When Dhyan Chand met Hitler in 1936

Lt Col AK Ahlawat

The 1936 Olympics in Berlin were organised to showcase the German Third Reich as a diadem of the world. The Germans defeated the Indian hockey team 4-1 in a practice match. This sent a warning down the spine of a complacent Indian squad, basking in old glory of two previous gold medals in 1928 and 1932. The Indians sent an SOS telegram to New Delhi to send Captain Ali Iqtedar Shah, another fine player of the Indian squad who had been denied leave by his English Commanding Officer to take part in the Olympics.

His teammates called him Dara. Dhyan Chand and Dara both belonged to the Punjab Regiment. Dhyan Chand, the team captain, was enrolled in the clerk trade and held the rank of Naik at that time. Dara was airlifted from Delhi and managed to reach Berlin in the nick of time.

The day was August 15, 1936. As predicted, Germany and India reached the finals and the two teams stood facing each other in the hockey stadium. At 11 am sharp, the whistle blew and the match started. In the grandstand sat Hitler, confident of Germany winning the match on the strength of the practice match results. The Germans had already sent an invitation to the Indian team for a social evening to fete the victors.

In the first half, the Indians were unable to pierce the German defence. In one rally by Dhyan Chand, the German goalkeeper collided with him and the goalkeeper’s hockey stick stuck him in the face. Dhyan Chand collapsed on the field and had to be carried out. The Germans struck in the meanwhile and scored a goal. At half-time, Germany led by a solitary goal.

Dhyan Chand had lost a few teeth but was revived. He decided to change from stud-soled shoes to rubber-soled canvas PT shoes, his normal footwear. The game resumed, and the Germans were aggressive. The Indian captain played a mesmerising game, controlling the ball as if by divine wizardry and fired in three quick goals. Hitler left the match midway. The final score was India 8, Germany 1.

In the evening function, a German officer came to Dhyan Chand and said the Fuhrer wanted to meet him. Hitler stood talking to the German players. Joseph Goebbels stood in the background. Himmler stood adjusting his pince nez.

“Mein Fuhrer, the Indian team Kapitan Herr Dhyan Chand.”

Now what transpired has been related by Dhyan Chand in his own words.

“I did a salaam to the Fuhrer. Hitler scanned me from top to bottom. I am not a tall man. I was wearing the only coat I possessed and my canvas PT shoes with white pants.”

“You are the hockey wizard everyone is blaming for turning the tables in today’s match. Congratulations, your team played magnificently. I am told you had an injury in the match. How are you now?”

The translator translated from German to English. Dhyan Chand smiled and looked calmly at Hitler, “Shukriya Janab. I have left a tooth in Germany in today’s match but otherwise I am fine. We are grateful for your fine hospitality.”

Hitler started smiling when he heard the answer and he spoke again. “What do you do when not playing hockey?”

“Janab, I am in the Indian Army.”

“What is your rank?”

“Janab, I am a Naik or Corporal.”

“A Corporal. Even I have been a Corporal in my young days. You are a man of great ability and prowess. I can’t believe that the British don’t value your worth Herr Dhyan Chand. I offer you to join the German army as an officer. Clearly you know how to gain victories for your side.”

There was total silence as the dictator spoke. The surrounding Nazis looked expectantly at Dhyan Chand’s face. When he answered, he told the translator, “Please tell His Excellency the Fuhrer that I am deeply honoured by his generous offer. However humble my rank, I am an Indian and India is my home. I am happy remaining a poor Corporal among my own people.”

Hitler nodded his head slightly, looked at him again and moved on to meet other people.

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