Important Facts For Prelims
National Sports Day 2023
- 30 Aug 2023
- 4 min read
Why in News?
12th National Sports Day was celebrated across India on 29 August.
Why is National Sports Day Celebrated?
- Objective: To commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
- First NSD: August 29, 2012.
- Significance: Encourages people of all ages to embrace physical fitness, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
- Serves as a catalyst for developing a robust sports culture in India.
- Highlights of NSD 2023:
- Theme - "Sports are an enabler to an inclusive and fit society".
- National Sports Federations portal launched (for good governance).
Who was Major Dhyan Chand?
- Major Dhyan Chand was a field hockey player who played international hockey from 1926 to 1949.
- He was a three-time Olympic gold medalist who secured gold in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympic editions.
- His exceptional skills in the game made him earn the title ‘magician of hockey.’
- Dhyan Chand, along with his brother Roop Singh, contributed significantly to India's 35-goal tally, earning them the title of ‘hockey twins.’
- In 1934, Dhyan Chand was honoured with the captaincy of the Indian team.
- In 1956, Major Dhyan Chand retired from the army as a Major and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
Note:
- Awards named after Major Dhyan Chand:
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (highest sporting honour of India)
- Dhyan Chand Award (highest award for lifetime achievement in sports)
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)
Q. Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards: (2023)
| 1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award | For the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over period of last four years |
| 2. Arjuna Award | For the lifetime achievement by sportsperson |
| 3. Dronacharya Award | To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams |
| 4. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar | To recognize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (b)
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the Laureus World Sports Award which was instituted in the year 2000: (2021)
- American golfer Tiger Woods was the first winner of this award.
- The award was received mostly by ‘Formula One’ players so far.
- Roger Federer received this award maximum number of times compared to others.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of the 32nd Summer Olympics: (2021)
- The official motto for this Olympics is ‘A New World’.
- Sport Climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate and Baseball are included in this Olympics.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
