Some names shine eternally in India's sporting heritage, and when it comes to hockey, Major Dhyan Chand's name is written in golden letters. He was not only one of India's greatest hockey players but also brought glory to India on the international stage with his game. Dhyan Chand was called the 'Wizard of Hockey' because the ball stuck to his stick as if it had a magnetic force.
Early Life and Struggles
Major Dhyan Chand was born on August 29, 1905, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, to a Rajput family. His childhood was ordinary, and he didn't show any special signs of becoming a player. At the age of 16, he joined the army as an ordinary soldier. This is where the direction of his life began to change. A regiment officer, Major Tiwari, who was himself a good hockey player, inspired Dhyan Chand towards the game.
Love for Hockey and the Beginning
Dhyan Chand initially participated in internal competitions of the army. But gradually, his game became so proficient that he started playing at the national and then international level for the army. He developed amazing speed and technique in his game by practicing day and night. It would not be wrong to say that he gave Indian hockey a new identity on the world stage on his own merit.
India's Pride in the Olympics
Dhyan Chand was part of the Indian hockey team in three Olympic Games — 1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles), and 1936 (Berlin). India won the gold medal in all three of these, and Dhyan Chand's performance was unprecedented.
- In 1928, India won all the matches, and Dhyan Chand alone scored many goals.
- In 1932, India defeated America 24-1, in which Dhyan Chand and his brother Roop Singh together scored 17 out of 25 goals.
- In 1936, India defeated Germany 8-1 in the final. This match was played in the presence of Hitler, and impressed by Dhyan Chand's performance, Hitler offered him a high position in the German army, which he declined.
Magic Stick and World Appreciation
- The ball moved on Dhyan Chand's hockey stick in such a way that the players of the opposing team were astonished.
- In Holland, his stick was broken to see if it contained any magnet.
- In Japan, it was said that his stick had glue on it.
- In Australia, the great cricketer Don Bradman, watching his game, said, "He scores goals like we score runs in cricket."
Contribution and Promotion in the Army
Due to his dedication to hockey, he also received promotions in the army. He made a journey from a soldier to a Major. He also received the 'Viceroy's Commission' and retired from the army in 1948 with the rank of Captain.
Honors and Awards
Dhyan Chand was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1956. Considering his contribution, National Sports Day is celebrated every year in India on August 29. On this day, the Arjuna Award and the Dronacharya Award are presented to players who have excelled in sports.
However, there has been a demand to award him the Bharat Ratna for many years. Sports lovers, players, and politicians constantly talk about getting him this highest civilian honor.
Source of Inspiration
Dhyan Chand's life is a symbol of the fact that ordinary beginnings can become extraordinary if there is dedication, hard work, and determination. His discipline, dedication to the game, and patriotism are still a source of inspiration for every young player.
Major Dhyan Chand was not just a hockey player; he was a symbol of the Indian sporting spirit. He proved that a true player is one who considers the game a means of serving the country. There was India's dignity in every goal scored from his stick, and even today, every Indian's chest swells with pride by remembering his contribution.
