DC Mridul Yadav highlights Dhyan Chand’s legacy, urges citizens to embrace fitness under Fit India Mission
Janasanyog, Silchar : Cachar District Administration celebrated National Sports Day with great enthusiasm on Friday, organising a grand event at the District Sports Association (DSA) Indoor Stadium in Silchar. The occasion, marking the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, witnessed a remarkable turnout of officials, sports enthusiasts, and former players, reinforcing the district’s commitment to sports and fitness as integral components of community development.
The celebration began with a solemn tribute to the legendary hockey icon. Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, IAS, who attended as Chief Guest, led the dignitaries in paying floral tributes to Major Dhyan Chand’s portrait. Among those present were Additional District Commissioner Phyllis Hrangchal (ACS), Assistant Commissioner Bonnykha Chetia (ACS), Assistant Commissioner and In-charge of DDIPR Barak Valley Zone Deepa Das (ACS), DSA President Shibabrata Dutta, DSA Secretary Atanu Bhattacharjee, and Silchar MLA’s representative Debasish Shome, alongside several prominent personalities from the sports fraternity.
As the hall resonated with applause, DC Mridul Yadav took the stage to deliver an elaborate address that captured both the historical essence and contemporary relevance of National Sports Day.
DC Mridul Yadav said “We are celebrating National Sports Day on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, widely hailed as one of the greatest field hockey players in history. Born in 1905, Dhyan Chand’s unmatched skills on the field brought India immense pride, particularly during its golden era of Olympic dominance from 1928 to 1936,” DC Yadav stated, drawing attention to the player’s extraordinary contributions.
He went on to explain that Dhyan Chand’s influence extended beyond his playing years, shaping India’s hockey legacy for decades.
“India’s Olympic triumphs in 1948, 1952, and 1956, and its spectacular comeback gold in 1964, all bear testimony to the enduring inspiration drawn from this iconic figure,” the DC added.
He reminded the audience that National Sports Day is not just an annual ritual but a powerful reminder of the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that sports instil.
This year’s observance comes under the banner of the Fit India Mission, an initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Highlighting the national campaign, DC Yadav said “The theme for this year encourages citizens to dedicate at least one hour to physical activity every day under the programme Ek Ghanta, Khel Ke Maidan Main. This is more than a campaign; it is a movement to transform lifestyles and combat the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases.” He further urged schools, colleges, and community organisations to adopt this practice as a part of daily life. “Fitness is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a healthy, productive society,” DC Yadav emphasised, his words resonating strongly with the audience.
The DC also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the DSA committee for extending full cooperation to the administration, particularly by making the indoor stadium available for the event. “Partnerships between administrative bodies and sports associations are key to ensuring the success of such initiatives,” he mentioned. Concluding his address, DC Mridul Yadav reiterated his vision for a fitter and healthier Cachar, urging every household to make fitness a shared family commitment.
“The essence of this day lies in translating inspiration into action. Let us dedicate ourselves to building a culture where sports and fitness are not occasional activities but integral parts of our lives,” DC Mridul Yadav quipped, leaving the audience motivated to carry forward the spirit of the day.
Earlier, welcoming the guests and participants, the District Sports Officer, Sartche Terang, underlined the importance of observing National Sports Day as a means to revive sporting culture at the grassroots. He said the district has always nurtured sporting talent, and such celebrations serve as an inspiration for the younger generation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating more opportunities and infrastructure to encourage youth engagement in sports.
Adding to the momentum, DSA President Shibabrata Dutta addressed the gathering and praised the administration’s proactive approach to sports promotion. He described the day as more than a celebration, calling it a significant step towards building a stronger sports ecosystem in Cachar. Dutta emphasised that sports are not just about winning games but about developing character, resilience, and unity. He assured that the DSA would continue to support every initiative aimed at empowering local athletes and strengthening sports infrastructure.
The event was marked by an atmosphere of respect and recognition as three veteran players from Cachar were felicitated by the District Commissioner and other dignitaries for their lifelong contributions to the sporting community. Their stories of determination and achievement were shared with the audience, igniting pride and nostalgia among all present. The felicitation was met with a standing ovation, symbolising the deep-rooted respect for sportsmanship in the region.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the audience witnessed a vibrant display of sporting spirit as the district-level badminton competition unfolded at the same venue. Players showcased their agility and passion for the game, marking the first event under a series of competitions planned to celebrate National Sports Day in Cachar.
Continuing the momentum, the District Sports Office has scheduled more activities as part of the celebration. On August 30, 2025, a Chess Competition for Senior Citizens will be organised at Narsing HS School, Silchar, at 1:00 PM, creating an opportunity for elder participants to engage in a game that sharpens the mind and fosters strategic thinking. The celebrations will culminate on August 31, 2025, with an Open Cycle Rally, starting at 7:00 AM from Raja G C HS School, Borkhola, aiming to promote the message of fitness and eco-friendly transportation among the public. These events, spread across multiple days, are designed to encourage citizens of all age groups to actively participate and embrace the joy of sports.
It is worthy to mention here that the celebration of National Sports Day in Cachar is part of a nationwide observance first introduced in 2012. Today, it has evolved into a symbolic and practical effort to promote the role of sports in nation-building. Across the country, the day serves as a reminder that sports are not merely recreational activities but powerful tools for fostering social cohesion, discipline, and resilience.
In Cachar, this year’s celebration not only honoured Major Dhyan Chand’s unparalleled legacy but also amplified the message of fitness through the Fit India Movement. The enthusiastic participation of officials, sports associations, and citizens alike demonstrated a collective resolve to embrace physical well-being as a cornerstone of a progressive society.
With its vibrant observance of National Sports Day and an extended schedule of sporting activities, Cachar district has once again shown that the spirit of sportsmanship and the commitment to health and wellness remain deeply embedded in its community ethos.
This is stated in a press release issued by the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam.
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