Grassroots and Academies Are the Key to Hockey’s Future: Ashok Dhyan Chand
Winning Spirit Is the Soul of Sport: Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand Reflects on Hockey, Legacy and the Road Ahead
Jamshedpur, Dec 18: Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand, former international hockey player and son of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, attended the closing ceremony of the Pankaj Memorial Trophy Cricket Tournament at Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur, on Thursday. The tournament was organised for veteran cricketers aged 60 years and above and witnessed enthusiastic participation and sportsmanship.
Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the event, Ashok Dhyan Chand shared his deep insights on sports, Indian hockey’s glorious past, its present revival, and the importance of balancing passion, sacrifice, and financial security for players.
‘The Winning Spirit Is What Matters’
Expressing his happiness after watching matches at the veteran cricket tournament, Ashok Dhyan Chand said the spirit of competition remains timeless, irrespective of age or sport.
“It’s this winning spirit that propels us forward. I watched two matches this morning and I could feel that spirit. I was very happy,” he said.
Drawing a comparison between cricket and hockey, he added that sport, at its core, is about passion, respect, and the emotional bond between players and spectators.
“This is the beauty of sport—the beauty of the player. One great player appreciating another from a different sport is what makes sports so special.”
Golden Era of Indian Hockey
Recalling the unmatched legacy of Indian hockey, Ashok Dhyan Chand divided the history of the sport into two distinct phases.
“One is the Dhyan Chand era, which we proudly call the Golden Era, and the other is present-day hockey,” he explained.
He highlighted India’s extraordinary Olympic record in hockey.
“India has won eight Olympic gold medals in hockey, along with one silver and four bronze medals. Thirteen Olympic medals in hockey is something no other country in the world has achieved.”
He also recalled a historic anecdote that symbolises the global respect Indian hockey once commanded.
“In 1935, when the Indian hockey team toured Australia, Sir Don Bradman was the chief guest at a match in Adelaide. After watching Dhyan Chand play, Bradman told him, ‘Dhyan, you score goals the way I score runs.’”
Astroturf and the Decline of Grassroots Hockey
Ashok Dhyan Chand pointed out that the shift from natural grass to artificial turf became a major challenge for Indian hockey.
“Ever since artificial turf came, the scarcity of grounds became our biggest weakness. Earlier, hockey was played everywhere, just like cricket is today.”
He stressed that many schools and colleges still lack access to turf facilities, limiting grassroots development.
“Our schools and colleges do not have these turfs. Without access, how will children progress to the Olympics?”
Odisha’s Model and Youth Engagement
Praising Odisha’s contribution to hockey revival, he said the state has become a role model for sports development.
“In Sundargarh district alone, five or six grounds have been built and academies opened. Children are coming up from there, and their interest in sports is increasing.”
He underlined the social importance of sports for the youth.
“Sports keep youngsters away from negative influences. Through sports, they can build their lives and earn respect for themselves and the country.”
Emotional Power of Sports Icons
Referring to the recent visit of football star Lionel Messi to India, Ashok Dhyan Chand spoke about the emotional connection fans share with great players.
“Just five days ago, Messi came, and what a crowd turned up to see him—even though he didn’t play. These things are emotional. We appreciate great players in every sport.”
Jharkhand Hockey on the Rise
Responding to questions about Jharkhand’s hockey performance, he expressed optimism.
“Jharkhand hockey has been doing very well. Several players from this region have represented India.”
He acknowledged past setbacks due to lack of infrastructure but said the situation has improved.
“Hockey has been revived. We have won two Olympic bronze medals back-to-back. That is a great strength.”
He also praised Hockey India’s proactive role.
“Hockey India is actively promoting players, both men and women. The uncertainty about players’ futures is gone. Now, we only need to focus on winning.”
Hockey India League and the Role of Money
Speaking about the impact of the revived Hockey India League (HIL), Ashok Dhyan Chand addressed the sensitive issue of money in sports.
“Money is very important, but chasing only money is bad. Earlier, we played only for medals and honour, even if we didn’t have enough food.”
He recalled the hardships faced by many legendary players.
“Many great players who won Olympic medals lived in extreme poverty. Their families suffered. That was very painful.”
However, he acknowledged positive changes today.
“Today, Hockey India takes very good care of players. Whether it is the men’s or women’s team, the question—‘What will happen to us?’—no longer exists.”
‘Nothing Is Achieved Without Sacrifice’
Ashok Dhyan Chand emphasised that mental preparation and sacrifice remain the foundation of success.
“Nothing is achieved without sacrifice and dedication. When that desire becomes intense, we will win the gold medal again.”
He stressed the need for strong support systems from governments and institutions.
“Whether it is the central or state governments, better arrangements must be made so that players and their families feel secure.”
Memories from the Olympic Journey
Sharing personal moments from his career, Ashok Dhyan Chand spoke with emotion about the pride associated with his family legacy.
“When I was younger, I used to wonder how my father Dhyan Chand and my uncle Captain Roop Singh played. Maybe they played better than I did.”
A defining moment came during the 1972 Munich Olympics.
“Someone told me there was a street in Munich named after my uncle, Captain Roop Singh. That was a huge honour—not just for our family, but for the country.”
He added, “There was also a seat in the Olympic Village named after Captain Roop Singh. These are not small things.”
A Moving Encounter in the Netherlands
Recalling another unforgettable experience from 1998 in Utrecht, Netherlands, Ashok Dhyan Chand narrated an emotional incident.
“I was watching the final match between the Dutch and Spanish teams in a stadium full of nearly 50,000 people.”
He noticed an elderly couple sitting beside him.
“The gentleman was wearing a cotton tie that looked Indian. I asked him about it.”
The story, he said, later unfolded into a powerful reminder of the global respect Indian hockey once commanded—rooted in the legacy of Major Dhyan Chand.
A Message for the Future
Ashok Dhyan Chand concluded by reaffirming his belief in sports as a way of life.
“The joy, enthusiasm, and happiness that sports give us cannot be found in any other field.”
As Indian hockey steadily rebuilds itself, voices like his continue to inspire generations—reminding the nation that glory is built on passion, discipline, sacrifice, and respect for the game.
