Today is National Sports Day, which is observed throughout the country. It is held in memory of Major Dhyan Chand, who was recognised for his goal-scoring abilities and excellent ball control.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to India’s hockey icon Major Dyan Chand on the celebration of his 118th birthday and the 12th National Sports Day. PM Modi took to his X (previously Twitter) profile to wish Indian athletes a happy National Sports Day. “Greetings to all athletes on National Sports Day.” India is proud of its citizens’ contributions to the country. “I also pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand Ji on his birth anniversary,” PM Modi wrote.
Major Dhyan Chand, an Olympic three-time gold medalist, played on the gold-winning Indian hockey teams of 1928, 1932, and 1936. He scored 570 goals for India in 185 games with the team.
Dhyan Chand participated in hockey for the United Provinces team, from which he was chosen to represent India in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.
The Indian team won gold at the 1928 Olympics by crushing their rivals by significant margins. This was the nation’s first gold medal.
International newspapers referred to Dhyan Chand as a “hockey magician” because of the numerous goals he scored. He received a lot of praise and attention for his excellent passing and great ball control.
The Indian team repeated its outstanding achievement from the 1928 Olympics, winning gold in the games that were held in Los Angeles (US) in 1932. For 25 of the 35 goals India scored, Chand and his brother Roop Singh were responsible. The “hockey twins” moniker was born as a result.
Chand was selected as the Indian team’s captain in 1934.
India and host Germany squared off in the Olympic finals in Berlin in 1936. Dhyan Chand scored three goals, as India triumphed 8-1.
Chand played in numerous domestic and international matches, shining brightly in each of them.
This ‘Wizard of Hockey’ was unrivalled in the game of hockey and did wonders to bring pride and happiness to a country groaning under a colonial force.
Chand left the service as a Major in 1956. In the same year, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan.
Chand coached for several years after his retirement. Not surprisingly, Dhyan Chand is regarded as the best hockey player of all time.
