Former hockey players demand Bharat Ratna for Major Dhyan Chand

Former and current hockey players came toger to demand Bharat Ratna, country's highest civilian award, for legendary Major Dhyan Chand, a week ahe of his 115th birth anniversary.

With National Sports Day approaching, greats such as Gurbux Singh, Harbinder Singh, Ashok Kumar and current player Yuvraj Walmiki took part in a virtual discussion on Saturday to celebrate life and career of iconic player.

National Sports Day is celebrated on August 29, on birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand.

discussion was part of a digital campaign which was launched by former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, actors Babushaan Mohanty and Rachel White last year to demand 'Bharat Ratna' for Major Dhyan Chand.

"For us Dhyan Chand was God. We were lucky to travel with him to East Africa and Europe for a month-long tour. It is difficult to find such a nice man and a great player. He was most complete player ever born," said Gurbux Singh, an Arjuna awardee.

85-year-old also shared his experience of being a part of 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

"We h lost gold in 1960, so we wanted to get it back. After winning gold for India, I h tears in my eyes while seeing tri-colour go up slowly with national anm being played in background. It really me me feel proud of doing something for India," he said.

Talking about Dhyan Chand, Harbinder Singh said, "I have a lot of regards for 'Da'. I h a best timing of 10.8 in 100m, so I h vantage of speed. He told me that I should keep ball in front of me as it will help in pick up but I should have control. I practised on it and took it as 'guru mantra'." Arjuna awardee and Dhayn Chand's son, Ashok Kumar also shared some unknown facts about his far.

"He used to stop me and my elder bror from playing hockey. reason for which we later realised was that he worried about lack of financial incentives in sport," Ashok said.

He also narrated anecdotes from final match of Berlin Olympics 1936 that India won.

"It was raining heavily for which final match got postponed to August 15, 1936. In first half, India h scored only one goal, which was quite easy for opponent to defeat," Ashok said.

"Before second half of match, Major Dhyan Chand and Legendary Player Roop Singh removed ir shoes and played barefoot for 35 minutes to get control of ground both of m scored seven goals.

"By time match ended in Berlin, stium was empty as India defeated Germany with a score of 8-1 in front of Hitler." Talking about influence of Dhyan Chand, Valmiki, who played in German League for eight years, said: "Hockey in India is equal to Major Dhyan Chand. Even after 100 years it will be same, it is greatest pride for me. When I played in Germany, every person used to tell me that I come from land of Major Dhyan Chand." Tokyo Olympics have been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic and Harbinder said it will affect India's momentum.

"H Olympic not been postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic, India would certainly be medal contenders. Now however, momentum has gone. Am doubtful about how India will fare next year," he said.

Image credits: PTI / Hockey India