August 29 is celebrated as National Sports Day all across the country.  August 29 is instituted as National Sports Day in tribute to the legendary hockey player of India.  The day marks the birth anniversary of hockey wizard, Major Dhyan Chand. Dhyanchand

National Sports Day is mainly celebrated in educational institutes and sports academies all over the country. Various sports events especially hockey matches, prize distribution functions are organized on this day. Celebrations for National Sports Day are more common in Punjab and Chandigarh side.

Special Award distribution event at Rastrapati Bhawan makes this day memorable for many stars of the Indian sports world. Popular and renowned sport-related awards like Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award are presented by honorable president of India, to great sportsmen of the year.