National Sports Day: 29 August, Hockey Wizard Dhyan Chand's Birthday Celebrated As 'National Sports Day', Know Why

The Government of India awarded Dhyan Chand with the Padma Bhushan, the country's third highest civilian honour, in 1956. Therefore, his birthday i.e. 29th August is celebrated as Sports Day in India

(File Photo)

National Sports Day 2021: There have been many people in our country who have contributed exceptionally in their respective fields so much so that their names have been permanently etched on the pages of history. Major Dhyan Chand, a witness to the golden age of hockey in India, is one such name. With his performance, he gave India a golden success in the Olympic Games hockey event and continued to dominate traditional Asian hockey. Dhyan Chand, who snatched the ball from the possession of opposition players and ran with an electrifying speed, was born on August 29, 1905. His birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day in the country.

Major Dhyan Chand is known as the wizard of hockey. August 29 is celebrated as his birthday. He is remembered as the greatest player in hockey. He is called as a hockey wizard because of his superb performance on the field. He won three Olympic gold medals in the years 1928, 1932 and 1936.

Dhyan Chand scored more than 400 goals in his career. The Government of India awarded Dhyan Chand the Padma Bhushan, country's third highest civilian honour, in 1956. Therefore, his birthday i.e. 29th August is celebrated as National Sports Day in India.

When Dhyan Chand's stick was broken

Dhyan Chand, who first played the Olympics in 1928, exhibited the magic of his hockey in such a stunning way that the opposite teams were intimidated by his presence on the field. Dhyan Chand scored the highest number of 14 goals in 5 matches at the 1928 Olympics in the Netherlands and won India a gold medal. After this victory, thousands of people gave a grand welcome to the team in Bombay Harbour. 

Dhyan Chand was considered an expert in hockey, everyone was amazed by his skill of scoring goals. For this, his hockey stick was broken to be checked. In the Netherlands, Dhyan Chand's hockey stick was broken and checked whether it had a magnet.