National Sports Day celebrated widely across Imphal
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 29 2026: National Sports Day 2026 was celebrated widely in Imphal today to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey icon Major Dhyan Chand.

The day is observed every year to recognise the importance of sports in national life and to promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and healthy lifestyle among the youth.

RIMS

The Department of Sports Medicine, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal celebrated the day under the theme "Sports Science and Innovation: Building Champions, Inspiring the Nation" at the Sports Science Lab, RIMS.

The function was graced by Prof G Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director, RIMS; Prof N Sanjib Singh, Medical Superintendent; Dr Yumnam Ningthemba Singh, Associate Professor and Head i/c, Department of Sports Medicine; Dr Yumnam Nandabir Singh, retired Professor; and Naorem Roshibina Devi, Arjuna Awardee (Wushu) and Ariha Pangambam, Asian Gold Medallist in Aerobic Gymnastics.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Sunil Kumar said sports promote teamwork, perseverance and excellence and there is no shortcut to success.

He stressed the need to strengthen infrastructure and establish a modem Sports Medicine and Sports Science Centre.

He lauded sportspersons of Manipur and highlighted the importance of injury prevention, rest, rehabilitation and holistic care.

A video on progress of the Department was screened, followed by felicitation of sportspersons.

Deputy Director (Admn), HODs, faculty, nursing officials, staff and students also attended.

ARPS

Assam Rifles Public School, Mantripukhri celebrated National Sports Day on August 28 and 29 with great enthusiasm.

The two-day event was inaugurated by Principal Dr Alka Jain with lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by March Past and release of balloons.

A variety of indoor and outdoor games including Relay Race, Volleyball, Kho-Kho and Football were organised for junior, subjunior and senior categories.

Students participated with zeal and sportsmanship.

Vibrant cultural performances added colour to the celebration.

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony where winners were felicitated with medals and certificates.

RSS, Muay Thai Academy

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Keirao Khand, in association with Warrior Muay Thai Academy, organised a National Sports Day Reception Programme-cum-Yuva Sammelan to inspire the younger generation towards sports, fitness and nation-building.

The main speaker, Sah-Pranta Pracharak Binanda Khundrakpam, said youth are the future of the nation and urged them to develop discipline, dedication, leadership and a strong sense of responsibility towards society.

He highlighted the role of sports in developing physical and mental strength and encouraged young sportspersons to pursue their talents with perseverance.

The programme was attended by B Bilky Sharma, Secretary, Achipa Thang-Ta Shindam Sanglen; Thokchom Robindra, Professor, CAU; Shanjenbam Jimms Singh, Chief Coach, Warriors Muay Thai Academy and others.

Around 100 students and parents participated.

As part of the programme, medalists and outstanding sportspersons were felicitated to encourage young athletes and motivate others to take up sports seriously.

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