Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to hockey legend Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand by speaking about him during a session on Mann Ki Baat on Sunday.

"August 29 was the day Major Dhyanchand, the wizard of hockey, was born. This day is celebrated as the Sports Day by the entire country. On this day, I want to pay tribute to him and remind the country of his contribution in the field of hockey. He played a key role in bringing Gold medal for India in 1928, 1932, & 1936 Olympic Games. Cricket player Bradman had said, 'he scores goals like runs,' PM Modi said. 

My tributes to the great Dhyan Chand. Spoke about his brilliance during #MannKiBaat yesterday. https://t.co/kW8xZamQL5

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2016

Modi added, "He has been a symbol of sportsman spirit, patriotism and a source of inspiration. Once during a match in Kolkata, an opponent player had hit Dhyan Chand with a hockey stick on his head. In the ten minutes left for the match to end, Dhyan Chand scored thrice as revenge."

On the eve of national sports day, the Prime minister also met Rio Olympic champions silver medallist PV Sindhu, bronze medallist Sakshi Malik and gymnast Dipa Karmakar at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday. On Monday, he congratulated all sports lovers across India on the occasion of National Sports Day and expressed hope that sports and sportsmanship will always shine in the society. 

On National Sports Day I congratulate all sports lovers across India & hope sports & sportsmanship will always shine in our society.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2016

Prime Minister Modi also met ace shooter Jitu Rai, Khel Ratna awardees, Dhyan Chand awardees, Dronacharya awardees, and Tenzing Norgay awardees. Later after the meeting, the Prime Minister tweeted that every Indian is proud of them, adding that a major role in the success of every athlete is the perseverance of their coaches.