New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced his government’s decision to change the name of the Khel Ratna – Highest Honor of the nation – after a large Dhyan Chand.
This award was previously officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in sports and games.
Here are the main things that need to be known about Dhyan Chand: – * Born on August 29, 1905 in Allahabad, Dhyan Chand is considered one of the greatest players of all time.
* He is the star of the Indian Hockey team who won three consecutive Olympic gold medals from 1928 to 1936.
* He lovingly called “The Wizard” for his mastery with his stick and control while dribbling.
* Dhyan Chand became a serious hockey player when he was part of the British Indian Army.
He joined the first Brahmin regiment in Delhi in 1922 as Sepoy.
* His brother, roop Singh, is a hockey player too.
* Dhyan Chand is the captain of the Indian Hockey team in the 1936 Olympic Berlin.
In the final, facing the host of Germany, Dhyan Chand himself scored mice when India struggled 8-1 gold to win gold.
* Among the attendees were Adolf Hitler, which was said to have been frustrated by the defeat of his team in the hands of Dhyan Chand.
It was said that the German dictator called Dhyan Chand the following day and offered him the position in the German Army based on exploitation in the final.
Dhyan Chand refused the offer from Hitler.
* Dhyan Chand also served in China after working for the army.
In his autobiography – ‘purpose’: Dhyan Chand legend, he said, “My regiment was placed in China in 1942, and fortunately for me, I was sent back to Ferozepur just six months before all my regiment was captured by Japan.” * Chand plays a match His last international in 1948, scored more than 400 goals during his international career.
* His son, Ashok Kumar Singh, also went to become an important member of the Indian Olympic field Hockey team in the 1970s.
He scored the winning goal at the 1975 World Cup Championship.
* Dhyan Chand’s birthday on August 29 was celebrated as a national sports day in India every year.
* He was awarded the third highest Indian Civil Honor from Padma Bhushan in 1956.