New Delhi, 29 August (H.S.):

On the occasion of National Sports Day, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, several Union ministers and other leaders extended their greetings to the people on Saturday. The leaders paid tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary and remembered his immense contribution to Indian sports.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan extended his National Sports Day greetings to the people through the social media platform X. He said Major Dhyan Chand’s enduring legacy continues to inspire a spirit of determination, discipline and excellence across the country. He said India’s rapidly strengthening sports ecosystem reflects the nation’s commitment to nurturing talent at every level. Indian athletes are consistently delivering impressive performances on the global stage and bringing pride to the country.

Radhakrishnan called upon people to promote fitness, encourage greater participation in sports and inspire young people to pursue excellence through hard work and determination.

Remembering Major Dhyan Chand, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the legendary hockey player’s extraordinary talent, discipline, dedication and commitment to playing for the nation gave Indian hockey a distinguished place on the global stage. He said the legacy of the “Wizard of Hockey” continues to inspire millions of young Indians. Major Dhyan Chand demonstrated that talent, when combined with hard work, discipline and determination, can be transformed into extraordinary achievements.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Major Dhyan Chand elevated Indian hockey to new heights at the international level through his exceptional talent. He noted that the hockey skills of the legendary player were admired across the world. Even before India gained independence, Dhyan Chand brought glory to the country through his sporting achievements. Shah described his discipline, hard work and dedication to the nation as an invaluable legacy of Indian sports.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute to the legendary hockey player on his birth anniversary. He offered his respectful homage to Major Dhyan Chand, who was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Major Dhyan Chand’s unparalleled skill, dedication and passion for hockey had continued to inspire generations of Indians. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a strong sports ecosystem was being developed to empower athletes, nurture young talent and transform sporting aspirations into national achievements.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said Major Dhyan Chand’s exceptional sporting talent, discipline and patriotism brought immense pride to India on the international stage. He said the legendary hockey player’s life and contribution would continue to inspire future generations to dedicate themselves to sports and strive for excellence. Nadda described Dhyan Chand’s legacy as a lasting source of inspiration for the country’s athletes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar