New Delhi: On the eve of the 109th birthday anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, Hockey India on Thursday wished him and his family and thanked the legendary player for his contribution to the sport.
Dhyan Chand's birthday also marks the National Sports Day of India and is celebrated throughout the country.
Speaking on the occasion Mariamma Koshy, president of Hockey India said: "The late Major Dhyan Chand was a player who makes us proud for his play and the way he tackled the opponents on the field. It is once in a lifetime that you see a legend like him born, and Hockey India takes pride that this legend belonged to the game of hockey."
"What great honour can a sports icon get, when you see that the National Sports Day is being celebrated in his name and on this day India also witnesses sportspersons getting bestowed with the Dhyan Chand Life Time Achievement Award, Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award.
Hockey India and everyone associated with the game of hockey would like to congratulate all sportspersons who have won the prestigious awards this year," she added.
Born on August 29, 1905, Major Dhyan Chand is regarded as the greatest player of hockey the world has seen till date.
Remembered for his amazing goal scoring feats, he is known as 'The Wizard' because of the way he controlled the ball leaving the opponents amazed and confused.
Major Dhyan Chand earned three Olympic Gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936 and because of him India ruled the game of hockey during that period.
