Enhancing the prestige of Indian hockey in the eyes of the world. By his superior play, Dhyan Chand was held in high esteem both within the country as well as abroad. Dhyan Chand helped his country in winning gold medals in hockey in three successive Olympic Games. He was also the captain of the gold medal winner Indian Hockey Team in the historic 1936 Berlin Olympics. Because of his brilliant performance, Dhyan Chand became a great attraction in the Berlin Olympiad. Dhyan Chand scored 101 goals at the Olympic Games and 300 goals in other international matches and his record is still unbroken. He had, in fact, a wonderful command in wielding the hockey stick and this earned him the title of the ‘Hockey Wizard’. Dhyan Chand who brought glory to the name of his country by his extraordinary capability in hockey became a legend in his own life time.
Dhyan Chand was born on 29th August 1905, in Allahabad (U.P.).’ He joined army at the age of sixteen. He started playing hockey in arm and soon turned into a very good hockey player. He was included in the Indian hockey team for the 1928 Amesterdom Olymipcs. India won gold medal in hockey at Amesterdom Olympics and out of a total of 28 go scored by Indian hockey, 11 were scored by Dhyan Chand alone. Thereafter, Dhyan Chand’s career in hockey was a story of continuous success. After the attainment of independence, Dhyan Chand was promoted to Major. The Government of India also honoured him with Padma Bhushan’. Dhyan Chand received honours in foreign countries also. In 1936 Berlin Olympics, he was honoured with ‘Olive Crown’ and in the 1968 Mexico Olympics; he was honoufed as ‘Distinguished Guest’. Dhyan Chand also ran an institute for the coaching of young hockey players.
This great player of hockey left for his heavenly abode on 3rd December 1979
