Indian hockey Olympians demand Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand
As the scream for the Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar, to be honoured with the highest award of the India, the Bharat Ratna, is increasing with every passing day, the former hockey Olympians have also made a demand of the same award for Major Dhyan Chand
Singh. The name of Dhyan Chand in the history of hockey is considered among the greatest players of the decade.
In the views of former Olympians, Dhyan Chand had more achievements and he ought to have more respect than the legend cricketer.
Colonel Balbir Singh, a legendary name of hockey, emphasised the accomplishments of Dhyan Chand saying that he (Dhyan Chand) was all time great sportsmen and should be awarded Bharat Ratna many years ago.
He while speaking to the media stated, “In my opinion Dhyan Chand should have received this award many years back. He is the most deserving sportsperson to get it and there is no second opinion about it.”
Zafar Iqbal, another seasoned hockey player and Olympian, seconded the viewpoint of Col. Balbir Singh saying that Dhyan Chand had more contribution in hockey than anyone else. He further stated that the global reach of hockey is gigantic as compared to cricket
and other games.
Zafar Iqbal was part of the Indian squad that clinched a goal medal in Moscow Olympic Games for the eighth time.
Iqbal while drawing a comparison said that the Master Blaster clinched ICC World Cup 2011, while the hockey star earned many titles and honours for the country. Dhyan Chand led the squad for three consecutive Olympics gold medals respectively, in 1928 (Holland),
1932 (United States of America) and 1936 (Germany).
Aslam Sher Khan, who was part of the national squad that won the Hockey World Cup in 1975 held in Kula Lumpur, Malaysia, said that the achievements of Dhyan Chand are countless. However, he clarified that the unavailability of the official record regarding
the achievements of Dhyan Chand could not subvert his contribution in the sport. There is no proper mechanism in hockey and no one has exact figures of his goals.
Khan maintained that the cricket is more glamorous and alluring game as compared to hockey due to financial benefits. He emphasised, “Cricket has become big because of glamour and money attached with it. But if the consideration is for Bharat Ratna then
you cannot ignore a player who brought laurels to the country while going through a financial turmoil.”
In a bid to admire the services and achievements of the batting icon, Khan said that Tendulkar is great player the country has ever produced. However, if government is planning to give Bharat Ratna to sports personalities, then Major Dhyan Chand should be
first one to be chosen for this honour, he added.
It is vital to mention here that Dhyan Chand was only hockey player to be named for Padma Bhushan.
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