Major Dhyan Chand, an Indian hockey legend and magician, was born on August 29, 1905, in Prayagraj. He won India three gold medals in the Olympics and made a significant contribution to Indian sports. Chand started playing hockey at the age of 16, joining the Indian Army at the age of 16. He played regimental matches from Turu of the army from 1922 to 1926, and was selected for the army team’s tour of New Zealand.
During the tour, India won 18 matches, had two draws, and lost only one match. Dhyanchand’s performance earned him recognition and a place in the Indian army. In the 1936 Olympics, India defeated Germany 8-1 in the hockey final, and Hitler was not tolerable. Dhyanchand scored three goals in the match, and after the match, Hitler offered him a job in the German army, which Dhyanchand rejected.
Chand played for India in the Olympics in 1928, 1932, and 1936, winning gold in all three games. On August 29, his birth anniversary is celebrated as National Sports Day in India, and an award is given in his name, the Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna Award, which was previously known as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
