On the occasion of National Sports Day today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tributes to the legendary figure of Indian hockey Major Dhyan Chand. The day is celebrated on August 29, which is the birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand, famously hailed as ‘The Wizard’ of hockey.
Dhyan Chand was a monumental asset to Indian hockey. Having represented the team from 1925 to 1949, he had a track record of scoring over 1,500 goals in 185 matches. A few moments in his career that stand out are three Olympic Gold Medals in the years 1928, 1932, and 1936. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in the year 1956.
Amit Shah tweeted a message on X for National Sports Day as follows: He said, “On the birth anniversary of hockey magician Major Dhyan Chand, I pay my respects and wish all fellow countrymen a Happy National Sports Day.” Shah noted the dedication and also the effort put in by Dhyan Chand, adding his life itself is a lesson in accomplishing goals through continuous commitment. He greeted Dhyan Chand as a player who lifted Indian hockey and inspired a positive attitude towards sports in India. Shah says that Dhyan Chand’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Earlier in the day, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also paid tribute to Dhyan Chand. Mandaviya paid floral tribute at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Today, on National Sports Day, we paid floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand. It is his birth anniversary and we observe it as National Sports Day.”
He also emphasized that fitness has much relevance to national development. “Citizens should be fit and healthy; a healthy citizen does contribute towards a healthy society, and also that healthy society makes the country wealthy, and that healthy country is Viksit Bharat. Everyone’s fitness is going to be critical for achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.” Mandaviya further exhorted people to devote at least an hour daily to sports. He said, “Sports are essential to keep them fit. All citizens must spare at least one hour from their respective busy schedules to play a game of their choice. I also will play football for one hour today.”
Meanwhile, in Jabalpur of Madhya Pradesh, a statue of Major Dhyan Chand was unveiled by his son, Olympian Ashok Kumar. Kumar was prideful and attached to the occasion. He said, “A son got the opportunity to unveil his father’s statue. His qualities and efficiency have greatly influenced the country and its self-respect. He started a new culture of hockey in India and set new standards as a player, soldier, citizen, and father. It is a moment of pride for me. I thank the MPE department for this honor.”
Ashok Kumar also spoke of how the statue would inspire future generations. He said, “The children who come here will find new direction and inspiration.” The gesture not only remembers Dhyan Chand’s legacy but also tries to inspire young athletes and hockey enthusiasts.
ANI
