New Delhi – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Institutions of National Importance (INIs) to actively participate in National Sports Day 2026 celebrations from August 28 to August 30, 2026. The theme is “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat”. The UGC has asked all universities, colleges and other higher education institutions to make sports and fitness activities a vibrant movement across their campuses. The UGC issued the communication on August 24, 2026, following a communication from the Department of Higher Education and a request from the Director General, Sports Authority of India (SAI). The campaign is not only for professional athletes. Students can also take part in sports and fitness activities to stay healthy and active.
National Sports Day 2026: What is the UGC asking HEIs to do?
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Institutions of National Importance (INIs) are requested by UGC to follow the guidelines issued by the Sports Authority of India for National Sports Day 2026. Institutions have been encouraged to ensure active participation of students and the wider campus community and make the celebrations more visible and engaging across campuses. The aim is to encourage students to take part in sports and physical activities and strengthen the culture of fitness in higher education institutions.
National Sports Day 2026: When will celebrations be held?
The National Sports Day 2026 celebrations will be held from August 28 to August 30, 2026. While National Sports Day is observed every year on August 29, the 2026 campus celebrations have been planned over three days.
- Start date: August 28, 2026
- National Sports Day: August 29, 2026
- End date: August 30, 2026
- Theme: “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat”
- Participating institutions: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Institutions of National Importance (INIs)
The celebrations are expected to take place across higher education campuses nationwide. The UGC has asked HEIs and INIs to make the campaign a vibrant movement across their respective campuses. The National Sports Day celebrations are held across India, with schools, colleges, government bodies, sports organisations and citizens who take part in sports and fitness activities.
HEIs and Institutions of National Importance are requested to actively participate in the National Sports Day 2026 celebrations from 28–30 August 2026 under the theme “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat.”
HEIs are encouraged to ensure active participation and make the National… pic.twitter.com/kLFOESi5Hi
— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) August 25, 2026
Why is National Sports Day celebrated?
National Sports Day is observed on August 29 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary Indian hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. Major Dhyan Chand was born on August 29, 1905. He played a major role in India’s golden era of hockey and helped India in winning Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936. He is widely remembered for his exceptional skills and is popularly known as the “Hockey Wizard.”
History: National Sports Day was first observed in 1995 in honour of Major Dhyan Chand. Over the years, August 29 has also become an occasion to promote sports participation and recognise the achievements of Indian athletes and coaches.
What does “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat” mean?
The theme “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat” means that a more active India can become a stronger sporting nation. It encourages people, especially young Indians, to play sports and stay fit. More participation in schools, colleges and local communities can improve fitness and also help find and support talented young athletes.
National Sports Day 2026: What students can expect
The UGC communication does not provide a detailed institution-wise activity schedule. However, HEIs have been asked to follow the guidelines issued by the Sports Authority of India and ensure active participation. Depending on the guidelines and arrangements made by individual institutions, campuses may organise sports, fitness and awareness activities as part of the celebrations.
Students should therefore check their university or college notices and official communication for the specific schedule and activities planned on their campus.
