The time has come to honor Major Dhyan Chand—not as a mere hockey player, but as a hero of India. Let us rise above politics, above complacency, and above forgetfulness, and give this extraordinary man the recognition he has always deserved. For in honoring him, we honor the best of what India stands for: excellence, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a nation, writes Dr. Kanishka Pandey
In the vast annals of Indian sports, few names resonate with as much reverence and awe as that of Major Dhyan Chand. Known globally as the “Wizard of Hockey,” he was not merely a player but a phenomenon who redefined the game, elevated India’s stature on the global stage, and became a beacon of hope for a nation shackled under the oppressive weight of colonial rule. His unparalleled artistry with the hockey stick, his unyielding commitment to excellence, and his quiet yet profound patriotism made him a hero not just of his time, but of all times.
Yet, for all his contributions and the legacy he left behind, there remains an undeniable void—a glaring omission in the tapestry of national honors that should have been his by right. Major Dhyan Chand has not been awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. This oversight is not merely a matter of a forgotten accolade but a reflection of how we, as a nation, sometimes fail to truly value those who carried us through our darkest hours.
A Legend Born of Struggle
Major Dhyan Chand rose to greatness during a period of profound adversity, a time when India’s very identity was stifled under British domination. Despite the oppressive conditions, he became a shining example of what Indians could achieve with talent, determination, and sheer grit. Under his leadership, the Indian hockey team won three consecutive Olympic gold medals—in 1928, 1932, and 1936—an extraordinary feat that placed India firmly on the global sports map.
The 1936 Berlin Olympics, in particular, became a defining moment in Dhyan Chand’s illustrious career. It was here, in the shadow of Nazi Germany and before Adolf Hitler himself, that he showcased the kind of brilliance that bordered on the mythical. His movements on the field were so mesmerizing, so otherworldly, that spectators—including Hitler—were left in awe. Legend has it that Hitler offered him a high-ranking position in the German military, a proposal Dhyan Chand declined with quiet dignity, choosing loyalty to his colonized homeland over personal gain.
But Dhyan Chand was more than a hockey player. He was a symbol of resistance, a bearer of national pride in an era when such pride was hard to come by. At a time when India struggled for every ounce of dignity, he provided a reason to stand tall, a reason to believe that we could compete with—and defeat—the best in the world.
A Legacy Beyond Sports
Dhyan Chand’s contributions extend far beyond the boundaries of the hockey field. His victories were not just sporting triumphs; they were acts of defiance, statements of India’s potential in a world where we were often seen as inferior. His performances boosted the morale of an oppressed people, giving them something to rally around, something to aspire to.
In many ways, Dhyan Chand embodied the spirit of India itself—resilient, determined, and capable of greatness even in the face of insurmountable odds. His legacy is not just about medals or records but about the enduring inspiration he provides to generations of Indians.
A National Oversight
Despite his unparalleled achievements, Major Dhyan Chand has not been honored with the Bharat Ratna. In 2013, this prestigious award was instead given to cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, an indisputable icon of modern Indian sports. However, the decision to honor Tendulkar before Dhyan Chand left many questioning the motives behind the move. Critics argue that the choice was politically driven, aimed at influencing the Maharashtra elections—a strategy that ultimately failed.
The question is not whether Tendulkar deserved the Bharat Ratna; his contributions to cricket and to India’s sporting legacy are undeniable. The question is whether Dhyan Chand deserved it more—and whether he should have been the first sportsperson to receive this honor.
Dhyan Chand played in an era devoid of endorsements, sponsorships, or the glamour that modern athletes enjoy. He represented India when we had little to offer but hope and courage. His achievements were not just personal milestones; they were victories for an entire nation yearning for recognition and respect.
Token Gestures Are Not Enough
Over the years, there have been attempts to honor Dhyan Chand’s legacy. In 2021, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was renamed the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award—a commendable step, no doubt. However, this was accompanied by the perplexing decision to replace the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award with the Arjuna Lifetime Achievement Award, a move that seemed to diminish rather than elevate his legacy.
These gestures, while appreciated, fall short of the true recognition Major Dhyan Chand deserves. Renaming awards and introducing tributes are symbolic acts, but they do not carry the weight or significance of the Bharat Ratna.
A Son’s Plea and a Nation’s Demand
For years, Dhyan Chand’s son, Ashok Kumar—a legendary hockey player in his own right—has campaigned tirelessly for his father to receive the Bharat Ratna. But this is not just a son’s plea; it is the voice of millions who understand the profound impact Dhyan Chand had on India’s psyche. His achievements transcend the realm of sports; they are woven into the fabric of our national identity.
The Time to Act Is Now
The current government has an opportunity to right this historical wrong. Awarding the Bharat Ratna to Major Dhyan Chand would not only honor his extraordinary legacy but also send a powerful message about India’s values—that we recognize and celebrate those who stood for us when we needed them most.
Critics may argue that awards are merely ceremonial, that they do not define a hero’s worth. But in India, where we hold our icons close to our hearts, the Bharat Ratna is more than just an award—it is a testament to a life lived in service of the nation, a recognition of sacrifices made for the greater good.
A Hero Who Defined an Era
Major Dhyan Chand is more than a sporting legend; he is an enduring symbol of India’s spirit and resilience. By honoring him with the Bharat Ratna, we would be acknowledging not just his achievements but the indomitable courage and dignity he represented. It would be a long-overdue tribute to a man who carried the hopes and dreams of a nation on his shoulders, who reminded us what it means to dream and achieve as a collective.
The time has come to honor Major Dhyan Chand—not as a mere hockey player, but as a hero of India. Let us rise above politics, above complacency, and above forgetfulness, and give this extraordinary man the recognition he has always deserved. For in honoring him, we honor the best of what India stands for: excellence, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a nation.
(Dr. Kanishka Pandey, Head- Centre for Sports Research, IMT Ghaziabad)
