State to mark National Sports Day with three-day events

Ranchi: National Sports Day, celebrated every year on August 29 to honour hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, will be observed in a special way this year in Jharkhand. The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs has announced that from August 29 to 31, sports competitions, fitness activities, and cultural programs will be organized at both the state and district levels.

Hockey, football, archery, athletics, badminton, and swimming competitions will take place in Ranchi and other districts, with football and hockey matches to be played in knockout and league formats. Archery events will include recurve, compound, and Indian round categories, while athletics will feature track and field events such as running and long jump. Winners will receive medals, trophies, and tracksuits.

On August 30, traditional games including gilli-danda, gendi race, matka phod, tug of war, and Sikandar will be organized at the district level along with various indoor games. The main celebrations will be held in Ranchi at venues like the Football Stadium, Astroturf Hockey Stadium, Mandir Ground, and an auditorium. The events will begin on August 29 with fitness sessions during morning assemblies in schools as part of the Fit India Movement. Players from different departments and organizations, including the police, ITBP, and army, will also take part in friendly matches.

The celebrations aim to promote fitness, encourage youth participation in sports, and revive interest in indigenous games.