One of the greatest field hockey players of all time, Major Dhyan Chand was born on August 29 in 1905 and hence the day has is celebrated as National Sports Day as a tribute to commemorate the legend. A wizard on the field, Major Dhyan Chand was known for his sublime control and power. He was nothing short of a pure magician with a hockey stick in hand. On his 116th birthday, the nation bows down before him with pride and sheer respect.
The wide amount of respect which the hockey legend garnered, stretched beyond the confines of the Indian territory and people from across the globe looked upon Major Dhyan Chand. One such celebrated global personality who rated Dhyan Chand highly is the talismanic late batsman from Australia, Sir Donald Bradman. The duo had met when the Indian hockey team had toured Australia ahead of the 1932 Berlin Olympics.
The hockey team flexed their dominant muscles in Australia as they trounced the home team 11-2, after trailing 2-3. Major Dhyan Chand netted 6 goals and pure wizardry was on display. Now while the team were in Adelaide at The Adelaide Oval, Sir Don Bradman came to greet the hockey players, upon a request by Dhyan Chand himself.
It was the very first time, Bradman witnessed a hockey game and was stunned and astonished to the core upon looking at the extremely talented Indians. He lavished praises on the Indian team.
“I am particularly glad to welcome the Indian players as they are better exponents of the game of hockey than we are,” the prolific batsman added. “We will have the opportunity of learning something from them. I hope that this visit will be the forerunner of a visit from an Indian cricket team,” said Don Bradman, who finished his Test career with an average of 99.94.
The legendary Australian batsman also met Major Dhyan Chand and was mighty impressed with his fabulous performance in the game where the score-line was 10-1 and where Dhyan Chand scored 2 goals. He famously said the words, “You score goals like runs in cricket,” to Dhyan Chand after being left in awe of his skills.
