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India celebrates National Sports Day every year on August 29th in memory of Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary hockey player known as the "Magician of Hockey." This day not only pays tribute to his extraordinary achievements but also inspires the nation to value sports and fitness as an integral part of life.
Why We Celebrate National Sports Day
In honor of Major Dhyan Chand's significant contributions to Indian sports, particularly hockey, National Sports Day is observed annually on August 29. The day encourages everyone to take part in sports and stay healthy.
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About Major Dhyan Chand
Dhyan Chand joined the British Indian Army when he was 16 years old. He started playing hockey there and practiced a lot, sometimes even under the moonlight. His friends called him "Chand" because of this dedication.
His Achievements in Hockey
Major Dhyan Chand is famous for his amazing hockey skills. He helped India win three gold medals in the Olympics—in 1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles), and 1936 (Berlin). In the 1928 Olympics, he scored 14 goals!
Honors and Awards
For his achievements, Dhyan Chand was awarded the Padma Bhushan, which is one of India’s highest honors. He wrote his autobiography called "Goal," which was published in 1952.
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Interesting Facts About Dhyan Chand
- People called him the “Magician of Hockey” because he controlled the hockey ball like magic with his stick.
- In the 1936 Olympics, Adolf Hitler was so impressed with him that he asked Dhyan Chand to join the German army, but he refused.
- Officials once thought he used magnets or glue on his stick because he was so skilled, so they broke his stick to check.
- Dhyan Chand scored goals the way runs are achieved in cricket, according to renowned batsman Don Bradman.
Why Major Dhyan Chand is Remembered
Dhyan Chand’s talent and hard work made India proud. National Sports Day serves as a reminder of the value of sports in our life and encourages us to maintain our discipline and level of activity, just like Major Dhyan Chand did.
Today, as we celebrate National Sports Day 2025, we remember the great hockey player whose name will always inspire athletes all over India.
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