Aniruddh Singh Rathore 12110

THE WIZARD AND THE IMPACT

For all generation of fans in my country, and specially those who grew up in the 1930s, when India was under British rule, Major Dhyanchand represented excellence that belonged to somewhere outside Colonial Rule. To a country taking its first steps at international arena, that meant something. His success at that time was thought of as personal success. He was striking one for all Indians who were ruled by the common enemy. Or as the world has so poetically called him, the Wizard of Hockey. There are two stories I will bring to notice. In 1932, LA Olympics, the day Major Dhyanchand scored 6 goals against Englishmen, was also the day Gandhiji was house arrested by the police. Gandhiji was, at the time, the most prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. In the 30s, as Gandhiji went in and out of jail, Major went after the English goal post for umpteenth times and, for Indians, became a kind of avenging angel. There's another story I've read. From Berlin Olympics, 1936, a news reached India that record for highest Goal scorer in Olympics of 4, by Reggie Pridmore of England, had been equalled by Major Dhyanchand, there was sense of achievement and pride across the nation. They say some Indian fans at the time were so happy that the Tricolour was hoisted in many cities. We will never know if this is true, if Tricolours were ever hoisted, but as our grandparents sometimes tell us, why let facts get in the way of a good story. Continuing ahead the Indian team had reached the finals as expected by everyone. They were to meet the so thought mighty Germans. Every nation looked up to India to give the Germans, in their face, in their field, in front of their people - The Defeat. Now this was a defining moment, a colonised country which had been crushed to 3rd grades was looked upon as the leader and was lead by a man of small built in the days when powerful men were thought to be the best. Next day, the stage was set, eyes were glued, pens were ready and the match began, but to everyone's surprise, Indians were not able to play properly. The players seemed baffled and managed to score only one goal in the first half. During the half time, players reported that they were in habit of playing bare foot and were finding it difficult to play in shoes amid all the tension. Major Dhyanchand promptly removed his shoes and said "Let's do it". He lead the act of breaking orthodox rules. He told the team that you must win and inspire those 2 millions back home. In the team meet he raised the Tricolour and sang Vande Mataram. Players who were nervous, now had realised that it was not a burden but an honour to

represent nation.

Major had successfully transferred his calmness and attitude into his

team. The impact of this act was to be seen later in the match. The 2nd half was played at a fast pace and was packed with thrilling incidents. The Germans undercut and dangerously lifted the ball, but the Indians countered with brilliant half-volleying and amazing team work. The German aggression was countered by Indian calmness. Every German attack was deflated by defiance. Indians came out victorious. The game impressed Hitler immensely who offered Dhyanchand a higher rank if he agreed to play under German Flag. Dhyanchand refused the offer. The journalist across the world reported that Indians had demonstrated what world had merely heard of. For many people who did not understand what Gandhi and Ahimsa were, India's game was display of the same. The ambassadors had delivered the message that we "walk the talk". This for many remains a life changing moment in Major's life. This for me remains one of those moments which inspires me. These lines from his autobiography speak a lot about him "Often situations arise during a game when you are provoked. But you should exercise tolerance and show sportsmanship by putting restraint on your temper, and then the game will go on serenely as if nothing has happened. But if you take one false step, the field becomes an ugly scene. You lose your value both as a player and as a man." His game was a game of great skill. It called for keen eyes, intelligence and speed of mind and body. It also called for great sportsmanship, coolness and tolerance. Many of these can be applied to the business world. He scored over 1000 goals in his career. Such was Chand's virtuosity that people broke his stick in Netherland to check if there was a magnet inside and in Japan, they decided it was glue. Residents of Austria, honoured him by setting up his statue with four hands and sticks, depicting his control and mastery over the ball. Truly, his wizardry with the hockey stick has known no competitors till day. To me this is excellence. Excellence beyond borders. He served his nation selflessly and unconditionally without expectations. He was not handed any awards when he was alive. But eventually his work was recognised. The Indian Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp in his honour. National Stadium in New Delhi is named in his honour. His birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day (29th August) in

India. He was awarded with Padma Bushan. This shows us that value of hard work will be realised eventually, so we must keep working hard without expectations. Major's game was sheer display of Ethics, in which he was always asked to wield dangerous weapons such as sticks, and still use them with so much skill that no one got hurt. He knew his powers and he knew his limits. This to me goes on to show "With great powers come great responsibilities" and the better you use them the better you get in your career. The better you become a human being.

Bibliography 1. GOAL, Autobiography of Hockey Wizard Dhyan Chand

Published by Sport & Pastime, Chennai, 1952 2. Hockey Ke Jaadugar Major Dhyanchand, by Dr. Mina Umesh Dhyanchand, Published by Pustal Mahal, ISBN- 9788178061535 3. 4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhyan_Chand http://www.publishyourarticles.net/knowledge-hub/biography/dhyan-chandbiography.html Word Count: 997 (without Title and Bibliography)