The man who introduced the power of hockey to the world, hailed as the best hockey player till now, the magician , Major Dhyan Chand. This article is an honour to his legacy, supremacy and how he enabled India to win consecutive Olympics. #ThinkWithNiche
Introduction
The man was hailed as the hockey wizard by the whole world because of his exceptional stick. Major Dhyan Chand was born on 29th August, a Rajput by caste, played his Olympic Trial match defending his home state United Provisions.
Chand’s father was enlisted in the British army, he traveled through many states. He was trying to learn to live in the beautiful diversity of India. After graduating Chand joined the army at the age of 17 and that’s where the journey of The Hockey Wizard began. Chand never mentioned being obsessed with hockey during his childhood, though he has mentioned his love for wrestling.
From Army To Olympics, The Story Of A National Hero
Chand played army hockey between 1922 and 1927. He was ultimately accepted into the Indian Army Hockey team. The hockey team on tour to New Zealand allowed Chand to showcase his talent abroad. Chand received immense praise for his exceptional play in the field of Hockey.
The newly formed Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) was ready to make a team for the Olympics. The trial began. Chand defending United Provision was ready to impress the selectors in the very first match. The Wizard scored a goal in the first 3 minutes of the game and impressed them all. The magic of Dhyan Chand’s stick was casting charms on players and mesmerizing the spectators and although it was a tough fight, UP won the match.
Chand made it to the Olympic teams, he was ready to make his mark in the world. The team was dispatched to England to play in the Folkstone Festival. It is said the sole reason why Great Britain did not send their team to the Amsterdam Olympics after their defeat by India in Folkstone.
17 May 1928, India made their Olympic debut against Austria. The fearless team won by 6-0, Chand scored 3. The team won all the games winning the tournament, Chand was the top scorer, the great player scored 14 goals in 5 games. The news report about India’s win said,
This Is Not A Game Of Hockey But Magic. Dhyan Chand Is In Fact Magician Of Hockey
The legend, the magician, Chand (Moon), are all synonyms to one man Major Dhyan Chand. A man that made the nation proud with a stick in his hand and a ball that never got out of his range. Dhyan Chand received the honor of getting the highest honor.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, to honor the contribution of Major Dhyan Chand to Indian sports by the Government of India (GOI). Dhyan Chand taught the world the magic of sports, he taught the country that sports are not just games it’s a lifestyle, you have to live the game to excel at it. In honor of the great Hockey Wizard, we celebrate National Sport’s day, on his birthday, i.e., 29th August.