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All the hockey enthusiasts gather up, here is the right article for you. Major Dhyan Chand, the unparalleled wizard of field hockey led India to three consecutive Olympic gold medals. These years were 1928, 1932, and 1936. It was all possible because of his unmatched ball control and amazing goal-scoring, marking an era of Indian dominance in the sport that extended through seven out of eight Olympics until 1964. So here we will cover everything about Major Dhyan Chand.
Table of Contents
Major Dhyan Chand Biography
Here is an overview of Major Dhyan Chand. It explains his achievements and personal life in four corners.
| Title | Information |
| Name | Major Dhyan Chand |
| Born | 29 August 1905 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Sport | Field Hockey |
| Nickname | The Wizard of Hockey |
| Achievements | Three Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936) |
| Widely regarded as the greatest field hockey player ever | |
| India won seven out of eight Olympic field hockey gold medals from 1928 to 1964 | |
| Died | 3 December 1979 |
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Life of Major Dhyan Chand
Major Dhyan Chand’s game was so strong that he made India stand on international sports platforms.
Early Life and Career– There is a reason why there is a prefix of major in the name of a footballer. He joined the Indian Army at 16.
- Started playing hockey and practised under moonlight.
- Earned nickname “Chand” due to night practice.
- Excelled in army hockey matches (1922-1926).
- Selected for Indian Army team for New Zealand tour (successful).
Olympic Dominance– He was so good at what he did that Hitler, the greatest dictator of all time wanted him to join the German army.
- Led India to three consecutive Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936).
- Scored three goals in the 1936 Olympics final against Germany.
- Rejected Hitler’s offer to join the German army.
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Legacy and Honors of Major Dhyan Chand
Major Dhyan Chand is a legend in not only India but in the world as well. He has a great control over dribbling the ball.
- As we have already mentioned in the above paras, he is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player.
- Did you know that Major Dhyan Chand’s birthday is celebrated throughout the nation? It is on National Sports Day on August 29.
- In honour of this professional, we have a Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi
- People in sports must already know which is the highest sports honour. It is the Dhyan Chand Award for lifetime achievement.
- There is a statue of Dhyan Chand in the National Stadium, Delhi
- He has been given a commemorative postage stamp
- Nominated for Bharat Ratna
- BBC called him the “hockey’s equivalent of Muhammad Ali”
- A chapter dedicated to him has been included in Class 9 NCERT textbooks
- He is an Alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University
- There is also a Hostel named after him at AMU
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What is Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna?
It is India’s highest sports honour, and it is awarded annually by the government of India for exceptional athletic achievements over four years.
FAQs
Dhyan Chand was a Major in the Indian Army, a rank he achieved during his long military service. His exceptional hockey skills earned him the title “Wizard of Hockey.”
The Major Dhyan Chand Award was instituted in 2002. It is India’s highest sporting honour for lifetime achievement.
Major Dhyan Chand was a legendary Indian hockey player, often called the “Wizard of Hockey.” His interest in hockey blossomed during his service in the Indian Army where he honed his skills and eventually led India to three consecutive Olympic gold medals.
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