Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary, which is being celebrated every year as National Sports Day.
"Our tributes to legendary Major Dhyan Chand on National Sports Day. His determination and dedication towards sports continues to inspire," Modi tweeted.
"We salute all our sportsmen and women, who have been enhancing the pride of the tricolour by their exemplary performance on the field," Modi said.
The prime minister also congratulated sportspersons who would be honoured with the various National Sports Awards Friday and said: "India is proud of them".
Born Aug 29, 1905, Major Dhyan Chand is regarded as one of the greatest hockey players the world has seen till date. He is known as 'The Wizard' because of the way he controlled the ball.
He won three Olympic Gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936.