New Delhi (India) [India]New Delhi, Aug. 29, 2020 (Xinhua) — Indian Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday paid floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand on the occasion of National Sports Day in New Delhi.

Known as 'The Wizard', Dhyan Chand represented the Indian hockey team from 1925 to 1949, scoring over 1,500 goals in 185 games as a centre forward during his international career, including three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956 and his birth anniversary is celebrated on August 29, National Sports Day.

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National Sports Day is celebrated every year as a token of appreciation to our sporting icons for their contribution to achievements on the international stage.

Speaking to reporters at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, Mansukh Mandaviya said, “Today on the occasion of National Sports Day, we are offering flowers in honour of Major Dhyan Chand Sports Day…”

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He also stressed the importance of maintaining physical fitness and health for national development.

“Citizens need to maintain their fitness and health. Healthy citizens build a healthy society and healthy communities build a prosperous country. “To build a new India by 2047 and ensure that every citizen remains healthy, it is necessary that everyone is physically healthy,” Mandaviya added.

The minister urged everyone to spend an hour playing the games they enjoy.

So, all citizens should set aside an hour from their busy schedule to play a game of their interest and stay fit. I will also play football today for an hour,” Mandaviya added.

Meanwhile, Major Dhyan Chand's son, Olympian Ashok Kumar, unveiled a statue of his father in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on Thursday.

Ashok Kumar expressed his feelings after inaugurating his father's statue, saying that Dhyan Chand's quality and skill had an impact on the country and its pride.

“…The son got the opportunity to unveil his father’s statue. His quality and skill have impacted the country and its self-esteem. He has started a new culture of hockey in India… He has set new standards as a player, a soldier, a citizen and a father… It is a proud moment for me. I thank the Department of Physical Education and Sports for this. The children who come here will get a new direction and inspiration…” Ashok Kumar said while talking to ANI.

Meanwhile, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to Dhyan Chand on the occasion of National Sports Day and said, “I pay tribute to the magician of hockey Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary and wish all the citizens of the country a happy 'National Sports Day'. The fact that hockey is a symbol of the truth that any goal can be achieved with tireless dedication and constant practice has not only propelled Indian hockey to greater heights but has also served as an inspiration for positive awareness of sports in the country, the world of sports will always show trends for generations to come.” (ANI)

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