Is Hockey India Ready to Celebrate the Greatest Milestone in India's Sporting History?

New Delhi, Sep 18 (NationPress) In a call for nationwide celebrations to commemorate the centenary of Indian hockey, which traces its origins back to 1925 with the establishment of the first national sports body, Hockey India has initiated a 50-day countdown leading up to special festivities on November 7.

While the specifics of the celebrations are yet to be announced, Hockey India highlighted the sport's remarkable legacy, characterized by eight Olympic Gold medals—the highest achieved by any nation in hockey and the most medals won by India in any Olympic sport.

Gurbux Singh, the oldest living legend of the sport and an Olympic Gold medalist from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, emphasized hockey's significance in showcasing India's potential on the global stage even prior to Independence. He stated, "The inaugural hockey tournament in India was the Beighton Cup in 1895. The National Hockey Association was established in 1925, and India clinched the Olympic Gold in 1928, just three years post-formation of the governing body. Subsequently, we won gold in 1932 and 1936, and had the Games not been interrupted by WWII in 1940 and 1944, we would have secured two additional gold medals. It was truly the Dhyanchand era, during which we dominated global hockey."

Gurbux further remarked that Britain refrained from sending a hockey team until 1948 out of fear of losing to India. "Hockey not only shaped India's sporting narrative but also fueled nationalism. The national team's success fostered unity among Indians. The British only formed a hockey team in 1948 because they feared being defeated by us. To triumph over them in their own country after we gained Independence was one of the most historic moments for India," Gurbux explained.

He also recounted how Ali Dara was brought in for the final match at the Berlin Olympics to bolster the Indian team. "Germany, a club team with most of their national players, had previously beaten us in practice. When we faced them in the finals, Dara was flown in for that crucial match. It’s important to note that the federation lacked funds, and to participate in the Olympics in Germany, around 35 individuals, including royals, contributed between Rs 100 to Rs 500 from states like Bengal, Punjab, and Mumbai, raising Rs 50,000—a significant amount at that time."

Echoing Gurbux Singh's sentiments, Dilip Tirkey, a modern hockey icon and current president of Hockey India, stated, "It is essential for younger generations to learn from our sport's history and understand its global impact. We aim to relive these golden times through the centenary celebrations planned for November, and today marks the start of a 50-day countdown."