Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of National Sports Day, which is celebrated on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
In a heartfelt tribute, he praised Major Dhyan Chand’s excellence, noting that it continues to inspire generations.
“Greetings on National Sports Day! On this special occasion, we pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand Ji, whose excellence continues to inspire generations,” Modi said in a post on X.
He highlighted the remarkable transformation of India’s sporting landscape over the last decade. He emphasized the government’s efforts in nurturing young talent, creating world-class facilities, and building a vibrant sports ecosystem in the nation.
“In the last decade, India’s sporting landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. From grassroots programmes that nurture the young talent to creating world-class facilities, we are seeing a vibrant sports ecosystem in our nation. Our government remains committed to supporting athletes, building infrastructure and making India a global hub for sporting excellence,” he said.
The government’s commitment to sports development is evident in its initiatives to support athletes, build infrastructure, and promote sports excellence. From grassroots programs to international competitions, the government is working tirelessly to create a robust sports ecosystem in India.
National Sports Day is a celebration of India’s sporting spirit and a tribute to the legendary Major Dhyan Chand. As the nation looks forward to a brighter sporting future, PM Modi’s message serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to supporting athletes and promoting sports excellence.
Major Dhyan Chand, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, was a master of stick work, ball control, and goal-scoring. His incredible skills on the field earned him the nickname “The Wizard of Hockey.”
Chand’s career was marked by numerous achievements, including three Olympic gold medals in 1928 Amsterdam, 1932 Los Angeles, 1936 Berlin. He is credited with scoring over 1,000 international goals. He was also conferred with Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, awarded in 1956.
One of the most fascinating anecdotes about Dhyan Chand is his encounter with Adolf Hitler during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. India defeated Germany 8-1 in the final, with Dhyan Chand scoring three goals. Impressed by his performance, Hitler offered Dhyan Chand a place in the German military, along with German citizenship and a promotion to the rank of Colonel. However, Dhyan Chand politely declined, saying “India is not for sale.” This response showcased his patriotism and commitment to his country.
National Sports Day encourages citizens to adopt healthy and active lifestyles, highlighting the importance of sports in building fitness, teamwork, discipline, and national pride.
The President presents prestigious sporting honors, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, and Dhyan Chand Award.