Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended greetings to sports enthusiasts across the country on National Sports Day and paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, whose birth anniversary is observed as the occasion.
PM Modi praised the dedication, passion and determination of sportspersons and sports lovers, while recalling Dhyan Chand’s enduring contribution to Indian hockey.
“To every sports lover…your dedication, passion and determination make everyone proud. We also pay homage to the legendary Major Dhyan Chand Ji, whose brilliance inspires generations. #NationalSportsDay,” PM Modi posted on X.
The Prime Minister’s tribute came days after he recalled Dhyan Chand’s contribution to India’s sporting ties with New Zealand while virtually addressing young athletes during the Khelo India Dialogue on Thursday.
PM Modi referred to India’s historic hockey tour of New Zealand a century ago, noting that Dhyan Chand was part of the Indian team and describing the tour as an important milestone in the sporting relationship between the two countries.
“National Sports Day is also an occasion to remember Major Dhyan Chand. A hundred years ago, India’s hockey team toured New Zealand, and Dhyan Chand ji was part of that tour. That tour became the foundation for completing 100 years of sports relations between India and New Zealand,” he said.
“A few days ago, when I visited New Zealand, I remembered him there as well. Major Dhyan Chand ji laid the foundation for these ties, and today India continues to work towards strengthening and enriching those relations,” PM Modi added.
During the interaction, the Prime Minister also highlighted the broader impact of sporting achievements, saying the success of an athlete can enhance the reputation of their family, educational institution and region.
“When a sportsperson succeeds, that success is not theirs alone. Their success builds the identity and enhances the prestige of their family. It also raises the reputation of the school or college they studied at, and strengthens the identity of their district and state,” PM Modi said.
“The world begins to recognise a city or state by the name of that sportsperson. And when a region shines on the global map through many such successes, the world’s perception of that region also changes. Every district has the potential to shine on the world’s sports map,” he added.
National Sports Day is observed annually on August 29 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players in the history of the sport.
(IANS Inputs)
