National Sports Day: PM Modi Honors Major Dhyan Chand
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to the iconic hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand on his 118th birth anniversary, coinciding with the 12th National Sports Day. Taking to his social media platform, PM Modi extended warm wishes to all Indian athletes, acknowledging their significant contributions to the nation. He also took a moment to honor Major Dhyan Chand for his remarkable achievements.
National Sports Day holds a special place in India's calendar, serving as a commemoration of Major Dhyan Chand's legacy. His exceptional goal-scoring prowess and extraordinary ball-control skills are celebrated on this occasion.
Major Dhyan Chand's legacy is adorned with three Olympic gold medals, marking his outstanding achievements in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympic Games. Over his illustrious career of 185 international appearances, he managed to score an astounding 570 goals for India.
Dhyan Chand's journey began with his involvement in the United Provinces field hockey team, which paved his way to the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. The 1928 Olympics marked a historic moment for India as they secured their first-ever gold medal in field hockey, and Dhyan Chand's exceptional contribution was pivotal.
His mesmerizing control over the ball and incredible passes earned him the nickname “magician of hockey,” receiving accolades not only within India but also from international newspapers.
In the subsequent 1932 Olympics held in Los Angeles, Dhyan Chand and his brother Roop Singh emerged as the key players, contributing 25 out of the 35 goals scored by India. This remarkable performance led to them being fondly called the ‘hockey twins'.
Dhyan Chand's influence extended to his captaincy of the Indian team in 1934. The pinnacle of his career came during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where India triumphed over host Germany in the finals with a score of 8-1. Dhyan Chand's remarkable feat of scoring 3 goals in the finals further solidified his legendary status.
Beyond his Olympic achievements, Dhyan Chand's brilliance shone brightly in both domestic and international matches. His exceptional skills brought joy and glory to a nation grappling with colonial dominance.
Post-retirement, Dhyan Chand's commitment to the sport persisted through coaching. His lasting impact on the world of hockey is underscored by his recognition as the greatest hockey player of all time.
In 1956, Major Dhyan Chand retired from the army with the honorary rank of Major and was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award for his exceptional contributions to the sport.
As National Sports Day continues to be celebrated in India, Major Dhyan Chand's legacy lives on, inspiring generations of athletes to strive for excellence on and off the field.
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