India celebrates hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand's 110th birthday

New Delhi: On the 110th birthday anniversary of 'hockey wizard' Major Dhyan Chand, the country remembered the legendary player for his contribution to the sport.

Born on August 29, 1905, Dhyan Chand is regarded as the greatest player of hockey the world has seen till date. His birthday is also marked as the National Sports Day of India and is celebrated throughout the country.

Remembered for his amazing goal-scoring feats, Dhyan Chand is known as 'The Wizard' because of the way he controlled the ball with his hockey stick, leaving the opponents amazed and confused.

The hockey icon earned three Olympic Gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936 and it was because of him that India ruled the game during that period.

This day is usually celebrated by organizing friendly matches between different hockey teams at the Dhyan Chand National stadium in New Delhi which was constructed in honour of the legend.

Dhyan Chand played his final international match in 1948 and scored over 400 goals during his international career.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to the hockey icon and all sports enthusiasts across the country on the occasion of the National Sports Day.

Using the medium of the social media site Twitter to convey his message, PM Modi tweeted, “Best wishes to sports enthusiasts & tributes to Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day. May sports & sportsman spirit shine in India.”