New Delhi, Aug 29 (IANS): Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Friday paid rich tributes to Major Dhyan Chand on his 109th birth anniversary and hoped the new generation could take some inspiration from the legendary hockey player.

The sports minister attended National Sports Day, celebrated to mark Major Dhyan Chand's birthday, function at the National Stadium with a garland being put over his statue here.

"Dhyan Chand is a hockey wizard who has scored more than thousand goals during his glittering career. He also helped India win three Olympics," Sonowal said.

The sports minister also used the occasion to question India's performance in world hockey.

"The best thing that we can do on his birthday is some soul searching that why a country like India despite having 100 synthetic surfaces can't do well in world hockey."

"Compare this to a small country like belgium which has just 16 surfaces and have done extremely well to come up in world rankings," Sonowal added.

Born Aug 29, 1905, Dhyan Chand is widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players in the world. Remembered for his amazing goal scoring feats, he is known as 'The Wizard' for exquisite ball control and dribbling skills.

Dhyan Chand helped India win three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936.