Former and present hockey gamers got here collectively to demand Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award, for the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, every week forward of his 115th delivery anniversary. With Nationwide Sports activities Day approaching, greats equivalent to Gurbux Singh, Harbinder Singh, Ashok Kumar and present participant Yuvraj Walmiki took half in a digital dialogue on Saturday to have a good time the life and profession of the long-lasting participant. Nationwide Sports activities Day is widely known on August 29, on the delivery anniversary of Dhyan Chand.
The dialogue was a part of a digital marketing campaign which was launched by former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, actors Babushaan Mohanty and Rachel White final yr to demand ‘Bharat Ratna’ for Main Dhyan Chand.
“For us Dhyan Chand was God. We have been fortunate to journey with him to East Africa and Europe for a month-long tour. It’s tough to seek out such a pleasant man and a terrific participant. He was essentially the most full participant ever born,” stated Gurbux Singh, an Arjuna awardee.
The 85-year-old additionally shared his expertise of being part of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
“We had misplaced gold in 1960, so we needed to get it again. After profitable the gold for India, I had tears in my eyes whereas seeing the tri-colour go up slowly with the nationwide anthem being performed within the background. It actually made me really feel happy with doing one thing for India,” he stated.
Speaking about Dhyan Chand, Harbinder Singh stated, “I’ve numerous regards for ‘Dada’.
I had a greatest timing of 10.Eight in 100m, so I had benefit of pace. He informed me that I ought to preserve the ball in entrance of me as it would assist in choose up however I ought to have management.
I practised on it and took it as ‘guru mantra’.” Arjuna awardee and Dhayn Chand’s son, Ashok Kumar additionally shared some unknown information about his father.
“He used to cease me and my elder brother from taking part in hockey. The rationale for which we later realised was that he apprehensive concerning the lack of economic incentives within the sport,” Ashok stated.
He additionally narrated anecdotes from the ultimate match of Berlin Olympics 1936 that India received. “It was raining closely for which the ultimate match received postponed to August 15, 1936. Within the first half, India had scored just one purpose, which was fairly simple for the opponent to defeat,” Ashok stated.
“Earlier than the second half of the match, Major Dhyan Chand and Legendary Participant Roop Singh eliminated their footwear and performed barefoot for 35 minutes to get the management of the bottom each of them scored seven targets.
“By the point the match resulted in Berlin, the stadium was empty as India defeated Germany with a rating of Eight-1 in entrance of Hitler.”
Speaking concerning the affect of Dhyan Chand, Valmiki, who performed in German League for eight years, stated: “Hockey in India is the same as Main Dhyan Chand. Even after 100 years will probably be the identical, it’s the best pleasure for me. After I performed in Germany, each particular person used to inform me that I come from the land of Main Dhyan Chand.”
Promoted
The Tokyo Olympics have been postponed as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and Harbinder stated it would have an effect on India’s momentum.
“Had the Olympic not been postponed as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, India would definitely be medal contenders. Now nevertheless, the momentum has gone. Am uncertain about how India will fare subsequent yr,” he stated.
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