July 01, 2024

Dhyan Chand Biography, Age, Death, Wife, Children, Family, Facts, Caste, Wiki & More

Updated On : August 29, 2021

Short Biography

Dhyan Chand was born on 29-08-1905 in Allahabad in the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. He was an Indian Hockey Player and is regarded as one of the greatest players ever. He was famous for his tremendous goal-scoring triumph. He won us three Olympic Gold Medals from 1928 to 1936. He was known as “The Wizard” for his exceptional ball control.

Other Name: Major Dhyan Chand, The Magician, The Wizard, Hockey Ka Jaadugar
Other Professions: Hockey Coach Army Officer

Dhyan Chand Complete Bio & Career

Dhyan Chand is a field hockey player from India. He is widely considered as one of the all-time greatest field hockey players in the world. His birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day in India.
 
This forward player was also called ‘The Wizard’ for his outstanding control over the ball. Having scored over 400 goals in his international career, he played his last international match in 1948. At the age of 16, Chand joined the Indian Army. This is where he developed an interest in the game. He used to practice under the moonlight after his duty hours, for which he got the name ‘Chand’ by his fellow mates as in Chand means Moon in Hindi. Initially, he only took part in the army Hockey tournaments. His major breakthrough came when he was selected into the squad that toured New Zealand, where it won 18 matches, lost one and drew two, and gained widespread appreciation from the spectators. On returning to India, he got a promotion to Lance Naik. He was also selected as the center- forward for the Indian National Team that had to take part in the Olympic Games Amsterdam in 1928. Chand showed phenomenal performance throughout the tournament and helped India to win its first Olympic Gold Medal. This success story of this ‘Magician of Hockey’ continued as he again played pivotal roles in India’s Gold Medal campaigns in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games and 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. He retired from the army with a Major rank.
 
He was honored with the Padma Bhushan award by the Government of India. He is the only Hockey Player to have a stamp in his honor. His autobiography ‘Goal!’ was released in 1952. In a decorated career that he had, he scored 570 goals in 185 matches that he played for British India and was a part of the team that won the Olympic medal thrice.

Dhyan Chand Popular Videos

Honours & Awards

AWARD NAME AWARD CATEGORY RECEIPT YEAR RECEIPT FIELD
Padma Bhushan Civilian Award 1956 Sports

Health Issues, Illness and Death Info

Dhyan Chand died on 03-12-1979 at the AIIMS, in Delhi. Last days before his death, he spent in his hometown of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh.

DEATHDAY 3 December,1979 (Monday)
DEATH PLACE Delhi
DEATH COUNTRY India

Dhyan Chand Family, Relatives and Other Relations

He was born to Sameshwar Dutt Singh and Sharadha Singh. He had two brothers named Roop Singh and Mool Singh. He was married to Janaki Devi. He had a son named Ashok Kumar.

Life's Important Dates Of Dhyan Chand

Body Measurements

Skin Colour Fair
Eye Colour Brown
Hair Colour Salt & Pepper

Personal Info

Home Town Allahabad, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India
Nationality Indian
Religion Hindu
Address Allahabad, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India
School N/A
College Victoria College, Gwalior
Qualification Graduate
Hobbies Traveling, Reading, Playing Games
Marital Status Married
Debut International Hockey Debut - 1926
Salary N/A
Net Worth N/A
Official Website N/A

Favourites

Favorite Color Black
Favorite Sport Hockey
Favorite Place Hilly Areas

Shocking / Interesting Facts & Secrets About Dhyan Chand

  • It is believed that after India defeated Germany in the 1936 Olympics final 8-1, Adolf Hitler offered him a senior post in the German Army, to which Chand refused.
  • Chand played internationally from 1926 to 1949; he scored 570 goals in 185 matches according to his autobiography, Goal.
  • Young Chand had no serious inclination towards sports, though he loved wrestling.
  • In India, he is often referred to as Hockey Ka Jaadugar.
  • He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1956.
  • On 03-12-1980, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp in his honor.
  • His birthday is celebrated every year as National Sports Day on 29th August in India.
  • In 2014, his name was nominated for the Bharat Ratna award, but the award went to Sachin Tendulkar.

Dhyan Chand Age, Birthday Facts and Birthday Countdown

Dhyan Chand was 74 years 3 months & 5 days old age.