OCCASION OF OLYMPIC DAY CELEBRATION 23rd June 2026

Smt. Mitra Ghosh, First Lady of Haryana

Dr. Chander Shekhar, Chief Patron, Hockey Chandigarh

Sh. Karan Gilhotra, President, Hockey Chandigarh
Dr. Pushvinderjit Singh, Senior Vice President, Hockey
Chandigarh

Sh. Anil Vohra, Vice President, Hockey Chandigarh

Distinguished guests, coaches, hockey players and my dear young champions

It is a matter of immense pride and joy for me to be among you today on this grand occasion of Olympic Day Celebrations.
I warmly congratulate Hockey Chandigarh for organising this week-long celebration and for bringing together sportspersons, youth, and citizens in the true spirit of the Olympic Movement.
Olympic Day is celebrated every year on the 23rd of June across the globe. It is a momentous date on the calendar which reminds us of the timeless values that sport embodies — Excellence, Respect and Friendship. These three core values are not just the foundation of the Olympics but are also the very pillars of a well-lived life.
Sport is one of the greatest teachers life has to offer. When you step onto the field — be it a hockey pitch, an athletics track, or a boxing ring — you learn lessons that no classroom can fully impart. You learn discipline, the kind that wakes you up before dawn. You learn resilience, the kind that makes you rise every time you fall. You learn humility in victory and courage in defeat. These are lessons for life.
Hockey holds a very special place in the heart of our nation. As India’s national sport and a game we have played with passion for over a century, hockey has gifted the country historic achievements and unforgettable moments that continue to inspire generations of young players. The recent resurgence of Indian hockey on the world stage is a shining example of what dedication and teamwork can achieve.
Dear young champions, you live in an era of great opportunity and great competition. Sport will give you not only medals, but character. It will teach you to set goals and pursue them relentlessly, to be part of a team, to respect your opponent, and to never stop improving.
Chandigarh has long been a cradle of sporting excellence, nurturing some of the finest talents in the country. I am confident that among the young players gathered here today are the champions of tomorrow, who will carry forward India’s proud hockey heritage and bring greater glory to our nation and our region.
I urge you to play with passion, be trained with dedication, and uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship. Go forth, give your best, and make your family, your city, your state, and our nation proud.

Thank you. Jai Hind!