.

Although India has a firm grip on various sports played all over the world yet only a small number of sportsperson have marked their capability at an international level. This directly impacts the image of the country by showcasing the lack of resources, coaches and poor management by the sports bodies in the country. To solve this problem first, it is needed to stop praising and cheering for a sport rather than that every other sport should be given equal importance. Secondly, the government should raise funds and improve the facilities like the training equipment, experienced coaches. The small sports federation should be uplifted to give the upcoming talents a fair chance. Thirdly, there are several bills proposed, but still, no proper action has been taken. Hence, some stringent steps are needed to be formulated to raise the standard of the sport that is degrading due to reasons like corruption. Fourthly, there should be more of addressing, common gatherings, press releases across institutions as well as in schools and colleges and organizing more of tournaments to motivate the common people. Small children should also be motivated to participate in a variety of sports and explore the options. Because sports is fun which is not needed to do out of compulsion but with the motive of keeping physically fit and sound.

Conclusion:

Sports is such a field which gives us a sense of duty, pride as well as an identity. And to make this day etched in our minds forever, small steps are needed to be taken to create awareness to forward the social message that sports are part and parcel of life which should not be avoided at any cost. In fact, every individual be it the youth or the elder should develop the mindset of taking up the initiative to attract the mass towards a healthy lifestyle making India prosper.