Dhyan Chand Foundation hosts special event at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi

New Delhi, August 29, 2025:
The Dhyan Chand Foundation marked the 120th birth anniversary of the Wizard of Hockey, Padma Bhushan Late Major Dhyan Chand Ji, with a grand celebration of National Sports Day at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. The occasion witnessed enthusiastic participation from school children of Delhi, who showcased their sporting skills on the historic AstroTurf.

Adding to the significance of the day, a spell of rain graced the stadium, symbolizing nature’s own tribute to the sporting legend.

The event was graced by eminent dignitaries including Hockey Olympian Padma Shri Harbinder Singh Chimni, Advocate Shri Nandan Jha (General Secretary, Gandhi Mandela Foundation), Shri Harish Yadav (Director, Ministry of Finance), Shri Ashok Mathur (Secretary, Indian Hockey Federation), along with former national and international hockey players Shri Rajesh Chauhan, Shri Sanjay Bhatia, Shri Kishori Lal Azad, Mrs. Deepti Sisodia, and Shri Vaibhav Pratap Singh. Also present were Shri Utkarsh Raghav (General Secretary, Orienteering India) from Meerut and Supreme Court Advocate Shri Sudhakar Kulwant.

Shri Gaurav Dhyan Chand, President of the Dhyan Chand Foundation, felicitated the distinguished guests and distributed hockey sticks and kits to the students of Heritage School, Rohini. He highlighted that under the Foundation’s flagship “Back to School Program”, free hockey kits have been provided to Delhi schools for the third consecutive year. This year’s distribution was carried out with the blessings of Padma Shri Harbinder Singh Chimni and Advocate Shri Nandan Jha.

On this occasion, Shri Gaurav Dhyan Chand also extended gratitude to the Hon’ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, for the recent passage of the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 in Parliament. Calling it a landmark reform, he said the legislation will usher in greater transparency and accountability within India’s sports federations.

About Dhyan Chand Foundation
The Dhyan Chand Foundation is committed to carrying forward the legacy of the Wizard of Hockey, Padma Bhushan Major Dhyan Chand Ji, by promoting grassroots development in sports, supporting young athletes, and working towards stronger governance and inclusivity in Indian sports.