On National Sports Day, take a look at how India remembers Dhyan Chand on his 116th birth anniversary
Major Dhyan Chand is the recipient of India's highest sports honour, the Khel Ratna. He has received several awards, including India's third highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, in 1956.
FollowMajor Dhyan Chand, one of India's finest athletes, was born on this day in 1905. Every year, his birthday (August 29) is observed as National Sports Day to honour his outstanding contributions to Indian sports. Major Dhyan Chand was a hockey stick magician who played an essential part in Indian hockey's golden era in the Olympics. He led India to win three consecutive gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936.
Also Read | Major Dhyan Chand's 5 legendary facts on National Sports Day 2021
Major Dhyan Chand is the recipient of India's highest sports honour, the Khel Ratna. He has received several awards, including India's third highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan, in 1956. In addition, the Government of India observes his birthday as National Sports Day on August 29.
He was dubbed "The Wizard" or "The Magician of Hockey" for his contributions to Indian hockey.
Also Read | Khel Ratna Award renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
According to popular demand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on August 6 that the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the country's highest sporting honour, will be renamed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in honour of the legendary Olympian.
