29 Aug : 29th August, the day marks the 105th birth anniversary of Hockey legend Dhyan Chand, is celebrated as National Sports Day in India.
He wasa legendary centre forward and remembered for his goal-scoring feats, first as player and later as captain.
He won three Olympic gold medals and awarded Padma Bhushan in 1956.
Dhyan Chand commanded a lot of respect and awe, also would connect with the players easily.
Dhyan Chand has the same aura attached to hockey, like Donald Bradman has in cricket.
Indian sport got world recognition after his team earned India first ever gold medal at the Olympics (1928 Amsterdam). Only then everybody came to know about India’s sporting power.
“There were no Olympics in 1940 and 1944, otherwise he would have represented India to glory in five Olympics. The entire sport fraternity should come together and celebrate the day,” Gurbux, the member of the 1964 gold medal-winning Olympic side, said.
In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Dhyan Chand had come to play in Kolkata with his team Jhansi Heroes in the Beighton Cup tournament.
People would turn up in large numbers to watch the magician in action in the Beighton Cup.
India’s largest award for life time achievement in sports is the Dhyan Chand award which has been awarded annually from 2002 to sporting figures who not only contribute through their performance but also contribute to the sport after their retirement.
