On the occasion of Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday (August 29) paid tribute to the legendary hockey player. (SPORTS NEWS)
Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary is observed as National Sports Day in the country.
"Today everybody knows that National Sports Day is on the day of Dhyan Chand's birthday. He was our pride for a long time," said Rijiju.
"He was the first Indian to go global and made India proud. He was known as the hockey wizard. I'm extremely delighted and feel proud today that all the former Olympian hockey players together paid tribute to Chand."
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Rijiju said that 'Fit India Movement' launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will develop India as a sporting powerhouse.
"I urged every Indian to join the 'Fit India Movement' which is going to be launched by PM Narendra Modi. We will develop a sports culture and fitness movement in India. We are a great sporting country but need to have a sporting powerhouse. We have to make sports as a way of life. To begin this movement on the birthday of Chand is the best tribute we can pay to him," he added.
Chand was born in 1905 and was known for his magical hockey skills. He was part of the Indian hockey team that won three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936.
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(ANI)
