Hockey legend remembered on birth anniv

National Sports Day was celebrated on Friday to celebrate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, legendary hockey player known as the ‘Wizard of Hockey’. He was instrumental in India’s dominance in hockey, winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936.

This year, the day is celebrated with the theme ‘Ek Ghanta, Khel ke Maidan Main’ (One hour, in the sports field) to honour Dhyan Chand’s legacy and contributions to the Indian sports and to encourage participation of youths in sports and promote a healthy lifestyle. Sports events were organised at numerous places to mark the 120th birth anniversary of the legend.

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre celebrated the day in collaboration with the Punjab Sports Department. Kuldeep Chugh, District Sports Officer, was the chief guest and Sukhdev Singh Pannu, Daronacharya awardee (athletics), was the guest of honour. Officials of the SAI and those from the Sports Department were also present.

To mark the day, sack race and tug-of-war events, besides a volleyball match, were held at the ground, opposite Guru Nanak Stadium. Participants were given certificates and medals.

At Jarkhar village, about 15 km from here on the Ludhiana-Malerkotla road, the day was observed by the Jarkhar Hockey Academy. MLA Jiwan Singh Sangowal, along with young budding hockey players and office-bearers of Mata Sahib Kaur Sports and Charitable Trust, garlanded the life-size statue of Major Dhyan Chand, installed at the main stadium.

Sangowal advised the players to work hard, lead a disciplined life to emulate the great hockey player and bring laurels to their parents and the country. Jagroop Singh Jarkhar, chief organiser of the academy, emphasised on achievements of Dhyan Chand and appealed youngsters to follow the footsteps of the hockey legend.

Events were held at other places also to remember the great hockey player who made the country proud in the sports arena. A function was organised at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Mundian Kalan, during which upcoming hockey players of the Girls Hockey Academy cut the cake to celebrate his birth anniversary.

Competitions in various sports disciplines were organised by the SDP College for Women, circular road, to mark the day. Principal Neetu Handa thanked students and faculty members for organising the event.