As the nation comes together to celebrate National Sports Day, it is a moment to reflect not just on our sporting heritage but also on the transformative journey Indian sports has undertaken over the past decade.

Observed annually on August 29th, this day pays tribute to the legendary hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand, whose unparalleled skill and dedication placed India firmly on the global sports map. While the day began as a symbolic observance, over the years it has evolved into a nationwide movement—igniting aspirations, nurturing talent, and creating a culture where sports is no longer an extracurricular activity but an essential part of life.

This shift has not been accidental. Since 2014, Indian sports have witnessed an era of unprecedented transformation under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and a series of committed Sports Ministers who have worked tirelessly to make India a sporting powerhouse.

The foundation for this transformation was laid by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal (2014–2016), who spearheaded youth engagement programs and launched the Fit India initiatives, emphasizing the role of fitness and grassroots development in national progress. Dr. Jitendra Singh (Interim, 2016) ensured continuity during a crucial phase, keeping the momentum alive.

The baton was carried forward by Shri Vijay Goel (2016–2017), who introduced the National Talent Search Portal, ensuring that no budding athlete is left behind, and brought significant governance reforms to streamline sports administration. His efforts were succeeded by Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (2017–2019), an Olympian himself, who brought an athlete-first approach by strengthening Olympic preparation frameworks and launching the highly impactful Khelo India initiative, which has since become the backbone of grassroots sports development in the country.

When Shri Kiren Rijiju (2019–2021) took charge, he furthered this mission with strategic legal reforms and expanded India’s international sporting engagements, raising the country’s global sporting profile. The next phase of acceleration came under Shri Anurag Singh Thakur (2021–2024), during which India saw the expansion of Khelo India, the launch of the Women’s Premier League, and the hosting of several major international events that brought global attention to India’s growing sports ecosystem.

Today, under the leadership of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (2024–present), Indian sports policy is being shaped with a focus on holistic athlete welfare, Olympic readiness, and integrated sports development programs that not only target elite performance but also encourage mass participation at every level of society. Two landmark initiatives—the Khelo Bharat Neeti 2025 and the New Sports Governance Bill—have been passed to revolutionize sports administration, strengthen transparency, and build a robust ecosystem that nurtures talent from grassroots to global platforms.

As we celebrate National Sports Day, it is evident that sports in India have transcended beyond being a pastime—they are now a powerful instrument of unity, health, and national pride. The last decade has seen sports infrastructure penetrate into rural and urban landscapes alike, creating opportunities for millions of youth. Talent identification systems, grassroots programs, and elite training pathways have ensured that the dream of an Olympic podium finish is no longer a distant hope, but a realistic goal.

2025: A Milestone Year for Indian Sports

The year 2025 will be remembered as a turning point in the history of Indian sports—a year that laid the foundation for a stronger, more transparent, and inclusive sporting ecosystem. With the introduction of the landmark Sports Governance Bill and the launch of the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025, India has taken bold steps toward realizing its dream of becoming a global sports powerhouse.

These visionary reforms represent a new era of accountability, equity, and structured growth. The Sports Governance Bill aims to ensure transparency and good governance in sports administration, while the Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 focuses on building a world-class sports ecosystem, promoting mass participation, and identifying talent from every corner of the nation. Together, they promise to revolutionize sports planning, infrastructure development, and athlete nurturing, enabling India to compete at the highest international level.

However, while these reforms are commendable, true transformation in sports cannot be achieved by infrastructure and elite programs alone. It must begin at the grassroots—with the people who ignite the passion for sports in young minds: Physical Education (PE) teachers. They are the architects of the nation’s sporting future, yet their contribution has often been overlooked. For decades, PE teachers have been waiting for the recognition, empowerment, and resources they truly deserve. This remains one of the most pressing national concerns for sports development in India.

