Rajya Sabha members seek Bharat Ratna for Dhyan Chand

Several members of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday sought Bharat Ratna for hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.

The issue was raised by Chandrapal Singh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party during zero hour. Yadav pointed out that the legendary forward, dubbed the wizard of hockey, has been denied the honour despite being recognised as perhaps the greatest hockey player ever.

Yadav said that even Adolf Hitler was impressed with his skills and wanted him to play for Germany.

Dhyan Chand had won three Olympic gold medals in hockey for India between 1928 and 1936. He scored more than 400 goals during his international career before retiring in 1948.

"Major Dhyan Chand received awards and accolades across the world, including from Adolf Hitler and the British government," Yadav said.

"But in our country, he has still not been appreciated as he should have been for making India a world power in hockey," he added.

Yadav's statement was backed by several Rajya Sabha members, and Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien said: "It has the full support of the House."

Dhyan Chand was conferred Padma Bhushan in 1956. His birthday, which falls on August 29, is celebrated as the National Sports Say.

--IANS

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