29/08/2025
Rahul Dravid Cricket Academy/Club in Collaboration with Department of Youth Services and Sports, and Poonch Sports Council Unit, Celebrates National Sports Day with Enthusiasm at Sports Stadium Poonch*
The Rahul Dravid Cricket Academy/Club (RDCA/RDCC) marked National Sports Day at the Sports Stadium Poonch with great zeal, patriotic fervor, and a deep sense of respect for the sporting legacy of Major Dhyan Chand, Indiaβs hockey legend*.
The event was organized in collaboration with the Department of Youth Services and Sports Poonch and the Poonch Sports Council Unit. It brought together budding cricketers, experienced coaches, and sports enthusiasts from the region to celebrate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand (1905β1979)βwidely regarded as the βWizard of Hockey.β
The day commenced with academy players and staff paying floral tributes to Major Dhyan Chand, followed by cricket matches, fitness drills, and motivational talks designed to instill values of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship among young athletes.
Each year, 29th August is observed as National Sports Day across India to commemorate the unparalleled achievements of Major Dhyan Chand. The day also aims to promote a strong sporting culture across the nation".
Since 2012, this day has also been marked by the presentation of Indiaβs highest sporting honorsβincluding the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (formerly Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna), Arjuna Award, and Dronacharya Award.
Born in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Major Dhyan Chandβs name remains synonymous with excellence in hockey. He led India to three Olympic gold medals (1928 β Amsterdam, 1932 β Los Angeles, 1936 β Berlin), with a career total of over 400 international goals. His unmatched skills earned admiration globallyβincluding from Adolf Hi**er, who famously offered him a high-ranking position in the German army, which Dhyan Chand respectfully declined.
Beyond his technical brilliance, Dhyan Chandβs humility, dedication, and sportsmanship make him a timeless role model for athletes across generations.
β βSports are not only about winning medals; they are about building confidence, discipline, and teamwork. Major Dhyan Chandβs life teaches us that with dedication and consistency, an athlete can achieve greatness. Our academy is committed to guiding the youth of Poonch in the same spirit.β
β Parvaiz Malik Afridi (Chairman/Head Coach, RDCA)
β βNational Sports Day is a tribute to the values of honesty, fair play, and respect in sports. We want our players to learn that success comes not just from talent but from humility, hard work, and discipline.β
β Syed Talit Waseem (Assistant Coach, RDCC)
β βThis day motivates us to stay committed to physical fitness and mental strength. Sports are a medium that unite people beyond boundaries. Our mission is to nurture young cricketers so they can one day represent Poonch and our country with pride.β
β Er. Kamran Ahmed (Assistant Coach, RDCC)
β βAs players, we feel blessed to celebrate this day in memory of a true legend. Major Dhyan Chand proved that determination and passion can make dreams come true. On this occasion, we pledge to follow his example and always give our 100% on and off the field.β
β Senior Player, RDCA
The event was a powerful reminder that sports go far beyond competition. They are tools for nation-building, youth empowerment, and personal development. As echoed by the participants, βNational Sports Day is not just a tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, but a call to actionβto live by the values he embodied and pass them on to future generations.β
With such initiatives, the Rahul Dravid Cricket Academy/Club continues to champion the cause of youth development through sports, ensuring that Poonch remains a vibrant hub of sporting excellence.