To strengthen the sporting foundation, policies must now focus on empowering PE teachers through capacity-building initiatives and systemic reforms. Among the critical measures that need immediate attention are:

• The establishment of an All India Physical Education Teacher Training Council to ensure standardized, high-quality training across the country.
• Formal recognition of Physical Education as a dedicated subject in competitive examinations such as UPSC, State Selection Boards, and Service Selection Boards, ensuring equal career opportunities for professionals in this field.
• Policy reforms addressing service conditions, job security, and career advancement for PE teachers, creating a dignified and sustainable career path.

On this National Sports Day, we reaffirm our commitment to these goals. The Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) stands united in its mission to uplift and empower Physical Education and Sports professionals. Our aim is to create an ecosystem where PE teachers, coaches, and sports educators are provided with global-level standards, resources, and opportunities—because the future of Indian sports depends on the strength of its foundation.

Major Dhyan Chand Rashtriya Khel Mohatsav 2025 – India’s Largest Sporting Movement

The Major Dhyan Chand Rashtriya Khel Mohatsav 2025 has set a historic benchmark by emerging as the largest sports celebration in the country, uniting millions of citizens through the transformative power of sports. Organized by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI), this mega initiative is a true reflection of national unity, inclusivity, and the spirit of healthy living.

Spanning 1,000+ locations across India, with participation from over 2 million youth in 2,000+ diverse events, the Mohatsav is not just a sports festival—it is a nationwide movement. From inter-school championships to traditional games revival, and from debating and painting competitions to fitness challenges, the Mohatsav has turned every corner of India into a vibrant hub of sporting activity.

Held between August 23rd and August 31st, 2025, the event is inspired by the themes:
“Khelega Bharat Jitega Bharat” &  “Khelo Ke Maidanon Se Viksit Bharat Ki Neev” (Laying the Foundation of a Developed India through Playgrounds)—a message that reinforces the role of sports as a cornerstone of nation-building.

Why This Initiative Matters for Viksit Bharat 2047

India’s vision of becoming a global sporting superpower and achieving the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047 cannot be realized without universal participation in sports and physical fitness. The Major Dhyan Chand Rashtriya Khel Mohatsav 2025 is not just a celebration; it is a strategic movement aimed at transforming India into a nation where every citizen embraces sports as a way of life. This initiative serves as a catalyst for mass participation, grassroots talent identification, and the revival of traditional Indian games, ensuring that sports becomes an inseparable part of our cultural and social fabric.

The Mohatsav is built on four core objectives. First, it promotes mass participation by inspiring every child and youth to include sports in their daily routine, making fitness a lifestyle choice. Second, it focuses on discovering hidden talent from both rural and urban landscapes, ensuring that no potential champion remains unnoticed. Third, it emphasizes reviving traditional games, safeguarding India’s cultural heritage while giving young generations an opportunity to reconnect with their roots. Finally, it fosters national unity, bringing communities together through shared sporting experiences and creating a sense of inclusivity and pride.

The campaign is driven by powerful hashtags and an impactful tagline that resonates with every Indian. #KhelegaBharat (India Will Play) represents the vision of an active, healthy, and energetic nation where every citizen engages in sports and physical activity. #JitegaBharat (India Will Win) symbolizes triumph—not just in terms of medals, but in conquering physical inactivity, lifestyle diseases, and inequality in sports opportunities. The tagline “Khelo Ke Maidanon Se Viksit Bharat Ki Neev” reinforces the belief that sports fields are the true classrooms for discipline, resilience, and leadership, laying the foundation for a developed India.

The Major Dhyan Chand Rashtriya Khel Mohatsav 2025 marks the beginning of a national movement for fitness, inclusivity, and excellence in sports. As we celebrate this historic initiative, let us pledge to make sports and physical education an integral part of our lives. Together, we will create an India where every child dreams through sports, every community celebrates physical activity, and the nation rises as a global sports powerhouse.

Join the movement. Play your part in nation-building—because when India plays, India wins!

-Dr. Piyush Jain
National Secretary , PEFI
Governing Body Member, SAI