Andamans Honor Dhyan Chand with Undersea Tribute
Unique Underwater Homage Marks National Sports Day
In a groundbreaking tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands celebrated National Sports Day 2025 with a stunning underwater homage at Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island). On August 29, 12 professional divers and three Sports Authority of India (SAI) officials, supported by the Department of Education and Sports and local dive operators, descended into the Andaman Sea, carrying placards, banners, a hockey stick, and a ball to honor the “Wizard of Hockey.” The event, part of the Fit India Andaman Nicobar Khel Mahotsav 2025, showcased the islands’ marine heritage while promoting fitness nationwide.
Amar Jyoti, Regional Director of SAI Kolkata, stated, “This underwater tribute reflects the unique spirit of the Andamans and sends a powerful message that the flame of fitness burns everywhere—on land, sea, and beneath the ocean.” The two-week Mahotsav, from August 15 to 31, began with the launch of three Olympic-style “Flame of Fitness” torches during Independence Day celebrations at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram. Designed with motifs of the Cellular Jail crown, dugong, Narcondam hornbill, mangrove roots, and Olympic rings, the torches traveled 505 km across Nicobar, South Andaman, and North & Middle Andaman, reaching 225 schools and engaging 25,958 participants, including students, athletes, tribal leaders, and locals.
The festival featured inter-school competitions in athletics, football, volleyball, and indigenous games like kho-kho, alongside beach sports, kayaking, rope-skipping, fitness drills, cultural performances, and anti-drug campaigns. Special efforts ensured inclusion of Children With Special Needs (CWSN) and Persons With Disabilities (PwD), fostering widespread participation.
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National Sports Day, commemorating Dhyan Chand’s 120th birth anniversary, aligns with the Fit India Movement’s theme, “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main,” encouraging an hour of daily physical activity. The Andamans’ events, culminating in the underwater tribute, emphasized Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, and Paralympic values of courage and equality.
Jyoti added, “This celebration is a reminder that sports must touch every life. The Andamans have shown how to honor Dhyan Chand’s legacy in inspiring ways.” The Mahotsav’s success, backed by the Andaman Association of Tour Operators and Dive Colours, highlights the islands’ growing role in promoting fitness and cultural pride.
