'Olympic Day celebration promotes fitness, well-being, culture & education'

New Delhi, June 24 With this year's Olympic Day being held under unprecedented circumstances, Hockey India (HI) celebrated the 72nd Olympic Day digitally with its member units showcasing Olympic values among the young children, players, coaches and administrative staff, by taking part in various activities while respecting the social distancing and safety guidelines prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs over a week.

Olympic Day was first introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris. The goal was to promote participation in sport across the globe regardless of age, gender or athletic ability.

"The Olympic Day Celebration is a great way of strengthening the link that children and young adults already have with sport and it provides a great opportunity for people to get their first experience of the sporting culture which practices no caste, no creed, no economic or gender bias," Hockey India President Mushtaque Ahmad was quoted as saying in the release.

"Sport is a level playing field and Olympic Day Celebration aims to promote fitness, well-being, culture and education while also observing values of excellence, friendship and respect.

"It was indeed overwhelming to see various Hockey India member units commemorate the Olympic Day celebrations digitally while being creative and innovative in their approach and also taking all necessary precautions to ensure social distancing and healthy living."

Marking the 72nd Olympic Day, Hockey India through various activities endorsed International Olympic Committee's campaign and themes of #StayStrong, #StayHealthy and #StayActive in these trying circumstances for everyone.

These three themes emphasized on mental and emotional well-being, making sure to promote a healthy way of living and staying closely connected to the sport.

As a special tribute to one of India's greatest Olymp ever, Hockey Chandigarh observed a two-minute silence in the fond memory and remembrance of Balbir Singh Sr. who passed away last month.

( With inputs from IANS )