New Delhi, Aug 29 (IANS): On the occasion of the 114th birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, which is also celebrated as National Sports Day, political leaders and sports personalities united to pay tributes to the hockey legend.

Dhyan Chand was part of the Indian hockey team that won the gold in three Olympic Games -- 1928, 1932, and 1936. To mark this day, the President of India hands over prestigious national sporting awards -- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award -- to sportspersons and coaches.

"Greetings to all sports enthusiasts on National Sports Day. Tributes to the phenomenal hockey player, Major Dhyan Chand Ji on his birth anniversary," Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched the 'Fit India Movement' earlier on Thursday, tweeted.

"On his birth anniversary, I pay my tributes to Major Dhyan Chand, the greatest hockey player India have ever produced. On this 'National Sports Day', my greetings to all sportspersons and the sports enthusiasts across India," Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said.

Meanwhile, star athlete Hima Das also paid tributes to the legend, tweeting: "My heartfelt tributes to the greatest ever hockey player #MajorDhyanChand on his birth anniversary. Lets us pledge to stay fit on the occasion of #NationalSportsDay."

Remembering Dhyan Chand, ace paddler Manika Batra tweeted: "Remembering our greatest hockey player #MajorDhyanChand on his birth anniversary. Greetings to everyone on the occasion of National Sports Day. #NationalSportsDay2019."

Describing Dhyan Chand as a 'true champion', cricketer Suresh Raina tweeted: "Remembering the hockey legend #MajorDhyanChand on his birth anniversary, which is also celebrated as #NationalSportsDay. A true champion who has inspired generations with his talent & skill. What a sportsman! My salute!"

Former Sports Minister and Olympic silver medallist shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said: "Remembering #MajorDhyanChand on his Birth Anniversary, marked as #NationalSportsDay. A Padma Bhushan recipient and a 3-time Olympic winner, he'll 4ever stand as Indian Sports tallest figure. Let's pay him tribute by making sports & fitness a way of life. #FitIndiaMovement."

"Tributes to 'The Wizard' of hockey, the great #MajorDhyanChand on his birth anniversary. Also salute to all the sportspersons who have made India proud with their hardwork and determination. #NationalSportsDay," tweeted former cricketer V.V.S. Laxman.

Women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal was also not behind in wishing the legend as she tweeted, "Heartfelt Tributes to the legend, 'The Magician Of Hockey' and 'The Wizard' #MajorDhyanChand on his Birth Anniversary. Greetings to all fellow Sportspersons on the occasion of #NationalSportsDay."

"On #NationalSportsDay, paying my respects to Dhyan Chand Ji, the wizard of hockey, and also to all athletes who play for our country with vigour and passion," tweeted cricketer Shikhar Dhawan.