Wishes came on Saturday for the eldest Dhyan Chand, India’s greatest hockey player, on his 115th birthday. Dhyan Chand, who was born today in 1905, is considered one of the best players to ever play the sport.
Dhyan Chand, who had joined the military at 16, was instrumental in India’s gold medal hat-trick at the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics. Known for his unmatched goal scoring skills, Dhyan Chand is known as “the magician or hockey wizard” primarily for his skills with the hockey stick.
On Dhyan Chand’s birthday, which is also observed as India’s ‘National Sports Day’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to pay tribute to the great hockey player.
“Today at #NationalSportsDay, we pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, whose magic with the hockey stick can never be forgotten. This is also a day to commend the outstanding support provided by families, coaches and support staff towards the success of our talented athletes, ”PM Modi tweeted.
Today in #NationalSportsDay, we pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, whose hockey stick magic can never be forgotten.
This is also a day to commend the excellent support provided by families, coaches, and support staff toward the success of our talented athletes.
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2020
“National Sports Day is a day to celebrate the remarkable achievements of all those exemplary athletes who have represented India in various sports and made our nation proud. Her tenacity and determination are outstanding, ”she added.
“Today is #NationalSportsDay and I pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand from ‘The Indian Hockey Wizard’ on his birthday. The great athlete showed unmatched dedication and skills in hockey to bring praise and honor to India, ”Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted.
Rijiju also received a floral tribute to Dhyan Chand at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium on Saturday.
In #NationalSportsDay paid a floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand on the anniversary of his birth today at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. #MajorDhyanChand # NationalSportsDay2020 pic.twitter.com/e38ysutdjZ
– Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 29, 2020
“On #NationalSportsDay, I salute all of our athletes who have made India proud through their passion and hard work. The Modi government is committed and plays a critical role in promoting sports and nurturing young talent through initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, ”Interior Minister Amit Shah tweeted.
In #NationalSportsDayI salute all of our athletes who have made India proud through their passion and hard work. The Modi government is committed to and plays a critical role in promoting sports and nurturing young talent through initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India. pic.twitter.com/AwRHmoTMFI
– Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 29, 2020
Tributes to Bharat Ratna, Major Dhyanchand on his birthday. It is time for the legend that is a Bharat Ratna to receive the Bharat Ratna, ”tweeted former India starter Virender Sehwag.
Tributes to Bharat Ratna, Major Dhyanchand on his birthday. It is high time that the legend that is a Bharat Ratna received the Bharat Ratna.#NationalSportsDay pic.twitter.com/NdmqMldOiO
– Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 29, 2020
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