August 29 is celebrated as National Sports Day 2019. This day is the birth anniversary of the legendary hockey player of the country, Major Dhyanchand. Dhyanchand won India a gold medal in the Olympic Games. Because of this, India was recognized internationally. In his honor, 29 August is celebrated every year as National Sports Day in India.
On the day of Dhyanchand’s birth anniversary, the sportspersons who have excelled in sports are awarded the National Sports Awards by the President of India for their special contribution to sports. Indian players are honored with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Dhyanchand Award and Dronacharya Awards besides the Arjuna Award. Let’s look at Dhyanchand’s life on this special occasion …
This great player known as hockey magician was born on 29 August 1905 in Allahabad. Dhyanchand is considered equal to Pelé in football and Bradman in cricket. His sports were also big fans.
Dhyanchand got admitted as an ordinary soldier at the age of 16 after his initial education. He had a particular interest in hockey when he joined the army during his first job. The credit of motivating Dhyanchand to play hockey is to a Subedar of the Regiment.
India’s greatest player Dhyanchand represented India in three Olympic Games and won the gold medal for the country three times. An interesting anecdote related to Dhyanchand is that during a match in Holland, he was seen breaking his stick in the fear of being a magnet in hockey. At the same time, during a match in Japan, it was also said that his stick had glue.
It will not be easy for anyone to attain the destination that Dhyanchand has brought to India in hockey. Dhyanchand was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956.
