India remembers Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day: PM Modi, Tendulkar pay rich tributes
One of India's greatest sporting heroes Major Dhyan Chand, who was an epitome of success in hockey, was born on 29th August 1905. Regarded as one of the best players to have ever played the game, Dhyan Chand won gold medals in Olympics in 1928, 1934 and 1936. He scored over 400 goals during his career. To celebrate Dhyan Chand's achievements, the Indian government marked his birthday as the National Sports Day and every year people from various walks of life celebrate this day to show respect towards Dhyan Chand. On his 114th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag remembered Dhyan Chand's contribution to Indian sports.
Dhyan Chand was the hero of India when hockey was at its peak and the Major was one of the biggest reasons for India's astonishing performances on big stages like the Olympics.
After Independence, when India was struggling to get its mark on a global level, Dhyan Chand put India on the map through hockey.
Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter to show his gratitude towards the hockey wizard. "Greetings to all sports enthusiasts on National Sports Day. Tributes to the phenomenal hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand Ji on his birth anniversary. I urge people to give priority to sports and fitness related activities, which will contribute towards a healthier India," he tweeted.
Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani tweeted on National Sports day to motivate athletes at Asian Games and gave tribute to the Major. "On #NationalSportsDay, I pay homage to legendary sports icon Major Dhyan Chand and extend my best wishes to every sportsperson & specially those making our Nation proud at #AsianGames2018."
Bharat Ratana Sachin Tendulkar praised Dhyan Chand on Twitter and wrote a heartfelt message. "I’ve heard stories about #MajorDhyanChand practising Hockey under a moonlit sky as there were no floodlights in those days. He did what it took to fulfil his dream. That's what I call commitment. Remembering him on his 113th birth anniversary #NationalSportsDay #SportPLAYINGIndia," he tweeted.
Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore paid his tribute to Dhyan Chand and tweeted: "Today, we commemorate Major Dhyan Chand's Birth Anniversary as #NationalSportsDay. Let us give our tributes to one of India's greatest sports icons by inculcating sports as part of our lifestyle. pic.twitter.com/fOcMqHRejZ"
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag also remembered Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day. “After India’s 1st match at 1936 Olympics,ppl watching other sports filled hockey stadiums .A German newspaper headline read-The Olympic complex now has a magic show too.'Berlin had posters:”Visit hockey stadium to watch the Indian magician Dhyan Chand in action #NationalSportsDay," he tweeted.
