National Sports Day 2026 Celebrated at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium

The Dhyanchand Foundation proudly celebrated National Sports Day 2026 at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, commemorating the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand Ji and celebrating the spirit of Indian sport. The Foundation is led by Shri Gaurav Dhyanchand

We were deeply honoured to have Hockey India President, Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Shri Dilip Tirkey grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The celebration brought together an inspiring gathering of distinguished personalities from the world of sports, public service and society, including:

Dhyan Chand Awardee Shri Ashok Diwan Ji

Former International Hockey Player Shri Arvind Chabbra Ji

Former International Hockey Player Shri Sanjay Bhatia Ji

Former International Hockey Umpire Shri Kishori Lal Azad Ji

CEO, Paralympic Committee of India, Shri Rahul Swami Ji

Former President & Secretary General PCI, Shri Gursharan Singh Ji

Secretary General, Gandhi Mandela Foundation, Shri Nandan Jha Ji

ADG (Operations), DMRC, Shri Rishi Raj Ji

Former Vice Principal, Delhi Public School, Smt. Usha Diptivilasa Ji

Marathon Queen, Smt. Sunita Godara Ji

Vice President, EPCH, Shri Prince Malik Ji

Former Chairman, Monitoring Committee, Central Waqf Council, Shri Irfan Ahmad Ji

Renowned Journalist Doordarshan, Shri Sushil Ojha ji

Renowned Journalist, Shri Navin Upadhyay Ji

Executive Producer Network 18, Shri Amrit Anand ji

…and several other distinguished dignitaries who joined us in making the occasion truly memorable.

Paying Tribute to the Legend

The programme commenced with a floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand Ji, remembering his extraordinary contribution to Indian hockey and his enduring legacy of excellence, discipline and sportsmanship.

Hockey Exhibition Match

As part of the Foundation’s “Back to School” initiative, an exciting Hockey Exhibition Match was played between Shaheed Bishan Singh Memorial School and S.S. Mota Singh School, New Delhi.

To further encourage young players and strengthen grassroots hockey, hockey sticks were gifted to Shaheed Bishan Singh Memorial School, supporting students in their sporting journey.

Orienteering — Sport for Everyone

The Orienteering Sport Federation conducted a Foot Orienteering Exhibition Race in collaboration with the Delhi Trail Tribe community, introducing participants to the exciting sport of navigation, endurance and outdoor adventure.

A special Trail Orienteering event for para athletes was also organised, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to inclusive and accessible sport for all.

Celebrating the Sporting Legacy Through Art

Adding a unique artistic dimension to the celebration, renowned sketch artist Shri Shailendra Khairnar exhibited his remarkable collection of sketches portraying Major Dhyan Chand Ji and Ashok Dhyan Chand Ji, beautifully capturing India’s hockey heritage through art.

National Sports Day is not merely a celebration—it is a reminder that sport builds character, inspires communities and creates opportunities for generations to come.

The Dhyanchand Foundation remains committed to carrying forward the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand Ji by promoting sports at the grassroots level, supporting young athletes, encouraging inclusive participation and keeping India’s sporting heritage alive.

We would also like to mention and thank Hardik Babbar, Ritanshu, Abu Sondial, Armaan and Kanishk Mittal for ensuring the smooth execution of the event.

Let us celebrate sport. Let us celebrate our champions. Let us inspire the next generation.

Jai Hind!

Jai Hockey!

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