Mansukh Mandaviya participates in ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ initiative; calls for greater participation in sports and fitness
The nation celebrated National Sports Day-2026 on Saturday to commemorate the 121st birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, whose contribution to Indian sport remains an enduring source of inspiration.
In New Delhi, a special sporting event was organised at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, India Gate, in the presence of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Union Minister of Law and Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal.
This year, the celebrations centred around the nationwide ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ initiative, encouraging citizens, particularly young people, to dedicate at least one hour to sports and physical activity.
The programme began with the Ministers paying floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand by garlanding his statue. Hundreds of participants joined the celebrations from 8 AM onwards, taking part in various sporting and fitness activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that the nationwide ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’ initiative was aimed at strengthening the Fit India Movement and encouraging people to make sports a part of their daily lives.
“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.
“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,” said Dr. Mandaviya.
“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 extended greetings to the nation on National Sports Day and highlighted the importance of regular sports and physical activity in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
Cricket, football and tug of war were among the activities organised to promote participation, teamwork and an active lifestyle.
A cricket competition featured four teams — Ministry XI, SAI XI, Media XI and Influencers XI.
The Ministry XI, led by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and comprising Secretary, Department of Sports Hari Ranjan Rao and officials of the Ministry, secured a convincing victory over Media XI in the opening cricket match. Influencers XI comprised prominent social media influencers and Fit India Ambassadors.
The National Sports Day celebrations at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting a culture of sports, fitness and active living across the country, while paying tribute to the enduring legacy of Major Dhyan Chand.