2016-08-29 Mon

August 29 is celebrated as the National Sports Day in dedication to the great hockey player Dhyan Chand.

Born on 29th August, Dhyan Chand grew up to be a military man just like his father. It was in the Army where Dhyan Chand took up hockey, which later became his serious passion. During the period 1928 – 1956, Dhyan Chand won the gold Olympic medal 6 times in a row. Legend has it that Hitler, impressed by Dhyan Chand's mastery of the game, offered him German citizenship and a higher rank than he had in the Indian Army.

The lifetime achievement awards in sports, which is regarded as the highest in the field in India, the Dhyan Chand Award was initiated in 2002, to those who have contributed during their career in sports.

August 29 is celebrated in the remembrance of such a dedicated and talented player. On this day, the President of the country gives away honourable sports awards such as the Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Dhronacharya Award.

India post issued a commemorative stamp in the remembrance of Dhnyan Chand in 1980. Issued a year after the death this Hockey Wizard, this 35 paise stamp features a portrait of Mr. Dhyan Chand.