Dhyan Chand

                                        

Dhyan Chand

Which genius was as modest as Sachin is? Which star was called ‘dada’ by his mates as Sourav is? None else but Dhyan Chand, our first champion, who firmly placed India on the sports map of the world.

Sobriquets like ‘wizard’, ‘magician’ followed his exploits. His non-conformist techniques staggered the world. On himself, however, he was a martinet. The army subedar’s strong principles and sense of patriotism bordered on lunacy. When Adolf Hitler offered him a Field Marshall’s post to have him over in Germany, he politely declined. Dhyan Chand was an ardent Indian patriot, who could not visualize serving anybody but his motherland.

Today when under the pretext of professionalism, eminent people do unpatriotic acts, Dhyan Chand’s actions appear to be far-fetched. At a time when he was in dire financial straits, Australia offered him a coaching assignment. Again Dhyan Chand refused to go because he felt that if his coaching led to Australia defeating India, he would not be able to hide in shame! This was the kind of selfless spirit and soul that the great man possessed.

He sacrificed financial security for himself and his family for the cause of his motherland. In these days of match-fixing and bribery, Dhyan Chand would appear to be of unsound mind. In truth, he was just the opposite. Actually he exemplified the real difference between a thorough professional and a low mercenary.

For a genius, he was too much of a team man. He had a wide repertoire of hockey skills, but he never played to the gallery. On the contrary he used his varied skills for the benefit of his mates and his country. No unsavoury incident affected him. Every obstacle appeared to inspire him to further laurels. He was indeed an unusual champion. A glorious role-model in any walk of life.

On his first trip with the India team in 1926 to Australia, his artistry made him a celebrity as he scored more than 100 goals and helped others to convert many more. But the India captaincy eluded him both in 1928 and in 1932 Olympics. Because he was a ‘commoner’ by birth.

But by Berlin Olympic in 1936 the crown was deservingly on him. With or without the crown, he was the king of the game. Despite 3 gold medals in 3 Olympics, he and his mates made no financial gains as in those days the amateur ideals were very strictly enforced at the Olympics.

The World War II shortened his career. Nevertheless his undoubted genius was acknowledged far and wide. His statue came up in Vienna.  India accorded him the Padma Bhushan and a postage stamp too was issued to honour him. In 1995 a statue was installed at New Delhi, the first of any Indian sportsman. His birthday, 29^th August, is celebrated as the national sports day.

On the Padma Bhushan presentation day, Prime Minister Nehru asked him, “Dada, you have so many medals. Please give me one so that I can also put it on my chest and look like a sportsman.”  Modestly, Dhyan Chand replied, “Panditji, on you only the rose looks good.” Such was his sense of honour and cheerful approach. He did not believe in gifting away hard-earned awards to people who did not earn them. Can you imagine any sportsman today refusing the PM’s request in such a cheerful manner?

Dhyan Chand was a natural gentleman. A genius. An ambassador in the best sense of the term. He was a hermit who lived the life of a chivalrous knight. High on principles, discipline and self-respect. A person who exuded gentleness on and off the field. A professional, but not a mercenary. A sage of a sportsman.