National Sports Day 2024 : Aspiring Wrestler to India’s Hockey Wizard, Interesting Facts About Major Dhyan Chand
National Sports Day 2024 : On this occasion, India is also celebrating its 13th National Sports Day. Major Dhyan Chand was honored with over 400 awards from more than 55 countries worldwide. Due to his unparalleled achievements, his birthday, August 29, has been celebrated as National Sports Day in India since 2012. On this special day, let’s delve into some captivating anecdotes from the life of Major Dhyan Chand, which will undoubtedly inspire everyone, especially athletes.
Major Dhyan Chand was born on August 29, 1905, in a Rajput family in Prayagraj. His father, Samehwar Dutt Singh, was in the army, and his mother, Shradha Singh, was a homemaker. When his father was transferred to Jhansi, young Dhyan Chand moved with him. Interestingly, this legendary hockey player had a passion for wrestling during his childhood, not hockey.
At the tender age of 16, Dhyan Chand joined the Indian Army. While serving in the army, he learned to play hockey under the guidance of Major Bale Tiwari of the Brahmin Regiment. On May 13, 1926, he played his first international match for India in New Zealand. Although Dhyan Chand was not a naturally gifted hockey player, his relentless hard work and dedication made him a global icon. In 1948, he announced his retirement from hockey.
Famous for the Myth of the Ball Sticking to His Stick
It is often said that when Major Dhyan Chand played hockey, the ball seemed to stick to his stick as if by magic. This led to suspicions, and during a match in Holland (Netherlands), his hockey stick was broken to check if it was tampered with. In Japan, there were even claims that his stick had glue on it.
570 Goals in 185 Matches
Major Dhyan Chand scored a total of 570 goals in 185 matches for India, making him the highest goal scorer in the world. On average, he scored more than three goals per match. The player in second place scored 348 goals, significantly less than Dhyan Chand’s tally. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to sports, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award, in 1956.
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