Dhyan Chand

Dhyan Chand was an Indian hockey player and one of the greatest hockey players in the sport's history. He was known for his extraordinary goal-scoring feats and earning three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936, during an era where India dominated field hockey.

On 29 August 1922 - his 17th birthday - Chand enlisted in the 1st Brahmans of the British Indian Army as a sepoy (private). Between 1922 and 1926, Chand exclusively played army hockey tournaments and regimental games. In 1927 Chand got permission from the Army to play for the United Provinces team. He had great success till the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

The final of the Berlin Olympics was played between Germany and India. India swamped Germany. The Indian team launched an all-out attack, easily defeating Germany 8–1. Incidentally, the only goal scored against India in that Olympic tournament. Chand top-scored with three goals.

The game ended with Adolf Hitler presenting the team with their medals. The following day Dhyan Chand was surprised to receive a message from the Fuhrer, asking him to come and meet him. On meeting him, Hitler welcomed Dhyan Chand warmly in his private box in the stadium. He then asked Dhyan Chand what he did in India, to which Chand explained that he worked in the Indian Army. Hitler is then believed to have offered Dhyan Chand a high post in the German Army because of his splendid performance in the Olympic finals, to which the Fuhrer was a witness. Dhyan Chand politely refused the offer saying that his family resided in India and that it would be difficult for him to relocate.