New Delhi, Aug 29: On the occasion of National Sports Day (Major Dhyan Chand's birthday), Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt tribute to the legendary hockey player on Thursday.

Dhyan Chand celebrated as 'The Wizard' represented the Indian hockey team from 1925 to 1949, scoring over 1500 goals in the 185 matches he played as a centre forward during his international career, which includes three Olympic Gold Medal wins in 1928,1932 and 1936. He was felicitated with the Padma Bhushan in 1956 and his birth anniversary on August 29, is celebrated as National Sports Day.

Every year, National Sports Day is celebrated as a befitting tribute to our sports icons for their contribution to bringing laurels to the country on the international stage

Greetings on National Sports Day. Today we pay homage to Major Dhyan Chand Ji. It is an occasion to compliment all those passionate about sports and those who have played for India. Our Government is committed to supporting sports and ensuring more youth are able to play and… pic.twitter.com/nInOuIOrpp

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2024

In his tweet earlier today, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of recognizing all those who have passionately contributed to sports and proudly represented India on the global stage.

PM Modi reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting sports at all levels to create an ecosystem where every young Indian can aspire to play and shine.

"Greetings on National Sports Day. Today we pay homage to Major Dhyan Chand Ji. It is an occasion to compliment all those passionate about sports and those who have played for India. Our Government is committed to supporting sports and ensuring more youth are able to play and shine," PM Modi wrote on X.

(ANI)

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