Dhyan Chand should get Bharat Ratna: Harbinder

On the occasion of Dhyan Chand's 108th birth anniversary, former great Harbinder Singh Thursday said it was high time that the hockey wizard was conferred the Bharat Ratna.

"Dhyan Chand should be recommended for Bharat Ratna because of all his achievements for Indian hockey," Harbinder told IANS at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on the sidelines of the National Sports Day.

Harbinder, who has an Olympic gold (1964) and a bronze (1972), said it was Dhyan Chand, who shaped his career.

"I am very lucky to have been coached by him. We all called him 'Dada'. In fact his tips changed my career. He once told me 'you stay away from the ball, since you have the speed'. It helped me immensely and I was the top scorer in the 1964 Olympics," said Harbinder.

Harbinder said Dhyan Chand never allowed his achievements to get to his head.

"He was very humble. He did not let achievements get to his head. He is an ideal role model for all hockey players," he said.