Unveiling Major Dhyan Chand’s Bharat Ratna Dream: A Journey to Honor a Hockey Legend

The Legend of Major Dhyan Chand and the Quest for the Bharat Ratna

Major Dhyan Chand is an iconic figure in Indian sports. His legacy lives on, especially as we celebrate National Sports Day on August 29, his birthday. This day not only honors Dhyan Chand’s achievements but also highlights the significance of sports in our lives. The country’s highest sports award now carries his name. However, the Bharat Ratna, India’s most prestigious civilian honor, remains out of reach for this hockey legend.

In 2021, the Indian government rebranded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Despite this acknowledgment, many wonder why Dhyan Chand hasn’t received the Bharat Ratna. Hockey India’s president, Dilip Tirkey, a three-time Olympian, passionately advocated for this honor in 2016, even raising the issue in Parliament. “Dhyan Chand was unmatched in his time,” he stated. “His contributions to Indian hockey are immense.”

Dhyan Chand led India to gold medals at the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics, helping establish India as a powerhouse in sports. His incredible record of 570 goals in just 185 matches solidifies his legacy.

His son, Ashok Dhyan Chand, remembered his father’s humility: “He never sought attention. Even during tough times, he didn’t ask for awards.” This speaks volumes about Dhyan Chand’s character. He turned down opportunities for personal gain, insisting that recognition should come from the government.

Though he received the Padma Bhushan in 1956, the Bharat Ratna still eludes him. Notably, in 2013, cricket star Sachin Tendulkar became the first sportsperson to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, igniting discussions about sports honors in India.

In 2016, a campaign to honor Dhyan Chand gained traction. Olympians and famous personalities joined the cause. Sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik created an impressive sand sculpture to show support. Tirkey took the petition to the Rajya Sabha, with backing from over 100 MPs, but progress has been limited.

Historically, the Bharat Ratna recognized achievements in art, literature, and science until a rule change in 2011 allowed for broader eligibility, including sports. Although many notable figures have received the award since, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pranab Mukherjee, Dhyan Chand’s name has not been added to the list.

A survey conducted by the Indian Sports Ministry in 2023 found that 82% of Indians believe Dhyan Chand deserves the Bharat Ratna. This strong public sentiment highlights how deeply people value his contributions to the country’s sporting history.

As awareness about Dhyan Chand’s achievements grows, the hope for his recognition endures. While the Bharat Ratna may still be out of reach, Major Dhyan Chand will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in Indian sports.

Source link

Major Dhyan Chand, Bharat Ratna, hockey, Indian sports awards, Olympic gold medals