National Sports Day, observed annually on August 29, commemorates the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary figure in the world of field hockey.
India decided to celebrate August 29 as National Sports Day in 2012 to pay respect to one of the most celebrated players of Indian hockey. Additionally, this day is also marked by the need to promote sports and physical fitness across the nation. Singh retired as a Major in the Punjab Regiment of the Indian Army in 1956. He received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award.
Widely known as the “Wizard of Hockey,” Major Dhyan Chand’s remarkable career and contributions to the sport have made him a celebrated icon in Indian sports history. The star and pride of the Indian hockey team brought three consecutive gold medal hauls at the Summer Olympics Games before the World War II between in 1928, 1932 and 1936. Born on 29 August 1905 in Allahabad to parents to Sharadha Singh and Sameshwar Singh, Major Dhyan Chand used to play hockey from an early age for the British Indian army regimental team as his father was enlisted in the Biritish India Army. Chand studied at Aligarh Muslim University and graduated from Victoria College, Gwalior in 1932.
Soon after Singh’s selection and subsequent gold medal win in the 1928 Summer Olympics, he was given the titles of ‘Hockey Wizard’ and ‘The Magician’ due to his stick work and understanding of the game; His career spanned from 1926 to 1948, and he became one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
Major Dhyan Chand’s legacy continues to inspire athletes till date, and National Sports Day serves as a reminder of the importance of sports in fostering discipline and national pride. After 1936, India did not win any medals for hockey tournament in the Olympic Games until 2021 Tokyo Olympics when the Indian contingent won the bronze medal after a hiatus of 41-years.
