'Continues to inspire generations': Rajnath Singh remembers Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day

On National Sports Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and several state Chief Ministers paid homage to hockey icon Major Dhyan Chand while praising Indian athletes for their global accomplishments.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honoured Major Dhyan Chand's legacy and commended current Indian sportspersons for representing the nation on the international stage.

"On National Sports Day, I pay homage to Major Dhyan Chand ji, whose unparalleled skill, dedication and love for hockey continue to inspire generations of Indians. I also salute our sportspersons who through their skills, hard work and remarkable achievements are carrying India's tricolour with pride across the world. Under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, a stronger sporting ecosystem is being built to empower athletes, nurture young talent and turn sporting aspirations into national achievements," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also extended greetings to athletes and sports enthusiasts across the country.

"Saluting the unparalleled contributions and glorious legacy of 'The Wizard of Hockey' Major Dhyan Chand Ji on his birth anniversary. Heartfelt wishes to all players and sports enthusiasts on National Sports Day," Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on X.

"Sports instills discipline, confidence, positive thinking, and the ability to strive in our youth. We must encourage sports more at the grassroots level, so that every talent gets the opportunity to advance. Heartfelt gratitude to all players who have brought glory to India in various sports around the world," he added.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the development of grassroots athletic facilities and emerging local talent across the state.

"On National Sports Day, as we pay tributes to the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, we celebrate Assam's growing sports infra and the young talent emerging from every corner of the State. From Khel Maharan to the national and international arena, our athletes are shining everywhere," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X.

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar reflected on Major Dhyan Chand's Olympic legacy and the transformative power of athletic discipline.

"On National Sports Day, I pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand, whose remarkable dedication and mastery of hockey continue to inspire generations. His contribution to Indian hockey and his three Olympic gold medals remain a proud chapter in our sporting history," Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar wrote on X.

"As someone who has always valued sports, I know the discipline, determination and resilience they instil in us stay with us well beyond the field. These moments on the field are close to me because sport has always been about the joy of participation, the spirit of competition and the commitment to give our best," he added.

"Karnataka is home to immense sporting talent, and it is our responsibility to ensure that young athletes have access to quality training, infrastructure and opportunities. We are working to build a stronger sporting ecosystem across the State, so that talent from every part of Karnataka gets the support and platform it deserves," the Karnataka CM wrote.

"To every young sportsperson pursuing a dream, I say this, stay committed, embrace every challenge and keep striving for excellence. Your journey may begin on a field in Karnataka, but with the right determination, there is no limit to how far you can go," he concluded.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the hockey wizard's Olympic triumphs.

"Remembering the legendary hockey maestro and Padma Bhushan Major Dhyan Chand, whose three consecutive Olympic gold medals carved India's name in golden letters on the world stage, on his Birth Anniversary!" Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi urged the nation to foster a vibrant sporting culture among the youth.

"On National Sports Day, we honour the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand ji and celebrate the passion, perseverance and sporting spirit of every Indian athlete. Let us inspire our youth to play, excel and make India proud on the world stage," Education Minister Pralhad Joshi wrote on X.

Celebrated annually on August 29, National Sports Day commemorates Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary, highlighting the value of physical fitness, teamwork, and athletic excellence across communities, educational institutions, and sporting networks nationwide. (ANI)