In response to the nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India and as per the guideline and circular received from our Headquarters Belur Math, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri celebrated National Sports Day 2026 from 28th to 30th August 2026, at the Ashrama Premises. The three-day programme was organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey wizard, and to promote the ideals of fitness, discipline, sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy living among youth and the community.
The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from monastics, volunteers, students, devotees, admirers and staff of the Ashrama. Each day's programme as given below -
Day 1 – Tribute
Date: 28 August 2026
The inaugural day began with the National Song and National Anthem, followed by garlanding of Major Dhyan Chand. A sports awareness and anti-doping procession was organized to spread the message of fitness and sportsmanship.
Events Conducted
| Activity | Participation |
| Sports Awareness Procession | 180 |
| Skipping Challenge | 20 |
| Push-up Challenge | 30 |
| Penalty Hit Challenge | 29 |
| Yoga Session | 30 |
Chief Guests & Dignitaries
1. Sri Mihir Karmakar, Deputy Magistrate (Social Welfare Department), Jalpaiguri
2. Sri Mihir Banerjee, President, District Sports Association, Jalpaiguri
The programme concluded with the distribution of healthy food packets to all participants.
Day 2 – Play (National Sports Day)
Date: 29 August 2026
The second day was dedicated to traditional and athletic sporting events. The programme commenced with the National Song, National Anthem, and garlanding of Major Dhyan Chand and pledge.
Events Conducted
| Activity | Participation |
| Kabaddi | 24 participants (2 Teams) |
| Relay Race | 28 Participants (7 × 4) |
| Bag Race | 12 |
| Langadi Race | 16 |
| Rope Pull | 20 |
| Shot Put | 12 |
Chief Guests & Dignitaries
1. Sri Anant Deb Adhikary, MLA, Jalpaiguri
2. Sri Mihir Banerjee, President, District Sports Association, Jalpaiguri
3. Sri Ajit Kumar, Chief Manager, State Bank of India, Jalpaiguri
4. Sri Gautam Das, Additional Public Prosecutor, Jalpaiguri
5. Sri Manas Bhattacharya, Vice - President, District Council for School Games and Sports , Jalpaiguri
6. Sri Ujjawal Das Choudhury, General Secretary, District Council for School Games and Sports , Jalpaiguri
The programme concluded with the distribution of energy drinks and tiffin packets to all participants.
Day 3 – Move
Date: 30 August 2026
The concluding day began with the National Song and National Anthem, followed by floral offerings to Major Dhyan Chand. The highlight of the day was the Marathon and Walkathon, encouraging physical fitness and community participation.
Events Conducted
| Activity | Participation |
| Marathon (Male) | 37 |
| Walkathon (Female) | 45 |
The programme concluded with the distribution of energy drinks tiffin packets to all participants.
A large number of spectators attended the event throughout all three days. The programme aimed to promote and revive our traditional sports and to highlight their importance in building physical fitness, discipline, concentration, feeling of community life and a healthy spirit of competition. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s emphasis on physical strength and vigorous youth, the event reflected his inspiring words: “Be strong, my young friends; that is my advice to you. ” In keeping with Swamiji’s vision of developing both physical and mental strength, a specially composed theme song based on his ideals was played throughout all three days of the event. This event was successfully conducted by the monastic, dedicated volunteers and staff.
Programme Statistics
| Particulars | Figures |
| Duration | 3 Days |
| Venue | Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri |
| Procession Participants | 180 |
| 29 Challenge Participants | 109 |
| Kabaddi Participants | 24 |
| Relay Race Participants | 28 |
| Bag Race Participants | 12 |
| Langadi Race Participants | 16 |
| Rope Pull Participants | 20 |
| Shot Put Participants | 12 |
| Marathon Participants | 37 |
| Walkathon Participants | 45 |
| Total Individual Sports Participation* | 483 |
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