As we begin celebrations for 100 years of Indian hockey, the relaunch of the Men’s Hockey India League and the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League signify a momentous occasion. This year-long celebration is a tribute to our remarkable journey and a testament to our enduring legacy. We are excited to witness the thrilling matches and extraordinary talent that these leagues will bring, highlighting the spirit of excellence that has defined Indian hockey for a century. This centenary celebration is a grand tribute to a century of Indian hockey excellence, yet it is also a launching pad for the next hundred years of glory and triumph. From historic Olympic triumphs to modern-day glory, Indian hockey has been a symbol of passion, pride, and perseverance for a century. As we celebrate 100 years of this incredible journey, let’s relive the iconic moments, legendary players, and unforgettable victories that have shaped the sport in our nation.
In the field of hockey we are lagging behind much after showing early promise in the Olympics and other World sports events. But of late, the performance is not good enough to cheer about. The training methods in India should match that of European countries in field hockey. Youngsters should try out in Astro Turf to gain maximum experience and the much needed exposure. All in all Indian sports in true spirits thanks to the Khelo India initiative. Hockey is a national sport and we must encourage the sport from grass root level. Nothing succeeds like success. It is time to work hard for getting more Olympics Gold.
On a serious note, while Corporates have taken the responsibility to nurture talent and some state chief ministers like Naveen Patnaik have nurtured hockey, most sports administrations are run by politicians. And these politicians do the only thing they are good at dispensing favors to the chosen few for fringe and other benefits and allow mediocrity to compete with predictable, disastrous results. And this is not limited to current dispensation alone. This has been the trend since India’s independence.
The few winners who have brought laurels for the country have done that through sheer madness of will, perseverance and hard work, quite often fighting against all odds and succeeding. And when they succeed, the politicians immediately take credit and ownership of their success. Frankly, we are not a sporting nation, we don’t have a sporting ethos, we don’t have a sporting culture. We are a nation of convenience, shortcuts and experts in pulling others down. We are a nation of crabs, always waiting to pull others down. So, let’s stop chest-beating about our future Olympic results.
Hockey as a sport has seen a transformation in the past year. Back-to-back Olympic bronze medals for the men’s team, Asian Champions Trophy wins for the men’s, women’s, and junior teams, the resurrection of the Hockey India League—Indian hockey is on the rise, with players, coaches, and officials determined to take it even higher.
This year’s ceremony held special significance, celebrating 100 years of Indian hockey while also marking 50 years since the historic 1975 World Cup victory. To honour this golden jubilee, Hockey India bestowed the Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award upon the victorious 1975 World Cup squad, along with a cash prize of INR 50 lakh. Across categories, Hockey India awarded a total of Rs 12 crore in prize money to players, coaches and staff. Hockey India is celebrating a monumental occasion as it marks 100 years of Indian hockey’s rich legacy. The sport, which has seen India rise as a dominant force on the global stage, is being honored through a series of grand events and initiatives planned throughout the year.
As we reflect on a century of Indian hockey, the celebration of this centenary year is not just a look back at the past but also a forward leap into the future. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and legacy of Indian hockey, promising another hundred years of glory and triumph on the world stage.
C.K. SUBRAMANIAM
NAVI MUMBAI
