Major Dhyan Chand's 5 legendary facts on National Sports Day 2021

Sunday, August 29, happens to be the birthday of later Indian hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. He took part in three Olympic Games and helped the side win the gold medal on each occasion.

Owing to his rich legacy, his birthday in India is celebrated as National Sports Day. On this auspicious occasion, we present the five legendary facts regarding Dhyan Chand.

Gem of India
In September 2012, Dhyan Chand was awarded the Gem of India award during the 20th National Award by the Union Minister of India. Ashok Dhyan Chand (son of Dhyan Chand) had received the honour on his behalf. The award was given out by the Journalist Association of India, under the Journalists Federation of India.

Dhyan Chand Award
To honour his sporting legacy, the Indian lifetime sporting achievement award is named after the legend and is called the Dhyan Chand Award, introduced in 2002. The award is given to legends for their excellent sporting skills and continued contribution to the sport even after their retirement.

First Day Cover
The Indian government honoured Dhyan Chand in numerous ways. The government had once issued a commemorative postage stamp featuring him. He also had a First Day Cover in his name and remains the only Indian hockey personality to possess an authorisation in his legacy.

Sporting venues
Dhyan Chand has a couple of sporting venues to his name. The National Hockey Stadium in Delhi was renamed Dhyan Chand National Stadium in 2002. Also, London's Indian Gymkhana Club's hockey astroturf has been named after him, while the Aligarh Muslim University hostel is also named after him.

National Sports Day
Lastly, the obvious one itself, Dhyan Chand's birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day. On this day, the president of India also conducts the national sports award ceremony, where sporting personalities are honoured with significant awards like Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award and Major Dhyanchand Khel Ratna.

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