CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Giving shape to the spirit of “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat” (“India will play, India will win”), the Regional Centre of the Sports Authority of India, Bhopal, organised a three-day National Sports Day celebration from August 28 to 30, 2026. The activities were held under the theme of tribute, sports and movement.
The event was organised to mark the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary Indian hockey player known as the wizard of hockey. Its objective was to inspire people, especially young people, to adopt sports, fitness and an active lifestyle.
Celebrations began with 29 Challenge and fitness activities
The National Sports Day celebrations began on August 28, 2026, with the 29 Challenge and various fitness activities. Players, coaches and staff members of SAI CRC Bhopal took part enthusiastically and conveyed the message that regular physical activity should become an integral part of daily life.
Through the 29 Challenge, participants paid tribute to the inspiring sporting legacy of Major Dhyan Chand and were encouraged to embrace fitness, discipline, dedication and sportsmanship in their lives.
Floral tribute paid to Major Dhyan Chand
On National Sports Day, August 29, 2026, floral tributes were paid to hockey great Major Dhyan Chand. Special guest and Everester Ms Jyoti Ratre attended the programme.
Addressing players, coaches and participants, Ms Jyoti Ratre inspired them to remain committed to fitness, discipline and their goals. She said: “Success is not achieved in a day; it is the result of continuous effort, discipline and the courage to keep moving forward despite challenges. Whether it is the sports field or the world’s highest peak, every achievement begins with the decision to take the first step.”
Participants remembered Major Dhyan Chand’s unparalleled contribution to Indian hockey and the country’s sporting heritage and pledged to carry forward his inspiring legacy.
Sports competitions among four teams boosted team spirit
As part of the National Sports Day celebrations, players, coaches and staff were divided into four teams for various sports competitions. The contests aimed to promote teamwork, leadership, competitive spirit and sportsmanship.
The four teams were:
Team A – Fit India Fighters
Team B – Khelo India Champs
Team C – Asmita Warriors
Team D – TOPS Challengers
Participants displayed outstanding enthusiasm, discipline and competitive spirit in the different sports competitions.
Winners:
Volleyball – Fit India Fighters
Hockey – Khelo India Champs
Football – TOPS Challengers
Cricket – Asmita Warriors
Carmel Convent students experienced SAI’s sporting environment
On National Sports Day, students and teachers of Carmel Convent Sr. Secondary School, Bhopal, visited SAI CRC Bhopal.
During the visit, students got an opportunity to closely understand the centre’s vibrant sporting environment, training facilities, sports ecosystem and culture of sporting excellence. The initiative aimed to motivate students towards sports and encourage them to make sports and fitness part of their lifestyle.
More than 120 participants joined special ‘Sundays on Cycle’ edition
On August 30, 2026, a special edition of “Sundays on Cycle” was organised under the National Sports Day celebrations in collaboration with the DSYW of Madhya Pradesh.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness about adopting regular physical activity and prioritising fitness in daily life. More than 120 fitness enthusiasts took part in the nearly 5-kilometre cycling ride and spread the message of fitness and an active lifestyle.
Khelo India Champs emerged overall winners
The final sporting contests among the four teams were held from 11:00 am on August 30, 2026. Players delivered strong performances in several exciting events, including cricket, football, volleyball and a hockey penalty shootout.
With the best performance across the event, Khelo India Champs won the overall winner’s title.
In the evening, a felicitation programme was organised to honour the winning team and all participants. SAI CRC Bhopal Regional Director Shri Abhishek Singh Chauhan, Assistant Director Shri Rajat Sharma and Assistant Director Shri Naveen Kumar Gobburu were present.
Celebrations concluded with cultural evening and ramp walk
The three-day National Sports Day celebration concluded with a vibrant cultural evening and ramp walk. Players, coaches and staff of SAI CRC Bhopal participated enthusiastically.
The cultural performances and ramp walk gave participants an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent beyond the sports field. The event further strengthened harmony, team spirit and community engagement within the SAI CRC Bhopal family.
A special chef-curated dinner was also organised for the participants at the end of the celebration.
Strengthening sports culture is our key objective: RD Shri Abhishek Singh Chauhan
Speaking on the occasion, SAI CRC Bhopal Regional Director Shri Abhishek Singh Chauhan said: “National Sports Day gives us an opportunity to remember the glorious sporting legacy of great hockey player Major Dhyan Chand and to reaffirm our commitment to building a strong sports culture in the country. At SAI CRC Bhopal, our effort is not only to prepare players for sporting excellence but also to strengthen values such as fitness, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship. This three-day celebration organised on National Sports Day reflects that effort and inspires young people to make sports an integral part of their lives.”
The three-day National Sports Day celebration at SAI CRC Bhopal reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to promoting fitness, sports participation, sporting excellence and sportsmanship. The celebration inspired young people to make sports an integral part of a healthy and active lifestyle and to carry forward the resolve of “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat.”
Hashtags: #Education #Bhopal #SAIBhopal #NationalSportsDay #MajorDhyanChand #SAICRCBhopal #KheloIndiaChamps #FitIndia #SportsCompetitions #SAIBhopalNationalSports
