Dhyan Chand: 10 interesting facts

He helped India win 3 successive gold medals in 1928, 1932 ane 1936

6. After India’s first match at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, people watching other sporting events thronged to the hockey stadium. A German newspaper carried a banner headline: 'The Olympic complex now has a magic show too.' The whole city of Berlin had posters: “Visit the hockey stadium to watch the Indian magician Dhyan Chand in action.”

7. According to widespread reports, German dictator Adolf Hitler offered Dhyan Chand German citizenship and a position in the German Military, after an impressive showing at the Berlin Olympics. The offer was declined by the Indian magician.

Major Dhyan Chand was also appreciated greatly by Sir Don Bradman

8. Australian great Don Bradman met Dhyan Chand at Adelaide in 1935. After watching him play, Bradman remarked, "He scores goals like runs in cricket".

9. Dhyan Chand has scored over 400 goals in his career spanning 22 years (1926-48).

10. Hockey authorities in the Netherlands once broke his hockey stick to check if there was a magnet inside.

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