The
problem with India is that we remember our heroes occasionally, like for their
birthday or on some event related to them. I believe heroes must be remembered not
on some occasion, but always, their journey must be taught in school books, but
it does not happen (exceptions are there). Such a hero is – Major Dhyanchand
who is also termed as ‘WIZARD OF HOCKEY’, who played for India (under
British rule) for consecutively three Olympics and clinched the gold every
time. His superb footwork, ball control and exceptional talent gave him the
attention and respect of people worldwide.
He
played hockey for 25 years and scored more than 400 goals, but why am I talking
about this? You can get any information related to Major Dhyanchand from the
internet, as India celebrated its sports day yesterday and "Major Sahab" is the
biggest sports icon in the nation. Any other hockey player could never repeat
what he accomplished for the nation. He started his hockey in poverty and I am
ashamed to say that he ended in poverty. What he actually deserved, he never
got and the Indian political system failed him. Politicians never showed the
respect he deserved when he was alive. Yes, after his death some stadiums, some
awards and some sports authorities got his name, but that is not enough.
Major
Sahab has done a lot for the nation, but the respect and financial security
that designated for him he never got that. He never requested any assistance
from the Govt. instead, he said that my job was to play for the nation-I did
that, now its Govt.’s duty to take my care. He died due to liver cancer
believe me! His last days were too alone and terrible, in poverty, got no
medical treatment and other facilities, no one paid any attention towards him. He
was a patriot; no doubt on that, he served his nation really well. I use to
respect his spirit and his never give-up spirit. I usually imagine that history
and the nation never did justice to him. From Sir Donald Bradman to Adolf Hitler,
everybody were included in his fan following. He never left the nation for money;
he never played for money or fame. He played because he loved the game!
Here
are some of the lesser-known facts about Major Sahab:-
1. There
is a sports academy/club in Vienna that has a statue of Major Dhyanchand having
four arms and four hockey sticks to demonstrate just how magical his skills
were.
· 2. The
authorities in the Japan & Netherlands broke his hockey stick to see if
there was a magnet inside.
· 3. Great
Australian batsman Sir Don Bradman met Dhyanchand in Adelaide in 1935. After
watching him play, Bradman remarked, "He scores goals like runs in
cricket".
· 4. After
an inspiring show at the Berlin Olympics, Hitler offered Dhyanchand German
citizenship and a position in the German Military, which he declined.
· 5. He
joined the Indian Army at the age of 16 and took up hockey while he was, still admitted.
Since Dhyan Singh used to practice so much during the night, he was
given the nickname "Chand" by his fellow players; his perform
sessions at night always coincided with the moon rise. ‘Chand’ means
moon in Hindi.
· 6. Once,
when he was not able to score in a match, he argued with the match
referee about the dimensions of the goal post. To everybody’s astonishment,
he was correct; the goal post found to be in contravention of the
official minimum width offered under the international rules.
I
hope now Government would not do any injustice on any player, what Major Sahab
felt. I hope his hard work and his life inspire a number of young players to
play hockey for the nation. I hope Government of India honor him with the highest civilian award "BHARAT RATNA" soon. May new generation players learn the rules of will
power and dedication from his life! I hope I expressed my views in a better way.
Thanks
for reading!
