New Delhi: On August 29 every year, entire India unites to celebrate the birth anniversary of the greatest-ever sportsperson the country has produced – Major Dhyan Chand. Widely regarded as the best hockey player of all time, Dhyan Chand’s name has been synonymous with unparalleled skill and excellence not only in hockey but the world of sports.
With his superlative skills, immense contribution towards Indian hockey and numerous accolades, Dhyan Chand earned the moniker ‘The Wizard’, taking India to new heights on the global sporting stage, during his heydays between 1926 to 1948. But since last 76 years, India has produced talented sportspersons in almost all the disciplines then why is Dhayan Chand regarded as the best in the business till now?
What made Dhyan Chand the best?
Having represented India in 185 matches, Dhyan Chand with his exquisite goal-scoring abilities, control over the ball and unparalleled dribble technique set an example for one and all on the hockey field. The hockey sensation, who represented India for close to 22 years, majorly dominating the pre-independence era, scored as many as 570 goals for the country, setting an example for not his teammates but his opponents too.
Dhyan Chand bagged three consecutive hockey gold medals at the Olympics in 1928, 1932 and 1936, which was considered a task unachievable in those times. His prowess in the sport helped India strengthen its position and dominance in hockey, paving way for the others to follow the magician. He was also considered as the best mentor for rest of his teammates, sharing the tricks of the trade with them equally. The art of mentoring and sharing made him different from the rest as many Indian hockey players nurtured under him and flourished.
Dhyan Chand showcased India’s existence in sports
Not only the on-field technicalities and the skill sets, Major Dhyan Chand was also known for his demeanour off the field which made him so popular among the masses. In that era, when sports was not much talked about and discussed in India, the legendary sportsperson showcased country’s existence on the global sporting map with his standout performances, giving the entire world the message that India also exits.
For the illustrious career he had, Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour, was named after Major Dhyan Chand.
Dhyan Chand was born on August 29, 1905, and honouring his significant contributions and marking his birth anniversary, in 2012, the government of India decided to celebrate his birthday as National Sports Day annually. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
