Ashok Kumar, the former Olympian and the son of legendary hockey player, ‘Wizard of Indian hockey’ Dhyanchand is happy with the initiative taken by his son Gaurab to celebrate the 119th birthday of his legendary grandfather in New Delhi. 

The 74-year-old hockey star revealed while speaking over the phone from Jhansi that a football match was organized at a recently built ground at Sipri Bazar, Jhansi where Dhyanchand’s body was cremated. 

He said, “My son Gaurab organized a hockey match between a group of young players. They were given jerseys and hokey sticks. Some celebrities including the Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandyaviya were present. Gaurab played hockey at the University level. But he wants to start hockey camp with the kids in the future." 

Ashok also unveiled the statue of Dhyanchand in Jabalpur on Wednesday. “Now young generation is coming up in hockey Jhansi as well as in Jabalpur. State governments are trying to promote the game. It is a good sign.”

Hockey Bengal also organized a function in Kolkata where the performers and champion teams in different divisions were awarded.