New Delhi | Jagran Sports Desk: Sports are an important part of all-round development among all individuals. A person who is involved in sports is more likely to remain healthy and fit. National Sports Day is marked to celebrate the importance of sports in our lives. On August 29, birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand, we celebrate the National Sports Day.
Dhyan Chand is also known as 'Wizard of Hockey' was among the biggest hockey players in India. He was born on August 29, 1905. After basic education, he joined the national army in 1922.
Major Dhyan Chand was a true sportsperson. He was motivated to play hockey by Subedar Major Tiwari under whose provision he started playing the game. He learned the game from his coach Pankaj Gupta.
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He went on to win gold medals for the country in 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics. He scored over 400 goals in his career spanning 22 years. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, he was named captain of the Indian hockey team.
In 1956, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award. As a tribute to him, the National Stadium in the national capital has been renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.
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Government of India decided to celebrate the day as National Sports Day from 2012. On this day, sports events are organised in Rashtrapati Bhawan every year and the President gives National sports awards who have achieved excellence in their respective sports and raised the glory of the nation. These awards include Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award.
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Chand died at the age of 74 on December 3, 1979. He left a great legacy for the next generation of hockey players.