Indian Hockey Legend Late Dhyan Chand Awarded 'Bharat Gaurav'

India's most popular Hockey player, Late Major Dhyan Chand was today awarded the 'Bharat Gaurav', a Lifetime achievement award by an NRI organisation. But the venue of the ceremony made it even more special for his family which was there in London to receive the award. Olympian Ashok Kumar, son of Major Dhyan Chand walked with pride through the magnificent corridors of the British Parliament to receive the award inside the House of Commons. 'I never imagined that someday I would be here and would be the guest of honour. This is a matter of great pride for my family. Major Dhyan Chand ji would be happy.'

Several accomplished Indians attended the event and the chorus was clear - Major Dhyan Chand's contribution to Indian sports is unthinkable, incomparable. The Hockey Magician as he is referred to made the country proud on several occasions. He won three Olympic golds. He had scored over 400 goals in his international career of 26 years.

Major Dhyan Chand was one of the nominees in 2014 for the prestigious Bharat Ratna, an award which cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and scientist CN Rao eventually received. 'I do feel very sad that the Indian Government is yet to recognize Dada Dhyan Chand ji. In 2011, when Ajay Maken was Sports Minister, it was announced that he would receive the Bharat Ratna. Media persons came to my house all day for interviews, But at the end of the day his name was announced. According to some players in his time, during 1936, when India won the gold medal in Berlin Olympics, Hitler offered Dhyan Chand to join the German team but he had denied the offer. My father used to score goals like how runs are scored in Cricket.' added an emotional Ashok Dhyan Chand.

India has declared 29th of August each year, the Birthday of Late Major Dhyan Chand as National Sports Day. Prestigious awards like the Bharat Ratna, Khel Ratna are given away n this very day. Ironically, Major Chand is yet to receive it. But support for him across the globe doesnt seem to die down. 'There should be no politics specially when it comes to sports. Major Dhyan Chand ji should receive the award. When in London he is so popular that a tube station can be named after him, why is India delaying in recognising the contribution Major Chand has made?' said Sunil Kumar an NRI businessman. While Dr Parag Singhal, an Award winning Medical Consultant in London said ''We and the future generations are never going to see Major Dhyan Chand's games live. We can only admire his style now. He should be given the Bharat Ratna before it is too late.' Representing Major Dhyan Chand's family at the award ceremony was his Grand daughter, Divina Singh, a retail industry expert. 'Although I have never met him, I have learnt so much from him. He was so good at what he did. We should all try to do one thing very well.' she added.