NATIONAL SPORTS DAY
Why in News?
- National Sports Day is observed on August 29 to honor Dhyan Chand, who is celebrated as India’s first sporting superstar and a legendary figure in hockey.
- His extraordinary achievements and contributions to Indian sports are remembered and commemorated on this day.
1. Early Life and Career:
- Birth: Dhyan Chand was born on August 29, 1905, in Allahabad, India.
- Sport: Renowned for his exceptional skills in hockey, Dhyan Chand is often referred to as the “Wizard of Hockey.”
2. Olympic Achievements:
- 3 Consecutive Gold Medals: Dhyan Chand led India to victory in 3 consecutive Olympic Games:
- 1928 Amsterdam Olympics: India won the gold medal, defeating the Netherlands 3-0 in the final.
- 1932 Los Angeles Olympics: India achieved a stunning 24-1 victory over the United States in the final.
- 1936 Berlin Olympics: India clinched the gold medal with an 8-1 victory over Germany.
- Scoring Record: Dhyan Chand scored 33 goals in 12 Olympic matches, averaging nearly 3 goals per game.
3. Notable Anecdotes and Stories:
- Suspicion of Magic: There are apocryphal tales suggesting that Dhyan Chand’s remarkable ball control led to suspicions of a magnet hidden in his stick. His skill was so exceptional that such stories emerged.
- Offer from Hitler: During the 1936 Berlin Games, German Chancellor Adolf Hitler reportedly offered Dhyan Chand German citizenship and a position in the German Army, which Dhyan Chand declined.
4. Impact on Indian Sports:
- Symbol of National Pride: Dhyan Chand’s achievements occurred during India’s pre-independence era, symbolizing pride and resistance against colonial subjugation. His success on the international stage made a significant impact on national pride.
- Hockey Dominance: Dhyan Chand’s era marked India’s dominance in hockey, with India winning seven of the eight Olympic gold medals in hockey from Amsterdam 1928 to 1956. His contributions made hockey India’s most successful sport in the Olympic arena.
5. Legacy and Recognition:
- National Sports Day: August 29 is celebrated annually as National Sports Day in honor of Dhyan Chand.
- Awards and Honors:
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: In 2021, the Indian government renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor, to the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
- Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: The National Stadium in New Delhi was renamed in his honor in 2002.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: A lifetime achievement award in sports was also named after him.
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