Before Cricket Had Gods, India Had Dhyan Chand: Why India Celebrates National Sports Day Today
A time when the country’s greatest sporting hero carried a hockey stick, not a bat.
That hero was Major Dhyan Chand.
Every year on August 29, India observes National Sports Day to mark the birth anniversary of the hockey legend, often called the “Wizard of Hockey” for his extraordinary control over the ball and his ability to score seemingly at will. The day honours his contribution to Indian sport while also encouraging fitness, physical activity and sporting excellence across the country.
Who Was Major Dhyan Chand and Why Is He So Important to Indian Sports?
Dhyan Chand was born on August 29, 1905, and went on to become one of the greatest hockey players the world has ever seen.
His journey sounds almost mythical today.
According to historical accounts, he practised hockey at night after completing his Army duties, often under the moonlight. The story became so closely associated with him that “Chand”—which means moon in Hindi—eventually became part of his name.