New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) For numerous decades, early in the last century, Indian hockey was widely regarded as the gold standard. With an impressive collection of eight gold medals, six of which were consecutive, alongside one silver and four bronze, accumulating a total of 13 medals at the Olympic Games, India has undeniably established its legacy.

A key figure who has observed this evolution closely is Ashok Kumar, an Olympic medallist from 1972 in Munich and a World Cup champion in 1975, who is also the son of the iconic Dhyan Chand.

In 1928, the Indian men's hockey team achieved its inaugural Olympic gold medal, and until 1960, the team remained unbeatable in the Olympics, clinching six gold medals consecutively.

Reflecting on this legacy, Ashok Kumar stated, “Even prior to the 1928 Olympics, the Indian men's hockey team was showcasing remarkable talent, and during our Olympic debut, Dhyan Chand was part of the squad. This marked the beginning of a glorious chapter in Indian hockey, as we exhibited our skill and flair to the world. Celebrating 100 years in the sport is a tremendous accomplishment for Indian hockey.

Ashok Kumar was instrumental in the Indian team's last World Cup victory in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur, where he netted the decisive goal against Pakistan in the final. He also holds a bronze from the 1971 World Cup in Barcelona and a silver from the 1973 edition in Amsterdam.

Although 1975 remains India's solitary World Cup title, Ashok Kumar is among the few athletes to have secured all three World Cup medals. Reminiscing, Ashok Kumar, known for his outstanding ball control and skills, remarked, “There was a time when the enthusiasm for hockey mirrored that of cricket today. India has produced exceptional players who have established a remarkable legacy, including Dhyan Chand, KD Singh 'Babu', and Balbir Singh Sr. During that era, the entire nation closely followed Indian hockey.”

He further elaborated, “The records India holds in hockey, including the double hat-trick of medals, and the fervor surrounding the Indian hockey team were astonishing. Our success at the Olympics, the pinnacle of sports, tells a compelling story.”

Following the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, India had to endure a four-decade wait for another medal, which came in the form of a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Just four years later, another bronze was secured at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Ashok Kumar is optimistic about the current Indian team, asserting, “Our present squad is playing with immense confidence and lacks nothing. Their preparation and execution are commendable, making it a formidable team. Both the Indian Men's and Women's Hockey Teams are excelling, and it is their moment to shine at the highest level.”