Shravasti, Read: DM Annapurna Garg, along with public representatives, inaugurated the three-day hockey, cycling, football and athletics sports competition themed “Khelega Bharat-Jeetega Bharat” on National Sports Day at Multipurpose Sports Stadium Bhinga by garlanding the statue of Major Dhyan Chand on Saturday.

During this, the DM while addressing the child players said that hockey is the national game of India. The game of hockey is played between two teams in an open field. Every team tries to score a goal. A hockey player should be healthy and strong. He should have enough strength to play actively and with concentration for two-three hours, and to run fast. A hockey player should have agility, the power to take immediate decisions and tolerance. Cooperation and goodwill are necessary in the game of hockey, a single player cannot do anything.

Major Dhyanchand, the captain of the Indian hockey team, is called the magician of hockey. Had won three consecutive gold medals for India in the Olympics. He is called the Wizard of Hockey throughout the world because of his amazing control over the ball. His life and sporting legacy are the mainstay of youth power in building a developed India. Players should learn by following his footsteps. On this occasion, District Panchayat President representative Sunil Tiwari, District Sports Officer Brijesh Kumar Soni, Principal Alakshendra Inter College Jyoti Prakash Pandey, hockey coach Munawwar Hussain along with officials, employees and child players of the sports department were present.