New Delhi, September 18 (HS): Preparations are in full swing to mark 100 years of Indian hockey, with Hockey India launching a 50-day countdown on Thursday leading up to a special centenary celebration on November 7, 2025. The event will commemorate India’s remarkable hockey journey that began in 1925 with the formation of the first national governing body, leading to a golden legacy of eight Olympic gold medals — the most by any nation in the sport’s history.
Hockey India officials said that the detailed programme of the centenary festivities will be revealed soon, but emphasized that the celebrations will highlight the sport’s unparalleled legacy. Between 1928 and 1980, India won eight Olympic gold medals in men’s hockey, a record that remains unmatched. Notably, hockey has brought India its highest medal tally in any single Olympic discipline.
Recalling this glorious past, legendary Olympian Gurbux Singh, who captained India to gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, said, “The first hockey tournament in India, the Beighton Cup, was played in 1895. In 1925, the National Hockey Association was set up, and just three years later India clinched the Olympic gold in 1928. Under Dhyan Chand’s era, India completely dominated world hockey. Britain, in fact, did not field a hockey team until 1948 because they feared losing to India. Beating Britain in London after Independence remains one of the most historic and proud moments in Indian hockey.”
Gurbux Singh also recalled the struggles of the Berlin Olympics. He noted that due to a lack of funds, about 35 patrons across India — including members of royal families — contributed sums ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 500 to raise Rs 50,000, which eventually enabled the team’s journey to Germany by ship.
Hockey India President and former Olympian Dr. Dilip Tirkey emphasized the importance of connecting today’s generation with the sport’s golden era. “It is vital for our youngsters to learn about this rich history. Through the centenary celebrations, we want to relive those glorious days. The 50-day countdown we launched today is a step in that direction,” he said.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
