PM Modi Remembers Major Dhyan Chand at Khelo India Dialogue Event
New Delhi, August 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, a legendary figure in Indian hockey, during the ‘Khelo India Dialogue‘ event on Thursday.
He recalled Major Dhyan Chand’s significant role in the historic New Zealand tour of the Indian hockey team a century ago. This tour laid the foundation for a century-long sports relationship between India and New Zealand, which India is striving to strengthen further.
PM Modi stated, “National Sports Day is also an opportunity to remember Major Dhyan Chand. A hundred years ago, the Indian hockey team toured New Zealand, and Dhyan Chand was part of that tour. This journey marked the beginning of a hundred years of sports relations between India and New Zealand. Just a few days ago, when I visited New Zealand, I remembered him there as well. Major Dhyan Chand laid the groundwork for these relations, and today, India is working to enhance and improve them.”
He emphasized that the significance of sports extends beyond merely winning medals. It is framed within the broader context of India’s development and the role of its youth population.
“When I talk about sports, it is not just about winning medals. It is about combining India’s sporting strength with its youth power to build a developed India. I have always said that those who play will advance, and progressing through sports means more than just winning on the field. It enhances one’s personality, family, society, and the country’s reputation,” he added.
The Prime Minister remarked, “When an athlete succeeds, that success is not just theirs. It brings recognition to their family and elevates their name. It also enhances the reputation of the school or college they attended, as well as their district and state. The world begins to recognize a city or state by the name of that athlete. When an area shines on the global sports map through multiple successes, the world’s perception of that area changes. Every district has the potential to shine on the global sports map.”
During his address, PM Modi also discussed the importance of identifying sports talents in every district and providing them with necessary support from grassroots to elite levels. He highlighted the need to develop sports in which India has yet to participate in the Olympics.
