Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 19: The Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, is organizing National Sports Day 2026 from 28th to 30th August, 2026 as part of the nationwide campaign under the theme “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat” and the three campaign pillars “TRIBUTE, PLAY, MOVE.” National Sports Day is celebrated every year on 29th August to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, one of India’s greatest sporting icons.
The celebrations will be organized in accordance with the National Sports Day 2026 SOP issued under the FIT India initiative:
28th August– TRIBUTE
The first day will focus on paying tribute to Major Dhyan Chand and celebrating India’s rich sporting heritage. Activities may include floral tribute, sports challenges, interaction with athletes/coaches and other activities promoting India’s sporting achievements.
29th August – PLAY
The main National Sports Day celebration will be observed under the call “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein.” Government Departments, educational institutions and other organizations will be encouraged to participate in sports and physical activities for at least one hour.
30th August – MOVE
The celebrations will conclude with activities promoting active and sustainable mobility, including cycling rides, walkathons and run-and-ride activities, wherever feasible.
As part of the celebrations, the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs will organize a range of Inter-Departmental and Open Sports Competitions. The proposed competitions include:
• Badminton – Singles & Doubles – Men, Women and Veteran (Inter-departmental competitions)
• Table Tennis – Singles & Doubles – Men, Women and Veteran (Inter-departmental competitions)
• Volleyball – Open Men and Women
• Hockey – Open Men and Women
• Road Race/Marathon – Open Men and Women
• Cycling – Open Men and Women
• Squash – Open Men
• Billiards – Open Men
The Road Race/Marathon and Cycling events will be conducted on the route Netaji Stadium – Corbyn’s Cove – Netaji Stadium.
Inter-School Sports Competitions will also be organized in coordination with the Education Department across the Educational Blocks of all three Districts of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
A 10 Km Inter-School Road Race for Boys and Girls will also be organized as part of the National Sports Day celebrations on the route Netaji Stadium – Corbyn’s Cove – Netaji Stadium.
Educational institutions are encouraged to ensure maximum participation of students in the sports activities and competitions.
All Government Departments of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration are being encouraged to organize suitable sports and physical activities for their officers and employees during the National Sports Day celebrations.
Departments are encouraged to participate in “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein” on 29th August and organize friendly sports activities such as badminton, table tennis, volleyball and other suitable games. The SOP encourages participation of women, youth, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
NATIONAL SPORTS DAY 2026 SOP/TOOLKIT AND ONLINE LINKS
(i) Registration/details of the Nodal Officer/Point of Contact.
(ii) Downloading the National Sports Day 2026 Digital Toolkit containing posters, banners, social media creatives, pledge and other campaign branding materials.
(iii) Submission of activity details/post-event reports through the prescribed online reporting mechanism.
The celebrations aim to promote a fit, active and sports-loving society and encourage citizens of all age groups to make sports and physical activity a regular part of their lives. Participants are encouraged to share photographs, reels and short videos of their activities on social media using the official campaign hashtags:
#FitIndiaNSD2026
#KhelegaBharatJeetegaBharat
#FitIndia
Members of the general public who wish to participate in the various Open Sports Competitions may contact the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs for registration and further details.