NIT Rourkela celebrates National Sports Day 2023

On 26.08.2023 (today), the Student Activity Centre (SAC) jointly with the Chief Warden Office, NIT Rourkela organised sports events to mark National Sports Day 2023. Each year, India celebrates National Sports Day on 29th August to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The day is also dedicated to the nation’s sports heroes and champions, honouring their contribution and dedication towards bringing laurels to the country. However, for the year 2023, the Government of India proposed to celebrate National Sports Day during 21st August to 29th August 2023 by organising sports events. The theme for this year is “Sports as an enabler for an inclusive and fit society.”
To observe the day NIT Rourkela organised sports events to pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand and to promote the importance of physical activity and a fit body. The sports competition included Running, Basketball, Football, Tug of War and Swimming. Prof. Rajiv Panda (President, SAC) welcomed all the participants and gave his opening remarks. He said, “We have organised the event today as students get some time during weekends and can easily participate irrespective of attending classes. I hope that every player puts maximum effort on the ground. Let’s all emphasize the importance of being fit and healthy with the spirit of true sportsmanship.”
Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao (Director, NIT Rourkela) inaugurated the programme. Addressing the participants, he said, “Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you. If you still lose, you may not feel that bad as you gave your 100% and learned a lesson for the next game. Sports boost up the physical and mental health. Sports are essential for life. Students should make the best use of the facilities of grounds and sports equipment during their academic course. After entering a corporate or professional journey, one may not get free time or free mind to put effort into sports activities. Therefore, participants should also encourage their fellow classmates and friends to take up sports and make it an integral part of their lives. I urge participants to enjoy the game and carry the values of sports: discipline, perseverance, sportsman spirit, teamwork.”
Joining the event, Prof. Sidhartha S. Jena (Dean, Student Welfare) said that the National Sports Day marks the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand and commemorates India’s deep-rooted tradition of sports. Major Dhyan Chand was a great hockey player and one of the most legendary sportsperson India has ever had.
Prof. Rohan Dhiman (Registrar) and Prof. Niranjan Panda (Chief Warden) joined the event and encouraged the players. Vice Presidents of Games and Sports Society-NITR Prof. Ramesh Kumar Mohapatra and Dr Mayank Yadav, along with Prof. Anant Charan Pradhan, Prof. Anil Singh, Dr. Manvendra P. Singh, Dr. Angana Sarkar and Dr. Tushar R Pattnaik attended the entire sports event and extended their support for organising the event. The organisers encouraged the attendees to follow ‘Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz’ under the FIT India campaign. The event concluded with the prize distribution ceremony and taking ‘Fit India Pledge’ by all participants.
In the 800 m race for women, Pooja Dokania, Pragya Pranayani and Baisakhi Das Gupta scored 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. In a 1200 m race for men, Ankit Kumar Behera, Ranjan Kumar and Sumant Kumar secured the first three positions. In 50-meter freestyle swimming Shatyam Singh, Seethi Shan and Shaptnshi Naik were ranked first, second and third positions. In other sports categories, winning teams were awarded with medals. The winning trophy for football was named as the Major Dhyan Chand Trophy to commemorate his contributions to Indian sports.