Dhyan Chand (1906-1979) Commemoration

Dhyan Chand, born on 28th August 1905 in Prayag, Uttar Pradesh, belonged to a Rajput family. His childhood and much of his life were spent in Jhansi. Joining the Indian Army at just 16, Dhyan Chand’s hockey talent was nurtured by Subedar Major Tiwari of his regiment.

His prowess on the hockey field was evident during the VIII Olympiad in Amsterdam in 1928, where India won the championship with Dhyan Chand scoring two out of three goals. In the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, India, led by Lal Shah Bukhari, secured victory, setting a world record by defeating America 24-1. Dhyan Chand and his brother, Roop Singh, played pivotal roles, with Dhyan Chand scoring nine goals.

In the X Olympiad in Berlin in 1936, Dhyan Chand captained the Indian team to victory over Germany with a score of 4-1. His exceptional skills with the hockey stick led to speculation that a magnet was embedded in it, but even after changing sticks, his mesmerizing play continued to captivate spectators and opponents alike.

After the Second World War disrupted subsequent Olympiads, Dhyan Chand retired from active hockey but remained passionate about the game. He coached and mentored numerous players, including his son, Ashok Kumar, who upheld the family legacy in international tournaments.

Retiring from the Army in 1956 with the rank of Major, Dhyan Chand was honored with the Padma Bhushan by the President of India for his outstanding contributions to Indian hockey. He passed away on 3rd December 1979, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of hockey enthusiasts.

The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department pays tribute to this legendary sportsman by issuing a commemorative stamp in his honor, recognizing his invaluable contributions to Indian hockey.