Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the sportspersons on the occasion of National Sports Day on August 28 and said that this year has been a big one for Indian sports with the athletes shining and succeeding all over the world in various tournaments, which also includes the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia and the ongoing 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang.
Modi also stressed that the people should give more importance to sports and other fitness-related activities, adding that this would contribute to the growth and development of a healthier India.
“I salute all those who have represented India in various sporting events. Their hard work and resolve have led to several milestones. This year has been great for our sporting fraternity, with the Indian athletes excelling in various tournaments including the Asian Games 2018 and CWG,” read a tweet on Modi’s official Twitter account.
The National Sports Day in India is celebrated on the birth anniversary of hockey legend Dhyan Chand. One of the reasons behind India’s dominance in hockey, Chand was a prolific goal-scorer and helped India win three Olympic gold medals in the years 1928, 1932 and 1936. He was known for his superb ball control and he has netted more than 400 goals in his career, that lasted for a period of 22 years (1926-1948). He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour in 1956 for his contribution to the sport.
Also read: PM Modi congratulates Indian athletes at Asian Games 2018