Patiala, August 18:- Every year in India, in memory of hockey magician Major Dhyan Chand, his birthday, August 29, is celebrated as National Sports Day. Major Dhyan Chand was born on August 29, 1905 in Allahabad. He had a passion for playing hockey since childhood. That is why he used to play any stick or wood as hockey.
At the age of 16, he joined the British army. There, he did not get many opportunities to play hockey. That is why he used to go to the railway track at night and hit the ball with hockey in the moonlight. Due to this, ‘Chand’ was attached to his name. Later, he was included in the army hockey team and efforts were made by the British to encourage the players.
In 1928, while participating in the Olympic Games for the Indian hockey team, he earned fame by scoring 14 goals. He also performed brilliantly in the 1932 Olympic Games held in Los Angeles.
In 1936, the Indian hockey team was to face the German hockey team in Berlin, Germany. The ruler of Germany, Hitler, also came to watch the match. Hitler encouraged the German team and said that Germany would never face defeat. He motivated the team to win and said that the players would be honored with prizes and promotions if they won.
In this match, the captain of the Indian hockey team, Major Dhyan Chand, demonstrated a brilliant game and led the Indian team to victory. His sportsmanship amazed the audience.
After the victory of the Indian team, Hitler called Dhyan Chand to him. The soldier Dhyan Chand saluted Hitler. Hitler was impressed by his game and said that Germany had to face defeat because of you. Therefore, you should leave the Indian army and join the German army. I will make you a major and make you the captain of the hockey team and you will be given full facilities, honor and maximum wealth. Perhaps the British government of your India will not be able to give you this honor, prosperity and fame.
Major Dhyan Chand cautiously and humbly said that he never thought about what my country would give me. I always think and try to do what I can for the security, prosperity, progress and honor of my country.
Hitler was very impressed by this answer. He stood up and shook hands with Dhyan Chand and said that if I had patriotic warriors like you, I could have conquered the world. He told Dhyan Chand that if India ever needed my help, I would definitely help.
Major Dhyan Chand served in wars as an Indian soldier during World War II. During World War II, he also contributed to the care of prisoners of war under the leadership of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
He trained sportsmen as the Chief Trainer at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose National Institute of Sports, Patiala for some time.
In 1956, he retired and continued to train school students in playing hockey in his city Allahabad. Later, he suffered from cancer and said goodbye to this world on 3 December 1979.
Major Dhyan Chand faced many troubles and hardships during his childhood, youth and youth, but he made hockey the purpose of his life and worked hard to play every day. He used to run the ball with hockey in the moonlight on the railway line at night. His hard work, dedication and dedication to the country are still a source of inspiration for the youth.
In today's time, to protect students in schools from drugs, crimes, comfort, fun, fashion and other wrong trends, it can be very useful to repeatedly tell about the struggling lives and achievements of national and international level players, Dronacharya and players and coaches who have been awarded national awards.
Similarly, students should also be made aware of the lives, struggles and achievements of revolutionaries and warriors who fought for science, technology, social service and the freedom of the country. This will instill in the students a sense of hard work, discipline, patriotism, social responsibility and struggle for success.
Every school, city and village should have playgrounds. Participation in at least one outdoor game and one social reform activity should be made mandatory for every student. This will lead to physical, mental and social development of the students and they will be able to become healthy and responsible citizens.