New Delhi: Hockey has always held a special place in the hearts of Indian sports fans.
Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh, regarded as one of the modern greats of the game, draws inspiration from the golden chapters of India’s hockey history — especially the 1948 London Olympics, where India defeated Great Britain 4–0 to claim a historic gold medal. The triumph came just a year after Independence and marked the first time the Indian tricolour was hoisted at the Olympic Games.
Reflecting on that iconic moment, Harmanpreet said in a Hockey India release:
“When India won the Gold Medal at the 1948 London Olympics, it was a massive moment for the country, especially because we defeated Great Britain on their home turf. We’ve only heard stories from our seniors about that historic day, and for me, it remains an inspiring moment as a part of the Indian hockey fraternity.”
Harmanpreet, who has led India to back-to-back bronze medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, fondly recalled his interaction with the legendary Balbir Singh Sr., a key member of the 1948 gold-winning team.
“Meeting Balbir Singh Sr. was truly special. Listening to him talk about the London Olympics was unforgettable. Hearing how the British crowd cheered for the Indian team gave me goosebumps — it’s unimaginable how proud and joyful those players must have felt,” he shared.
At the 1948 Games, India overcame Austria, Argentina, and Spain in the group stages, beat the Netherlands in the semifinal, and then outclassed Great Britain in the final to capture the gold.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Harmanpreet said the current team is determined to continue that legacy.
“We’ve stood on the podium twice and seen the flag rise at the Olympics, but our dream is to go one step higher. We want to hear the National Anthem play, just as Kishan Lal and Balbir Singh Sr.’s team did in London. We’ll leave no stone unturned to make that dream a reality.”
“Hockey and India share a rich history. Our goal is to bring home the ninth Olympic gold medal — it would be incredibly special. With the blessings of our seniors, we’re confident we’ll make the country proud,” he added.
Hockey India announced that it will soon share more such nostalgic stories and anecdotes from the icons of Indian hockey, celebrating their contributions to the sport and the country’s century-long legacy on the global stage.
