Every year on 29 August, India celebrates National Sports Day, a day that not only honours the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand, but also reminds us of the importance of physical activity for health and well-being. While the day celebrates athletic excellence, teamwork, and the spirit of competition, it also underscores the incredible role sports play in preventing and managing a wide range of diseases, from mental health conditions to lifestyle-related disorders.
Mental Health Benefits
One of the most remarkable benefits of sports is their impact on mental health. For children and adults with autism, regular physical activity can significantly improve social interactions, communication skills, and coordination.
Structured sports activities create routines, foster discipline, and provide opportunities to engage with peers, helping individuals develop essential life skills.
Similarly, in older adults, regular exercise can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia.
Activities like swimming, walking, yoga, or light aerobic exercises improve blood flow to the brain, enhance memory, and boost overall cognitive function.
Even for people without diagnosed conditions, sports are an effective way to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which naturally improve mood and reduce tension.
Heart, Kidney, and Liver Health
Sports are also vital for maintaining the health of key organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but regular exercise can improve heart function, reduce cholesterol levels, and enhance blood circulation. Sports like running, cycling, swimming, or even brisk walking strengthen the heart muscles, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cardiac events.
Kidneys and liver also benefit from physical activity. Regular movement helps these organs function efficiently by reducing fat accumulation, improving metabolism, and regulating blood pressure and sugar levels.
In the long run, engaging in sports can prevent chronic kidney disease and fatty liver disease, which are increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyles.
Fighting Lifestyle Disorders
Modern lifestyles often involve long hours of sitting, unhealthy diets, and minimal physical activity. This has led to a rise in lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Sports offer a natural and effective solution. Simple activities like football, badminton, yoga, or jogging help regulate weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure, while also improving overall stamina and energy levels.
Moreover, regular exercise strengthens the immune system, making the body more resilient against infections and chronic conditions. By adopting sports as part of daily life, people can significantly reduce their dependence on medications and live longer, healthier lives.
National Sports Day 2025: Promoting Health and Inclusion
National Sports Day 2025, celebrated on 29 August, has the theme: “Sport to Promote Peaceful Societies and Inclusive Communities”. While the theme emphasises social unity, it also highlights the role of sports in promoting health and preventing disease. The Fit India Mission encourages citizens to dedicate at least an hour daily to physical activity, whether it’s playing a sport, walking in the park, or engaging in light exercises at home. These initiatives remind everyone that sports are not just about competition, they are about holistic wellness for mind and body.
Major Dhyan Chand: A Legacy of Fitness and Discipline
The day honours Major Dhyan Chand (1905–1979), the legendary Hockey Wizard, who led India to Olympic gold in 1928, 1932, and 1936. Dhyan Chand’s life and career are a testament to the importance of discipline, physical fitness, and dedication. His story continues to inspire generations, not just to excel in sports, but also to embrace an active lifestyle for better health.
Sports are more than just a recreational activity. They are a powerful tool to prevent and manage mental health issues, heart, kidney, and liver disorders, and lifestyle diseases. As National Sports Day reminds us, integrating sports into daily life can help us live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. From children with autism to adults fighting lifestyle disorders, everyone stands to gain from the transformative power of physical activity.
Inputs from agencies
Mental Health Benefits
One of the most remarkable benefits of sports is their impact on mental health. For children and adults with autism, regular physical activity can significantly improve social interactions, communication skills, and coordination.
Structured sports activities create routines, foster discipline, and provide opportunities to engage with peers, helping individuals develop essential life skills.
Similarly, in older adults, regular exercise can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia.
Activities like swimming, walking, yoga, or light aerobic exercises improve blood flow to the brain, enhance memory, and boost overall cognitive function.
Even for people without diagnosed conditions, sports are an effective way to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which naturally improve mood and reduce tension.
Heart, Kidney, and Liver Health
Sports are also vital for maintaining the health of key organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but regular exercise can improve heart function, reduce cholesterol levels, and enhance blood circulation. Sports like running, cycling, swimming, or even brisk walking strengthen the heart muscles, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cardiac events.
Kidneys and liver also benefit from physical activity. Regular movement helps these organs function efficiently by reducing fat accumulation, improving metabolism, and regulating blood pressure and sugar levels.
In the long run, engaging in sports can prevent chronic kidney disease and fatty liver disease, which are increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyles.
Fighting Lifestyle Disorders
Modern lifestyles often involve long hours of sitting, unhealthy diets, and minimal physical activity. This has led to a rise in lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Sports offer a natural and effective solution. Simple activities like football, badminton, yoga, or jogging help regulate weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure, while also improving overall stamina and energy levels.
Moreover, regular exercise strengthens the immune system, making the body more resilient against infections and chronic conditions. By adopting sports as part of daily life, people can significantly reduce their dependence on medications and live longer, healthier lives.
National Sports Day 2025: Promoting Health and Inclusion
National Sports Day 2025, celebrated on 29 August, has the theme: “Sport to Promote Peaceful Societies and Inclusive Communities”. While the theme emphasises social unity, it also highlights the role of sports in promoting health and preventing disease. The Fit India Mission encourages citizens to dedicate at least an hour daily to physical activity, whether it’s playing a sport, walking in the park, or engaging in light exercises at home. These initiatives remind everyone that sports are not just about competition, they are about holistic wellness for mind and body.
Major Dhyan Chand: A Legacy of Fitness and Discipline
The day honours Major Dhyan Chand (1905–1979), the legendary Hockey Wizard, who led India to Olympic gold in 1928, 1932, and 1936. Dhyan Chand’s life and career are a testament to the importance of discipline, physical fitness, and dedication. His story continues to inspire generations, not just to excel in sports, but also to embrace an active lifestyle for better health.
Sports are more than just a recreational activity. They are a powerful tool to prevent and manage mental health issues, heart, kidney, and liver disorders, and lifestyle diseases. As National Sports Day reminds us, integrating sports into daily life can help us live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. From children with autism to adults fighting lifestyle disorders, everyone stands to gain from the transformative power of physical activity.
Inputs from agencies
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