The Wizard- Major Dhyan Chand
The Wizard- Major Dhyan Chand
A.When the Indian team toured the United
States of America, Europe and Ceylon
(now Sri Lanka) winning 34 out of 37
matches, Chand scored 133 of the 338
Indian goals. Thus he earned the title
‘Hockey kaJaadugar’ or wizard.
b. Besides hockey, what were Dhyan Chand’s
other interests?
A.Besides hockey, Dhyan Chand loved to fish
and hunt. He also took joy in
cooking and serving his close friends. He
played billiards, cricket and carrom.
He loved photography.
c. How and when did Dyan Chand practise his
game?
A.Dhyan joined the Indian Army at the age
of sixteen. He used to practise
playing hockey during the night, after his
duty hours. He waited for the moonto come out as the visibility in the field
improved. Also, it is said he used to practice on the railway tracks. He used to
keep the ball on one of the tracks and keep playing it up to 1 to 2 km without
letting it fall.
d.How is Dhyan Chand commemorated in India?
A. August 29, Dhyan Chand’s birthday, is
celebrated as National Sports Day in
India. India’s highest award for lifetime
achievement in sports is the Dhyan
Chand Award which started in 2002. The
National Stadium, Delhi was renamed
Dhyan Chand National Stadium in 2002 in his
honour. He was also conferred
with the ‘Gem of India’ award in 2012
posthumously.
e.Why did Dhyan Chand not accept Hitler’s
offer?
A.Dhyan Chand did not accept Hitler’s offer
because he did not play for money
but for his country.