1936 Berlin Games: Dhyan Chand’s farewell Olympics

Dhyan Chand was told to fight on the front lines, but his commanding officer ordered him to return to the Olympics team and fight his battles for India on the hockey field, says his son Ashok Kumar.

Vijay Lokapally


The Indian Olympic hockey team photographed on arrival at the Berlin railway station on August 10, 1936. The Indian team was accorded a Nazi reception. Dhyan Chand is in a dark overcoat.   -  The Hindu Photo Library

The 1936 Berlin Olympics were among the most controversial sporting events of all time. “I heard so much from Babuji (Dhyan Chand) and in later years came to know the significance of the game. They have a special place in history and of course our family has so much to cherish. The third consecutive gold medal in hockey,” recalled hockey great Ashok Kumar.