Former and current hockey players came together to demand Bharat Ratna for Major Dhyan Chand. This demand for the country’s highest civilian award came a week ahead of his 115th birth anniversary.
The National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29, on the birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand.
“For us Dhyan Chand was God. We were lucky to travel with him to East Africa and Europe for a month-long tour. It is difficult to find such a nice man and a great player. He was the most complete player ever born,” said Gurbux Singh, an Arjuna awardee.
“We had lost gold in 1960, so we wanted to get it back. After winning the gold for India, I had tears in my eyes while seeing the tri-colour go up slowly with the national anthem being played in the background. It really made me feel proud of doing something for India,” said the 85-year-old, sharing his experience of being a part of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Ashok Kumar, Arjuna awardee and Dhyan Chand’s son said, “He used to stop me and my elder brother from playing hockey. The reason for which we later realised was that he worried about the lack of financial incentives in the sport.”
Valmiki, who played in German League for eight years, said: “Hockey in India is equal to Major Dhyan Chand. Even after 100 years it will be the same, it is the greatest pride for me. When I played in Germany, every person used to tell me that I come from the land of Major Dhyan Chand.”
Talking about the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, Harbinder Singh said that it will affect India’s momentum. “Had the Olympic not been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic, India would certainly be medal contenders. Now however, the momentum has gone. Am doubtful about how India will fare next year,” he said.