Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to Indian hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand on his 115th birthday, stating that “his magic with the hockey stick can never be forgotten.”
On August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day to mark the anniversary of the birth of hockey magician Dhyan Chand.
Paying tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, Prime Minister Modi tweeted: “Today, on National Sports Day, we pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, whose hockey stick magic can never be forgotten. This is also a day to praise the exceptional support provided by families, coaches and support staff for the success of our talented athletes. “
He said that 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. Their tenacity and determination are outstanding.”
The Prime Minister stated that the government is making every effort to popularize the sport and support sports talent in the country.
“The Government of India is making numerous efforts to popularize sports and support sports talent in India. At the same time, I urge everyone to make sports and physical exercise a part of their daily routine. There are many benefits to make it happy and healthy, “he said in a later tweet.
The legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand was born in 1905 and was known for his magical hockey skills. He was part of the Indian hockey team that won gold at the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics.
National sports awards, which include the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award and Dhyan Chand Award, are presented to athletes each year by the President of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 29, the National Sports Day.
However, this year, the names would be announced virtually by President Ram Nath Kovind.
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