29^th of August, birthday of Indian hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand is celebrated in our country as National Sports Day.

The President gives away sport-related awards such as the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award on this day at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, India.

India’s highest award for lifetime achievement in sports is the Dhyan Chand Award which has been awarded annually from 2002 to sporting figures who not only contribute through their performance but also contribute to the sport after their retirement In school I was part of a play which relived Major Dhyan Chand’s life from childhood to fame.

Then, I had written a tribute which appears somewhat like poetry. Today let us commemorate this great personality, who is an inspiration to many young sportspersons.

Immortal National Pride

This man lived a simple life His father was Sameshwar Dutt Singh His brothers were Mool and Rup Singh His wife was Jankidevi His coach was Major Bhole Tiwari And he was a Rajputana sport wizard Guess who was he? This top sportsperson Was exceptional at hockey And received the Padma Bhushan From a mere Sepoy to a Lance Nayak From a Lieutenant to Captain of his team He progressed as an army person too Guess who was he? “Our boys just want to eat….. They do not want to work….. Indian hockey has no future”, said he And breathed his last The man of strong principles He is the national pride, hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand He is the sine qua non Of a good hockey player His life and work will Will continue to inspire all He will be remembered He will be remembered by generations He will be remembered by generations to come!!

Archaical words: sine qua non = indispensable and essential

Image:Wikipedia