National Sports Day in India is celebrated on the August 29. This day marks the birthday of Dhyan Chand (29 August ,1905-3 December 1979), the hockey player who won gold medals for India in year 1928,1932 and 1936. This day is celebrated by organizing friendly matches between different Indian hockey teams at the Dhyan Chand National stadium in New Delhi which was constructed in the respect and honour of Dhyan Chand. He is most remembered for his extraordinary goal-scoring feats, in addition to earning three Olympic gold medals in field hockey, during an era where India was the most dominant team in Hockey. Known as “The Wizard” for his superb ball control,Dhyan Chand played his final international match in 1948, having scored more than 400 goals ! Dhyan Chand was born in a Allahabad family and his father was in British Indian Army. He took the training of Hockey in Army. Following the various transfers of his father, he had to leave his schooling just after 6th class. Finally they settled down in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Like his father, he also joined the Army at the age of 16. He used to practice for the game at nights specially after completing his job shift. Those small practice sessions led him to becoming the Wizard of the Hockey stick. Many big personalities of that time, who watched him playing, used to say that Dhyan Chand is not a Hockey player, he is the true magician of the game.Let us bring to you some interesting facts about this legend and his life ! 1) Once, while playing a game of hockey, Dhyan Chand was not able to score a goal against the opposition team. After being unable to score despite several attempts, he argued with the referee over the measurement of the goal post, and surprisingly, it was found to not be in conformation with the official width of a goal post under international rules 2) Netherlands: in one of Dhyan Chand’s visits to the Netherlands, the authorities broke his hockey stick to check if there was a magnet inside. 3) Austria: Residents of Vienna, have set up a statue of Dhyan Chand with four hands and four sticks in honour of his wizardy. 4) Germany: According to legends, Adolf Hitler had offered Dhyan Chand German citizenship and a position in the German Military following his brilliant performance in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. 5) England: Regarded as one 359 Olympic heroes. A tube station in London has been named after Dhyan Chand. An astro-turf pitch at the Indian Gymkhana Club in London is also named after him. 6) Australia: Arguably the greatest cricketer of all time, Sir Don Bradman on seeing Dhyan Chand said, “You score goals like runs”. 7) ‘Goal’ is the autobiography of Dhyan Chand, published in 1952. There has been a call from a long time to award Dhyan Chand the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour. However, as much as the legendary hockey player is set to receive it, more controversy continues....
Posted on: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 13:18:37 +0000
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