Every year, India celebrates the August 29 as the National Sports Day as it is the birthday of the great Indian hockey legend Dhyan Chand. On his 113th birthday occasion, Indian cricketers have paid the tribute through their social media accounts.
Dhyan Chand was born on 29 August 1905 in Allahabad. He was known as ‘The Wizard’ or ‘The Magician’ for his superb ball control. He led the country’s field hockey sport on the highest level. During his hockey career, India had bagged three consecutive Olympic Gold medals (1928, 1932 and 1936) in that sport and each of those times Dhyan Chand had played a major role for Indian national hockey team.
It is believed that when India had beaten the hosts Germany in 1936 Olympic final and had claimed another Gold medal, Hitler had offered him a senior post in the German Army but he refused.
In 1956, the Indian government awarded him Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour. The great Indian passed away on 3 December 1979 at the age of 74.
Here are some Twitter reactions:
Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar wrote, “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”
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 pic.twitter.com/O8aQc3UhEc
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 29, 2018
Former opener Virender Sehwag posted, “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”
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 pic.twitter.com/FIKougv55S
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 29, 2018
Indian cricketer Suresh Raina wrote, “My tributes to #MajorDhyanChand on his birth anniversary & #NationalSportsDay! Sports is been my life since a very young age & I emphasise that everyone should make sports a part of their lives not just for health but it also imparts determinations, passion & hard work in you!”
My tributes to #MajorDhyanChand on his birth anniversary & #NationalSportsDay! Sports is been my life since a very young age & I emphasise that everyone should make sports a part of their lives not just for health but it also imparts determinations, passion & hard work in you! pic.twitter.com/ADlJQ0x9NJ
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) August 29, 2018
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wrote, “Remembering the hockey legend, Olympic gold medalist #MajorDhyanChand today. He was such an inspiration for young sportsmen in India, and an icon for millions who made sports a part of their lives! #NationalSportsDay”
Remembering the hockey legend, Olympic gold medalist #MajorDhyanChand today 🙏🏻. He was such an inspiration for young sportsmen in India, and an icon for millions who made sports a part of their lives! #NationalSportsDay
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 29, 2018
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, “Remembering the legend and hockey magician #MajorDhyanChand on his birth anniversary also celebrated as #NationalSportsDay. There will never be another like him. Respect”
Remembering the legend and hockey magician #MajorDhyanChand on his birth anniversary also celebrated as #NationalSportsDay. There will never be another like him. Respect 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/vDgvqIHFSU
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 29, 2018
Former Test specialist batsman VVS Laxman posted, “Sir Don Bradman once said, he scores goals the way we score runs. As we remember the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, my greetings to all from the sports fraternity on #NationalSportsDay. May we all inculcate some sport as a part of our life.”
Sir Don Bradman once said, he scores goals the way we score runs. As we remember the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, my greetings to all from the sports fraternity on #NationalSportsDay. May we all inculcate some sport as a part of our life. pic.twitter.com/vUAwzn7CV6
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 29, 2018
Former leg-spinner Anil Kumble wrote, “On #NationalSportsDay, let’s remember the efforts of all sportsmen who have made India proud by giving their best, overcoming all barriers. Encourage the future generations to take up sports, and pursue it.”
On #NationalSportsDay, let's remember the efforts of all sportsmen who have made India proud by giving their best, overcoming all barriers. Encourage the future generations to take up sports, and pursue it.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 29, 2018
Indian stylish cricketer Yuvraj Singh posted, “Remembering The wizard of hockey #MajorDyanChand on this #NationalSportsDay May his commitment and dedication towards sports and the country inspire us all to follow our dreams, believe in ourself and never give up !”
Remembering The wizard of hockey #MajorDyanChand on this #NationalSportsDay May his commitment and dedication towards sports and the country inspire us all to follow our dreams, believe in ourself and never give up !
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 29, 2018
