Former Minister Manish Grover and DC Sachin Gupta inaugurated the three-day sports competition

Rohtak, August 29, 2025: On the birth anniversary of hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand, the National Sports Day was inaugurated today at the hockey ground of Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex. Former Haryana Cooperation Minister Manish Kumar Grover and Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta paid floral tributes to the portrait of Major Dhyan Chand and administered the Fit India pledge to the players and citizens present.

Former Minister Manish Kumar Grover and DC Sachin Gupta met the players on ground, and inaugurated the hockey match between Rohtak and Meham by pushing the ball with a hockey stick. Chief Guest Manish Kumar Grover called upon players to follow the path shown by Major Dhyan Chand. He said Major Dhyan Chand was not only a unique player in the world but also a true patriot. His patriotism and love for the nation are exemplary worldwide.

Grover said that every year on 29 August, the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, known as the "Wizard of Hockey," is celebrated as National Sports Day in India. He recalled that when Dhyan Chand used to enter the field, opponents would be left sweating, as if there was some magic in his hands—it was almost impossible to snatch the ball from him or stop him from scoring. His game amazed not only Indians but the entire world.

Grover further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government has implemented an excellent sports policy to encourage sports and players. Because of Haryana’s sports policy, the state’s athletes are making their mark across the world. He emphasized that though Haryana is geographically small, it is ahead of the entire world in the field of sports.

He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed special focus on the health of citizens and has appealed to reduce the use of refined flour and oil to curb obesity. He also urged children to stay away from drugs and to adopt Swadeshi (local products). Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Grover said that crores of rupees have been approved for the development of the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex.

Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta said that the district administration is striving to make sports a part of the daily routine of every child. He added that special efforts will be made by the administration to take sports to every household. He said that to pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, a three-day sports competition has been inaugurated at Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex. Since Major Dhyan Chand was a hockey player, the competitions began with hockey.

The Deputy Commissioner further said that for two consecutive months, different sports will be organized with the aim of connecting every child with sports so that they can develop both mentally and physically. Sports Department Deputy Director Sunita Khatri welcomed the guests. On this occasion, Additional Deputy Commissioner Narendra Kumar, Sports Department Deputy Director Surjeet Narwal, District Sports Officer Anoop Singh, and BJP leader Vikas Bansal were also present.