Major Dhyan Chand

Summary

On August 15, 1936, the hockey finals of the Olympics, which were held in Germany between India and Germany, were to take place. Germany was extremely confident, as they had already beaten India in a practice match. They were so sure of victory that Hitler himself came to watch the finals.

The day before the game, it rained heavily, and the entire field was waterlogged, but August 15 was the last day, and the games could not be postponed any further. The Indian team was under a lot of pressure as they had already lost to Germany, and they were not comfortable playing on wet ground.

Forty thousand spectators, including the Maharaja of Baroda State, the Prince of Bhopal, and other Indians, gathered for the hockey finals to support the Indian Team. The game began at 11 am, with the Germans playing short passing, India's strategy. The Indian team, however, was giving them tough competition, resulting in a goalless first half.

In the 32nd minute, Roop Singh scored by shooting the ball from a very difficult angle. The Indian team had found its momentum; they scored three more goals, two of which were scored by the captain, Major Dhyan Chand. But the Germans were trying their best, and they figured out a way to score one goal as well.

Major Dhyan Chand, not content with the lead, took the ball and showcased his exceptional dribbling skills. He bypassed every German defender, entered the D, and set up easy scoring opportunities. He could have scored himself, but he was a team player.

The Germans knew that this was a lost cause, so some of them resorted to playing a bad game. The German goalkeeper jumped on Dhyan Chand, but he was a true soldier; he went out, gave some first aid, came back onto the pitch, and continued to play.

India had won three gold medals in a row—a hat trick. Despite the fact that Hilter left the game before it ended, he was impressed with Dhyan Chand's abilities and offered him a higher salary. But Dhyan Chand declined his offer, and Hilter gave him a gold medal.

As we all know, hockey is our national sport. On August 29, Major Dhyan Chand's birthday, sports day is celebrated in India. There is a stadium in Delhi named after him. Who knows? Probably one of us has the resources to become the next Major Dhyan Chand.