National Sports Day 2025: Remembering Hockey Wizard Major Dhyan Chand

National Sports Day, observed annually on August 29, marks Major Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary. The day has been nationally recognised since 2012. (File Photo)

India will celebrate National Sports Day 2025 from August 29 to 31. This year's theme is “Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main.” (Image: PTI)

Talking about hockey in India is impossible without the mention of sports legend Dhyan Chand. The late hockey player was born on August 29, 1905. With his extraordinary goal-scoring feats, the sportsperson earned his name and fame in the field of Indian hockey. (File Photo)

Often referred to as The Wizard, Dhyan Chand’s amazing abilities with a hockey stick are well-known and still cherished. His ability to score goals effortlessly was always his best asset. (File Photo)

Dhyan Chand won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936, establishing India as the most dominant force in hockey, rarely losing a match. (File Photo)

Dhyan Chand’s father was a hockey player and served in the British Army. He, too, followed his father’s footsteps and enrolled in the British Army at the age of 16. In addition to that, he started playing hockey and later joined the Indian Army Team. (File Photo)

He debuted for the Indian Army Team in 1926 when they toured New Zealand for a series. India dominated the series winning 18 matches on the tour with 2 draws and 1 loss. From there, he never looked back and ascended to greatness. (File Photo)

Dhyan Chand is undisputedly the greatest hockey player to play for India. He scored over 400 goals during his international career and was the biggest reason behind India’s 12-year reign of dominance in the sport. (File Photo)

The Government of India renamed the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, paying respect to the legendary hockey player. (Image: Facebook)

He has been conferred with several other honours, including India's third highest civilian honour of Padma Bhushan in 1956. (File Photo)