National Sports Day celebrated across Manipur with Energy, Unity and Youth Empowerment
Source: The Sangai Express / IGAR(S) / DIOs

Imp/Kak/Spt/Bpr, August 29 2025: National Sports' Day, 2025 was organised today with a vibrant series of events across Manipur, commemorating the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyanchand.

ASSAM RIFLES

Assam Rifles commemorated National Sports Day today with a vibrant series of events across the State, engaging communities, students, and youth in a spirited celebration of fitness, camaraderie, and national pride.

According to a release issued by the IGAR (South), the celebration at Tusom and Ukhrul Company Operating Bases, Somsai Battalion hosted friendly volleyball matches that brought together troops and civilians.

The matches served as a lively platform for interaction, encouraging youth to embrace sports as a path to discipline and personal growth while strengthening the enduring bond between Assam Rifles and the local population.

In Sangaikot village of Churachandpur District, the day began with an energizing yoga session that set the tone for wellness and harmony.

Around 40 spirited youths, including boys and girls, participated in football and volleyball matches with Assam Rifles personnel.

To further inspire budding talent, sports items such as footballs, volleyballs, and nets were distributed - underscoring Assam Rifles' dedication to nurturing young potential and fostering community ties.

Border villages of Chandel District - Phoilen, Tuitong, Kovang, Sehlon, Aibol Joupi, Old Samtal, and New Samtal - witnessed overwhelming participation, with 130 villagers joining the celebrations.

The day featured yoga sessions and friendly matches, including a special volleyball game between Riflewomen of Assam Rifles and local women, symbolizing empowerment and solidarity.

Meanwhile, Assam Rifles Public School (ARPS) Keithelmanbi paid tribute to the legendary "Hockey Wizard" Major Dhyan Chand with a vibrant ceremony involving 412 students and 40 parents.

The event commenced with a floral homage and the Fit India pledge, followed by a spirited lineup of track and field events, team games, and traditional sports.

Students participated with zeal, and outstanding performers were felicitated, echoing the values of excellence, discipline, and national pride.

KAKCHING

The National Sports Day was celebrated in Kakching District under the banner "Nationwide Celebration of Sports, Spirit & Unity -- Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein" organised by the District Youth Affairs and Sports, Kakching at Khelo India Centre, Kakching.

A wushu match was organised as part of the programme to celebrate the true spirit of sports.

On Sunday, a cycling event will be held for the young sports enthusiasts of the district.

The initiative seeks to promote physical well-being and foster a sense of unity, strength and motivation among all participants.

National Sports Day is observed every year on August 29 across India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player, fondly remembered as "The Wizard of Hockey".

This year, the National Sports Day is being observed as a pan-India movement to promote a strong culture of sports and fitness among people of all age groups.

SENAPATI

Joining the Nationwide Celebration in fostering unity and teamwork, the Senapati District organised National Sports Day 2025, commemorating the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyanchand at the Mini Indoor Stadium, Senapati, and the Multipurpose Hall at Rikhumai Taphou.

The programme held under the theme 'Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein Mai (One Hour on the Playground)' was organised jointly by the District Youth Affairs and Sports, Senapati, Mera Yuva Bharat, Senapati and District Khelo India Centre (DKIC) - Senapati Badminton and Indigenous Wrestling.

During the celebration, Youth Officer P S John Longkhaye of DYASO Senapati spoke on the life and achievements of Major Dhyan Chand, popularly known as the "Hockey Wizard".

He recalled Dhyan Chand's contribution in leading India to Olympic gold in hockey in 1928, 1932, and 1936, stressing that his legacy continues to inspire sports lovers and athletes across the Nation.

He urged the youth to embrace fitness, teamwork, and perseverance, quoting Dhyan Chand's famous words: "Play not for fame, but for the joy of the sport.

Fame will follow when you give your heart".

Later, W Paulina Monsang, Deputy Director of Mera Yuva Bharat, Senapati, administered the National Sports Day pledge to the district's sportspersons.

The celebration also featured indigenous wrestling and badminton competitions, highlighting the spirit of fair play and the lifelong values instilled through sports.

It may be mentioned that 30 individuals from District Youth Centres will be participating in a 5 km Fitness Run on August 30 to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary hockey player - Major Dhyan Chand.

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