National Sports Day

When it comes to hockey, no one can beat Major Dhyan Chand. Everyone loved watching him play hockey. It is because of our love for him that we celebrate National Sports Day on 29th August on the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, who was considered as the ‘God of Hockey’.

Dhyan Chand. Image Credits: freepressjournal.in

Dhyan Chand was born on 29th August 1905 in Allahabad. His birthday is celebrated as 'National Sports Day' in India. His father was in the British Army and used to play hockey. Chand on the other hand didn't have a particular inclination towards hockey. His favourite sport was wrestling. He only played hockey seriously after he got enrolled in the army.

So you see, Dhyan Chand wasn't one of those people who was born to play hockey. His story doesn't start with a 2-year-old who was given a hockey stick who showed early signs of brilliance. He was a simple, non-gifted man who started late but only through immense practice, became the God of Hockey.

The way Dhyan Chand controlled the ball was no ordinary way. People couldn't believe their eyes when Dhyan Chand moved the ball with his stick. It was as if something magical was happening. People can keep on saying that he wasn't human instead was a wizard but the truth is that he wasn’t a born wizard, it was his zeal and dedication which made him a wizard. When he was concentrating on hockey his focus was unbreakable. While everyone slept, he kept practicing in the moonlight, inspiring the name Chand. He kept on practicing the same move again and again. He continued until it became natural to him.

In 2012, National sports day was established in our country in the memory of Dhyan Chand, paying respect to his contributions made in the field of sports.

The main purpose and goal of celebrating National Sports Day was to remember Dhyaan Chand and his contribution in the field of sports and to spread awareness about the significance of sports in each individual’s everyday life.

On his birth date, the National Sports Day, the President of India gives out the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award along with Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Even today Indians in foreign lands specially Europe mention that they were stopped by older people to ask if they are Indians and when they say that they are, the people enthusiastically mention Dhyan Chand, the hockey wizard that they witnessed during their time. Dhyaan Chand left us on 3rd December, 1979 but his memory will forever be alive in our hearts.