Berlin Olympics 1936 Dhyan Chand Met Hitler: In the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Germany wanted to show itself as the most powerful country in the world. In hockey, it defeated the Indian team 4-1 in a practice match. This was a big blow to two-time Olympic champion India. The team immediately called captain Ali Iqtidar Shah from Delhi, who was not given leave by the British officer.
Dhyan Chand and Ali Iqtidar were both in the Punjab Regiment. Dhyan Chand was a hero at that time. Ali Iqbal was brought to Berlin by plane from Delhi. On August 15, 1936, the teams of India and Germany were face to face in the final. Hitler was also present in the stands.
In the first half, the Indian team could not break the German defense. In a rally, Dhyan Chand was hurt by the goalkeeper. He fell down and had to be taken out. Meanwhile, Germany scored a goal. At half time, Germany was ahead by 1-0.
Dhyanchand had lost some teeth but he came back on the field. He wore his old shoes with rubber soles instead of shoes. The game started again. The Indian captain showed magic and scored three goals. Hitler left the match midway. The final score was India 8, Germany 1.
In the evening, a German officer took Dhyanchand to meet Hitler. Hitler looked at Dhyanchand from top to bottom. Hitler said, “You are the magician who changed today’s game. Your team played brilliantly. I have come to know that you were injured. How are you now?”
Dhyanchand said, “Thank you, I am fine. I have just left one tooth in Germany. We are grateful for your hospitality.”
Hitler smiled and said, “What do you do if you don’t play hockey?”
Dhyanchand said- “I am in the Indian Army.”
Hitler- “Which rank?”
Dhyanchand- “Nayak sahab.”
Hitler- “Hero! I have also been a hero among my soldiers. You are very capable. I cannot believe that the British do not respect you. You should become an officer in the German army. You know how to win.”
There was silence. Everyone’s eyes were on Dhyanchand. Dhyanchand said – “I am honored by your offer but I am an Indian and India is my home. I would like to remain a simple hero among my people.”
Hitler nodded and moved ahead.
1936 Olympic Indian Hockey Team: Dhyan Chand (captain), Richard Allen, Ali Iqtidar Shah Dara, Lionel C. Emmett, Peter Paul Fernandes, Joseph D.T. Galibardi, Ernest John Goodsir-Cullen, Mohammad Hussain, Syed Mohammad Jaffer, Ahmed Sher Khan, Ahsan Md. Khan, Mirza Nasir-ud-Din Masood, Cyril James Michie, Babu Narsu Nimal, Joseph Phillips, Shabban Shahab-ud-Din, Gurcharan Singh Grewal, Roop Singh, Carlyle Carroll Tapsell.
Also read:
Indian Hockey Olympic Medals List: Hockey India has a golden history in Olympics, see how many medals it has won along with 8 gold
