National Sports Day is celebrated every year on August 29 to commemorate hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand's birthday. One of India's greatest sportspersons was born on August 29 in 1905. Major Dhyan Chand led India to three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936. He played a crucial role in India's 8-1 triumph over Germany in the 1936 Berlin Olympic final, emerging as the top-scorer with three goals. He was also the leading goal-scorer at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, scoring 14 goals. On Sunday, tributes poured in for Major Dhyan Chand on social media.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur extended his "heartiest wishes to all our sportspersons".
"I extend my heartiest wishes to all our sportspersons, coaches & those who have dedicated their life to sport, on the occasion of National Sports Day. On the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Major Dhyanchand, let us pledge and aim to make India a sporting powerhouse!" tweeted Anurag Thakur.
Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who was part of the bronze-winning men's hockey team at the Tokyo Olympics, too remembered Major Dhyan Chand.
Former Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju paid his "humble tribute" to 'The Wizard of Indian Hockey', sharing a video on his Twitter handle.
Here are some of the other tributes:
Major Dhyan Chand has been conferred with several honours, which includes India's third highest civilian honour of Padma Bhushan in 1956. He scored more than 400 goals in a career spanning over 22 years.
The legendary hockey player served as the chief coach at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala for a short period, following his retirement.