Major Dhyan Chand, one of India’s greatest hockey players, was born on August 29 in 1905. It’s Dhyan Chand’s 113th birth anniversary today (Wednesday) and on this special occasion like previously India will observe National Sports Day in remembrance of one of the greatest hockey players in the world. Dhyan Chand during his playing days was a force a reckon with and would singlehandedly breach the defence of opposing teams.

In the past on the birth anniversary of Dhyan Chand or the National Sports Day, the President would give away awards such as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna and Dronacharya awards. However, this year, the date for the awards has been postponed due to the Asian Games 2018, which are currently underway in Indonesia. The awards will now be distributed on September 25. Also, the Ministry Of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. Of India initiated Dhyan Chand Award in 2002, which is given by for lifetime achievement in the field of sports and games. National Sports Day 2018: Khel Ratna & Arjuna Award Ceremony Shifted to Another Date Due to Asian Games at Jakarta.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of Dhyan Chand’s 113th birth anniversary, we list out some of the interesting facts about him. We are sure these facts will leave an impression of how great Dhyan Chand was in the field of hockey.

# At the age of 16, Dhyan Chand joined the Indian Army. He also took up the hockey around the same time. Reportedly the legendary hockey player got the name Dhyan Chand, otherwise, Dhyan Singh, because he used to do practice during the late night hours under the moon. Chand means moon in Hindi and was referred so by his fellow players.

# The legend has it, that Adolf Hitler was impressed by Dhyan Chand’s hockey skills and offered him German citizenship and the rank of Colonel in his army.

# It is also reported that once in Netherlands match officials broke Dhyan Chand's hockey stick to check if there was any magnet inside. It was his amazing skills that made them do so.

# Dhyan Chand was instrumental in helping India win Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936. Though the medals came when India wasn’t an independent nation and Britain were its colonial rulers.

# Dhyan Chand’s son Ashok Dhyan Chand also played hockey and represented India. He scored an important goal in the 1975 Kuala Lumpur Hockey World Cup against Pakistan to win the Gold Medal. Dhyan Chand's brother Roop Singh Bais was also a hockey player and is considered as one of the greatest hockey players of all times as well.

As the country celebrates, Dhyan Chand’s 113th birth anniversary and National Sports Day, Indian Women’s team will be in action at the Asian Games 2018. It would be fitting of the Indian eves emerge victorious against China in the semifinal match and give the country another reason to be proud of its hockey culture.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2018 07:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).