The Sports Authority of India and Hockey India on Friday marked 100 years of Indian hockey with a grand celebration at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, commemorating a century of sporting excellence, unity, and national pride.
The event was graced by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister Kiren Rijiju, Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram, hockey legends, and members of India’s national teams.
Dr. Mandaviya hailed the sport’s glorious history, noting that hockey has earned India a special place at the Olympics. “Indian hockey is once again on the rise, moving towards another Olympic medal. As we celebrate with over 1,000 matches across the nation, this is a moment of immense pride. The government will continue to support our players and the sport in every way possible,” he said.
Kiren Rijiju highlighted the sport’s enduring legacy, saying, “It has been a long and inspiring journey for Indian hockey. Congratulations to everyone who has been part of this remarkable century.”
FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram applauded India’s pivotal role in global hockey, praising its resurgence at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. “India has led world hockey for a hundred years through resilience and innovation. The next century will be even brighter,” he remarked.
An exhibition match between the Sports Ministry XI, captained by Dr. Mandaviya, and the Hockey India XI, led by Dr. Dilip Tirkey, ended 3–1 in favour of the Sports Ministry team. Beauty Dungdung, Salima Tete, and Krishna Pathak scored for the winners, while Manpreet Singh netted the lone goal for Hockey India XI.
The ceremony honoured several legendary players, including Gurbux Singh, Harbinder Singh, Ajith Pal Singh, Ashok Kumar, B.P. Govinda, Aslam Sher Khan, Zafar Iqbal, Brig. Harcharan Singh VSM, Vineet Kumar, Romeo James, Asunta Lakra, and Subhadra Pradhan.
A commemorative book titled “100 Years of Indian Hockey” was launched, alongside a photo exhibition featuring rare archival images, Olympic moments, and memorabilia tracing India’s journey from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to the present day.
As part of the celebration, the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 trophy—set to be hosted by Tamil Nadu—was unveiled as part of a 20-city trophy tour. The evening also featured a live performance by singer-composer Siddharth Mahadevan, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Nationwide, the Hockey Festival engaged over 36,000 players across 500 districts, with more than 1,000 exhibition matches held in celebration of the centenary.
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said the event was a tribute to those who laid the foundation of Indian hockey and acknowledged the continued support of the Government of India. Secretary General Bholanath Singh extended his gratitude to all stakeholders and State Member Units, saying, “This moment belongs to the entire hockey fraternity, and we are proud to celebrate it across every corner of the country.”
