New Delhi, Nov 3 (NationPress) On Monday, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, revealed exciting plans for a grand celebration that commemorates 100 years of Indian Hockey (1925–2025). This centenary celebration, organized in collaboration with Hockey India, is scheduled for November 7 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, with concurrent celebrations in over 550 districts throughout India.

This milestone event will pay tribute to India’s rich hockey heritage, honoring the legends who have brought glory to the nation and celebrating the enduring passion for the sport that inspires millions. Festivities will commence at 8:30 AM with a lineup of special events that showcase India’s historic journey in hockey.

“As India marks a century of hockey, we celebrate a legacy of pride, perseverance, and national honor. This milestone offers us a chance to remember our heroes and draw inspiration from their journeys as we look to the future. Hockey represents more than just a sport for India – it embodies our identity and collective spirit. The celebrations across over 550 districts will not only emphasize our legacy but also spread the story of Indian hockey across the nation, encouraging young boys and girls to embrace the game with passion,” Mandaviya stated.

A 30-minute exhibition match featuring the Hon’ble Sports Minister’s XI against Hockey India’s Mixed XI (both men and women) will exemplify gender equality, teamwork, and inclusivity, showcasing top players from both national teams. Following this, hockey legends from various eras will be acknowledged for their invaluable contributions to India’s prestigious history, which boasts eight Olympic gold medals and 13 Olympic podium finishes.

Hockey is a pivotal component of the government’s sports agenda. Both men's and women’s hockey are included in major initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG). These programs provide national teams with financial support for training, competitions, exposure trips, allowances, and various facilities throughout each Olympic cycle. To promote hockey among women, the sports ministry organizes the ASMITA hockey league nationwide at junior and sub-junior levels.

“The government is unwavering in its commitment to enhancing India’s sporting ecosystem through increased investment, modern infrastructure, and institutional reforms. Our vision is straightforward — to position India among the top sporting nations globally by 2036 and to consistently excel in every discipline. Through ongoing collaboration between the Ministry, the Sports Authority of India, and federations like Hockey India, we will continue to nurture young talent, expand access to sports, and ensure that India’s tricolor flies high on every international stage,” the sports minister added.

The centenary celebration will also feature the launch of the official commemorative volume, “100 Years of Indian Hockey,” chronicling the sport’s extraordinary journey — highlighting its triumphs, challenges, and revival. This publication will serve as both a historical record and a tribute to the generations of players who have shaped India’s hockey legacy.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey remarked, “Celebrating 100 years of Indian hockey is a deeply emotional and proud moment for all of us. This milestone honors our glorious past while inspiring a new generation to carry the legacy forward. Indian hockey has always represented resilience, unity, and excellence. As we commemorate this centenary, we are focused on strengthening the game from the grassroots, empowering both men and women equally, and preparing our teams to reclaim their position at the top of world hockey. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Indian hockey over the years — our players, coaches, fans, and partners. Together, we will make the next century even more golden.”

A large-scale photo exhibition at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium will take visitors through a visual journey celebrating 100 years of history, showcasing rare archival photographs, memorabilia, and Olympic moments—from the 1928 Amsterdam Games to today’s resurgence.

To celebrate locally, over 1,400 hockey matches will occur simultaneously in 550 districts nationwide, involving more than 36,000 players. Each district will host one men’s and one women’s match, representing equality and inclusion. The aim is to foster a festive atmosphere across the country, uniting rural and urban India in honoring the national sport.

Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh emphasized, “As we celebrate this historic milestone, I take great pride in seeing how Hockey India has evolved into a transparent, accountable, and forward-looking organization. Our focus has been on strengthening systems — from performance-based funding and grassroots development to the successful launch of professional leagues for both men and women. We are also investing in coaching, analytics, and infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth. I sincerely thank the Sports Authority of India, whose continued support has been critical in developing world-class facilities and nurturing young talent. This centenary is not just a celebration of history but a reaffirmation of our commitment to building a stronger future for Indian hockey.”

The Ministry of Sports and Hockey India are dedicated to preserving and advancing India’s hockey legacy while nurturing a new era of excellence and inclusivity in the sport.