Dhyan Chand

Major "Dhyan Chand" Singh (1905-08-29–1979-12-03) was a former Indian hockey player and Olympian. Regarded as the best hockey player ever, and mesmerised Adolf Hitler for his exploits in the sport. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour. he got the title "Chand" or (moon) from his first coach, Pankaj Gupta, who predicted he would one day shine like a chand or moon. Dhyan Chand was affectionately called Dadda.

Death

Chand however died penniless and uncared for in a hospital, receiving a meagre pension. Dhyan Chand was very sad to see India finish seventh at the Montreal Olympics, 1976. The Indian team included his son, Ashok Kumar. When he was on his deathbed at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, he reportedly told a doctor that Indian hockey was dying. He then went into a coma and died in 1979.

Related Topics:
Montreal - Olympics - 1976 - All India Institute of Medical Sciences - 1979

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Exactly a year after his death, the Indian Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in his honour.

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