National Sports Day 2025 – Importance, Activities and Ways to Celebrate

By Mahak Arora | Updated: 11/08/2025

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, right? But parents often ignore the importance of sports when it comes to bringing up their children! Sports are crucial to teach important lessons such as team spirit, physical fitness and perseverance. As India celebrates National Sports Day on August 29, why not inspire your kids to take more interest in sports?

“I am a mother now; when will I find time for playing any sport?” If Mary Kom hears you say this, she will have several things to say! She is, after all, an Olympic medallist in boxing. She is also a mother of three. While not all of us are as inclined towards sports, it is imperative that our kids don’t shy away from getting their knees soiled!

Importance Of National Sports Day

Every year, August 29 is celebrated as National Sports Day to commemorate the birthday of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The number of sportsmen doing well is on the rise, which is great news! If parents were once hesitant in giving importance to sports (as compared to academics), then the success stories of Sachin Tendulkar, Saina Nehwal, Leander Paes, Sania Mirza, Gagan Narang and Narain Karthikeyan have changed that. Indeed, the history of National Sports Day in India is on a glorious upswing.

Why Do We Celebrate National Sports Day?

National Sports Day is celebrated to honor the spirit of sports and the achievements of iconic athletes who have inspired the nation.

To honor legendary athletes: National Sports Day commemorates notable sports figures, especially Major Dhyan Chand in India, recognizing their impact on national and international sports.
To promote the value of sports: It encourages children and adults to participate in physical activities, highlighting the importance of fitness and good health.
To foster unity and sportsmanship: Celebrations promote teamwork, discipline, and respect among participants from diverse backgrounds.
To raise awareness: The day serves to spread knowledge about careers and opportunities in sports, motivating youth to pursue their passions.
To celebrate achievements: It acknowledges and rewards outstanding performances, inspiring future generations to excel in various sporting disciplines.

Activities to Celebrate National Sports Day

Activities to celebrate National Sports Day are designed to engage people of all ages in physical fitness and sportsmanship, fostering a spirit of teamwork and healthy competition.

1. Organizing Sports Competitions

Conducting athletic events like races, football matches, volleyball, and badminton tournaments to encourage active participation.

2. Fitness and Yoga Sessions

Holding group yoga and fitness workouts to promote health awareness and physical well-being.

3. Sports Workshops and Training

Offering coaching clinics and skill development workshops to educate participants about different sports.

4. Award Ceremonies

Recognizing and honoring outstanding athletes and sports enthusiasts in the community.

5. Awareness Campaigns

Conducting talks and presentations about the importance of sports in daily life and career opportunities in the field.

Encouraging Children to Include Sports In Their Lifestyle

1. Explain to your kids the benefits of playing sports. They will be physically fit, mentally tough and also get to spend time with their friends. What could be a cooler way to learn?

2. Allow them to try as many sporting activities as they can, so that it is easier for them to decide which sport they like. It could be Tennis, Badminton, Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball, Boxing, Gymnastics, Shooting, Wrestling or Table Tennis. Yes, it could also be Cricket.

3. Encourage them to watch sports channels every now and then. Watching top sportsmen in the world in action will push them to imitate them. Dads can also use this time to bond with kids. Nothing like cheering a favourite team together to understand the spirit of sports!

4. Play with them. It is one thing to preach but a different ball-game altogether when you start playing yourself. Your kids will see how much fun you are having, and will definitely join in. Isn’t that a great way for a family to spend time together (not to forget, lose some stubborn fat)?

5. Once in a while, watch a sports movie with your children. An interesting mix of Bollywood and Hollywood movies can do the trick. Chak De India, Lagaan, Mary Kom, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Iqbal are some movies to get you started. Also on your list can be A League of Their Own, Field of Dreams, Goal, Rocky and Chariots of Fire.

6. Encourage your children to participate in local tournaments. This will give them a chance to interact with other athletes of their own age and inspire them to do better. The sense of achievement that sports can bring in is unparalleled.

7. Enroll your kids in local sports clubs or teams where they can engage in structured training and competitions. Being part of a team enhances camaraderie and sportsmanship.

8. Acknowledge and celebrate your children’s progress and achievements in sports, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and motivation.

9. Emphasize the importance of enjoying the sport and developing skills rather than solely focusing on winning. This approach helps build a positive attitude towards sports.

10. Be a role model by participating in sports yourself. When children see their parents engaging in sports and staying active, they are more likely to follow suit.

Go ahead and have some fun and games with your little athletes. Join in the National Sports Day celebrations in India by teaching your kids a very important maxim – the greatest lessons are learnt in the playground (and yes, in the study room and at school too, in case things go overboard)!

Also Read:

Essay on Sports Day
Sports for Children to Play

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