We owe it to our legends and to the next generation, to make Indian hockey the pride it once was and promise it holds for the future. Let us commit ourselves to this cause with heart and soul
As we mark a hundred glorious years of hockey in India, it is not merely a celebration of a sport, but a tribute to a national passion that has inspired generations, unified a diverse nation, and brought global recognition to our country. Hockey is not just India’s national sport-it is the heartbeat of millions who have lived its magic, felt its pulse, and witnessed its glory. From the golden era of Olympic triumphs to the modern-day resurgence, Indian hockey’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
From Grassroots to Global Glory
India’s tryst with hockey began in earnest in the early 20th century, but it was in 1928, at the Amsterdam Olympics, that we truly announced our arrival on the world stage. That victory was the beginning of a golden streak-India clinched six consecutive Olympic gold medals from 1928 to 1956, a feat unmatched in the annals of sporting history. Our team was revered not only for its winning streak but also for the artistry, elegance, and dominance it brought to the turf Legends such as Jaipal Singh Munda, Dhyan Chand, KD Singh Babu and Balbir Singh Sr became household names. Dhyan Chand, especially, earned the moniker “The Wizard of Hockey,” enchanting spectators with his stick work and cementing India’s place as the sport’s superpower.
The baton was carried forward by stalwarts like Gurbakhsh Singh, Ajit Pal Singh, Mohammad Shahid, Uttam Singh, Ashok Kumar, Michael Kindo, and V Bhaskaran-each contributing to India’s continued dominance in global competitions, especially until the early 1980s.
However, like every great journey, ours too met with challenges. The 1980s marked a turning point as the global game underwent modernisation. With the introduction of Turf, hockey shifted from the traditional natural grass to synthetic surfaces. Unfortunately, India lagged in adapting to this transformation. The infrastructural gap, lack of access to turf facilities, and inadequate grassroots programs began to affect our performance. Where once we outplayed the world with finesse, we found ourselves struggling to adapt to the new pace and style of the game. Despite valiant efforts from players like Pargat Singh, MM Somaiya, and the dynamic Dhanraj Pillai, we were no longer the undisputed kings of world hockey.
Thanks to the visionary collaboration between Hockey India, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the unwavering support of the current Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Sports Minister Surya Banshi, And of course, the larger role played by the dynamic leader former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. World-class stadiums like the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela have hosted some of the biggest hockey tournaments on the planet. The state has set a benchmark in sports development, combining infrastructure, athlete welfare, and grassroots training into a holistic model.
This sustained investment bore fruit when India won the Bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic) — a moment of redemption that rekindled national pride. After a 41-year drought, our team stood once again on the Olympic podium, reminding the world of India’s enduring hockey legacy. As we step into the second century of Indian hockey, the future holds immense promise-if we act with foresight, unity, and purpose. (i) Strengthening Grassroots Development: To sustain success, we must expand and revamp our grassroots programs. This involves establishing state-level academies, collaborating with schools and rural sports centres, and establishing hockey hubs across every region of the country. Talent is abundant in India; we simply need to nurture it with the right training and exposure.
(ii) Scaling Coaching Infrastructure: We need to train the trainers. A robust national coaching framework, with access to international techniques, performance analytics, and modern fitness protocols, is vital. Certified coaching courses and regular upskilling for trainers must become the norm.
(iii) Setting Up the ‘India A’: Establishing a pipeline of talent is crucial. A structured ‘India A’ team will bridge the gap between junior and senior levels, offering competitive exposure to emerging stars. Simultaneously, under-15 national squads will allow us to groom prodigies from an early age and provide consistent mentoring and support.
(iv) Revitalising the Hockey India League (HIL): The Hockey India League has immense potential to popularise the sport, create professional pathways for athletes, and attract commercial investment. Reviving and marketing the league effectively, drawing fans, sponsors, and media, can turn hockey into a commercially viable ecosystem, benefiting players, coaches, administrators, and the game at large.
(v) Monetisation and Commercial Growth: Hockey must move from being an emotional pursuit to a sustainable profession. With the right branding, corporate tie-ups, and broadcast partnerships, we can bring value to all stakeholders involved. This includes creating job opportunities, player endorsements, and incentivised career paths.
(vi) Infrastructure Expansion: We must democratise access to world-class facilities. Every state capital should host at least one international-standard turf and a network of training pitches in rural belts. A dedicated National Hockey Development Fund could drive this expansion with support from the private sector.
(vii) Digital and Analytical Integration: Modern hockey thrives on data. By integrating performance analytics, injury prevention tools, virtual coaching modules, and AI-driven insights, we can give our teams a competitive edge and bring our methods on par with the best in the world.
As I reflect on the centenary of Indian hockey, not just as a former player but as someone who lives and breathes this game, I am filled with hope.
The pride of the past, the passion of the present, and the promise of the future are all aligned in a unique moment of opportunity. We owe it to our legends, to our current heroes, and to the next generation, to make Indian hockey not just a tale of nostalgia but a future of sustained excellence. Let us commit ourselves to this cause with heart, vision, and unity.
Let this century be not the end of a glorious chapter, but the beginning of an even greater legacy.
Jai Hind. Jai Hockey!
(The writer is a Padma Shri awardee and President of Hockey India and an Olympian. Views are personal)