Major Dhyan Chand Biography
Dhyanchand was among the greatest Indian sportsmen , he was the captain of the Indian hockey team. He earned the name ‘hockey Wizard’ because of his quicksilver agility on the field of hockey. Starting 1928 he played a very important stellar role in the Indian hockey team’s golden performance in 6 consecutive Olympics. India issued a stamp in his honour in 1980. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, is the highest sporting honour of India. It is awarded annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
Where was Major Dhyan Chand born?
Dhyan Chand was born in Allahabad on 29 August 1905,to parents Sameshwar Singh and Sharadha Singh. At a very young age of 17, he joined the British Indian Army as a sepoy following the footsteps of his father who was in the army. He played in the army hockey tournaments and regimental games and his skillful and outstanding performance in the field of hockey came into limelight. Since 1995, Dhyan Chand’s birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day in India.
Dhyan Chand Achievements
Dhyan Chand won three Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, and 1936) in field hockey, during an era where India was the most dominant team in Hockey. He played his final international match in 1948 . According to his biography, Goal, he scored over 1000 goals in his entire domestic and international career.
Dhyan Chand’s Family
Dhyan Chand’s son, Ashok Kumar is also a hockey player and an Olympian. Kumar was known for his exceptional skills and ball control. He was a member of the Indian team that won the 1975 World Cup. Dhyan Chand’s 2 brothers name is Mool Singh and Roop Singh. Roop Singh was an Indian hockey player and he was part of the Indian field hockey team, which won gold medals for India at the 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games. He was the younger brother of Dhyan Chand.
Awards
After 34 years of service, Dhyan Chand retired from the Indian Army on 29 August 1956 after 34 years of service in the army as a lieutenant. The Government of India honoured him the same year by conferring him the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour.
Dhyan Chand died on 3rd December 1979 aged 74.
Also Read
Dhyan Chand Award Winners List