India's Hockey Magician

INDIA’S HOCKEY MAGICIAN A. Answer in brief. 1. How did Dhyan secure a place in the ‘baccha paltan’? Ans: While watching a match between two army teams, Dhyan loudly remarked to his father that he could take the losing team to victory. An officer sitting nearby was angry at Dhyan for his boastful remark. However, he allowed him to play. Impressed by Dhyan’s excellent performance, the officer gave him a place in the ‘Baccha Paltan’. 2. What efforts did Dhyan take to make the whole team good at the game? Ans: Dhyan knew that to be successful in hockey one needs to work as a team. He regularly practised with the team in the field. He was adept at passing the ball to the right team mate as he knew the positions of each of his team mates. Thus Dhyan made sure that the team was perfect. B. Answer in detail. 1. Why was Dhyan called the ‘the magician of hockey’? Ans: Dhyan, with his persistent effort and regular practice became the rising star in Indian hockey. He was selected for the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Dhyan, along with his team, made sure that they did not give up even a single goal. Even players from countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland and the Netherlands stood no chance against the mighty Indian team. Dhyan was the greatest contributor for the win because out of the 29 goals scored by the team, 14 were by Dhyan. No wonder he was called the ‘magician of hockey’. 2. How did Dhyan become the most successful hockey player in the world? Suggested answer: Dhyan became passionate about the game of hockey as he had seen his father play hockey. As a young boy of 14 he was challenged into playing in a match after a boastful comment he made. This was the beginning of his hockey career. He greatly impressed an officer who enrolled him in the ‘baccha paltan’. His hard work and dedication started right from then. He had excellent control of the ball and he regulary practiced by hanging an empty tyre from the goal and then hit hundreds of shots through it. Though he was talented, he knew that he had to work hard to bring out that talent in him. He kept his mind and body healthy and fit. Added to all that, he was a humble person and always remembered that success came with team effort. He became the super star of Indian Sports through hard work, dedication and humility. C. Read the lines and answer the questions. 1. It seemed as if the ball was stuck with glue to his hockey stick, until he sent it smoothly past a goal keeper into the net. a. Who is the he referred to in these lines? . b Why did the ball seem to be stuck to the stick? . c What efforts did the person take to be perfect in his game? Ans: a. ‘He’ refers to Dhyan Chand, the renowned hockey player. b. Dhyan had amazing control over the ball. He would run the whole length of the field concentrating solely on the ball and drive it into the net with the hockey stick. 100 Magnolia TRP - Class 5 - QB.indd 100 28-Nov-17 1:44:28 PM c. Dhyan Chand practised on railway lines, not letting the ball fall off the rails as he ran. He hit hundreds of shots through an empty tyre hung from the goal. This kind of rigorous practice helped him hone his skills. He kept his body fit and his mind sharp. He took special care to be a perfect team man because hockey was all about teamwork. 2. Dhyan was a superstar now, celebrated in India and known wherever hockey was played. a. Who did Dhyan Chand and his team play against to be called a super star now? . b When and where was this game played against the opponent? . c Who did he prove wrong? Ans: a. After winning over Hungary, the USA, Japan and France, the Indian team had to play the finals against Germany. b. It was the 1936 Berlin Olympics. c. Adolf Hitler believed that the German race was superior to the rest of the world, but Dhyan Chand proved him wrong by winning against the Germans. D. Answer in brief. (Think and Answer) 1. How has India honoured Dyan Chand for his contribution to Indian sports? Ans: After Dhyan Chand’s retirement he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan. August 29, Dhyan Chand’s birthday, is celebrated as the National Sports Day and the Dhyan Chand award, India’s highest award for lifetime achievement in sports, is named after him. 2. How did Dhyan Chand spend his days after retirement? Ans: Dhyan Chand was honoured with India’s third highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, after his retirement. He was appointed the Chief Hockey Coach at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala as well as various other camps. He later lived in Jhansi, his hometown where he spent time running errands and visiting friends. 3. Why do you think Indian hockey has lost its earlier power and popularity? Suggested answer: Now, we find there are other games which have become more popular. Cricket is the most sought after game in our country now. Men, women and children all enjoy cricket. Sadly, many do not even know how hockey is played. E. Answer in detail. (Think and Answer) Despite not having enough facilities, Dhyan Chand became a world class hockey player. What do you understand from this? Suggested answer: Dhyan Chand became a world class player purely through his hard work and dedication. Since he was very talented, he was encouraged by his father and also by the army officer who first gave him a chance to play in a match. At the young age of 16, he joined the army and after completing his soldierly duties, he practiced till late in the night. He had full support from his mates in the army which greatly helped him in perfecting the game. He was humble and worked along with his team. Having all facilities alone will not make a good player. One should be focused, humble, sincere and also should get enough encouragement and support. Dhyan Chand was lucky to have all these and so he could reach great heights. 101 Magnolia TRP - Class 5 - QB.indd 101 28-Nov-17 1:44:28 PM.

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