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India celebrates National Sports Day every year on 29th August, to commemorate the great, legendary player, Major Dhyan Chand Singh. It is the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the hockey wizard who was born in 1905. The sporting world unites each year in celebration of birthday of great cricketer Don Bradman which falls on August 27, very few Indians remember that just after two days fall the birthday of one of the greatest hockey wizards of all time late Dhyan Chand.
As we are about to celebrate Sport’s day let’s take a brief look at the life history of such a jewel in the Indian history.
Though born in Allahabad (UP), Dhyan Chand was brought up in Jhansi (UP). He was introduced to hockey at the age of 14. At the age of 16 he was inducted into the Punjab regiment and soon got good mentors for his career. Gradually, Dhyan Chand began to do well. He displayed amazing skills in the game of hockey.
Major Dhyan Chand began his international career in 1926. When on field, he always displayed his extraordinary feat in scoring the maximum number of goals. Soon he became the Captain of the team and won 3 Olympic Gold medals (1928 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles, 1936 Berlin). He played till the age of 42 and retired in 1948. He was awarded Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honor in 1956. He died of liver cancer on 3rd December, 1979.
In honor of major Dhyan Chand Indian Postal Service issued a postage stamp and, a stadium in New Delhi is named Dhyan Chand National Stadium after the great legendary. In 2002, the union sports ministry of India introduced a Lifetime Achievement Award in sports in the name of Dhyan Chand which is given to those sportspersons who not only contribute through their performance but also contribute to the sport after their retirement.
On this day, the President gives National Sports Awards to all those who displayed great efforts and extraordinary feats to make their country proud. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna,which is India’s highest honour for achievement in sports, alongwith Arjun Award and Dronacharya Award are given away on this day at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Saina Nehwal (Badminton) will be felicitated with Khel Ratna this year. At just 20, Saina paramount’s young Indian hearts with her dedication and true spirit towards her game.
Sports Day is an occasion for us to remember all those great sport stars who have contributed to the name and fame of our country. Taking inspiration from such legendaries, lets try to excel in future.
Hail!! thy Sportsmen.
