New Delhi: A hundred years ago, on November 7, 1925, Indian hockey took its first major step onto the global stage by becoming affiliated with the International Hockey Federation (FIH). What followed was not just the rise of a sport, but the birth of a national passion that would define India’s sporting identity.
Just three years later came the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics — and with it, India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. That triumph marked the beginning of an era of dominance, as the tricolour reigned supreme in world hockey, collecting eight Olympic golds — the most by any country — along with one silver and four bronze medals.
The journey since then has been one of brilliance, resilience, and revival. The golden era from 1928 to 1959 established India as a hockey powerhouse; the 1980s and 1990s tested that legacy; and then came a stirring resurgence — from the iconic Tokyo 2020 bronze to another podium finish at Paris 2024. Alongside the 1975 World Cup triumph and countless Asian Games medals for both men and women, hockey remains an inseparable part of India’s sporting soul.
On November 7, 2025, the nation will pause to celebrate a century of hockey glory. The heart of the festivities will beat at New Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, beginning with an evocative exhibition match between the Sports Minister’s XI and Hockey India’s Mixed XI — uniting men and women on one field as a symbol of the sport’s inclusive future. The event will honour hockey legends across generations, unveil the commemorative book “100 Years of Indian Hockey,” and feature a powerful photo exhibition tracing the sport’s iconic milestones — from Amsterdam to Paris, from the artistry of Dhyan Chand to the grit of modern champions.
But the celebration will stretch far beyond one venue. Across 500+ districts, more than 1,000 matches and 36,000 players — from schoolchildren and grassroots aspirants to veterans and community teams — will take the field. It will be a nationwide festival of sticks, cheers, and memories — a tribute to the game that once defined India and continues to inspire new dreams.
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “This centenary embodies the very soul of Indian hockey — its heroes, its resilience, and its beautiful resurgence. From our golden legends to today’s young stars, every chapter of this journey has shaped our national identity. As we mark 100 years, we celebrate our past while setting bold ambitions for the future.”
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, “Hockey has always belonged to the people of India. This celebration is for every fan, player, and coach who has kept its spirit alive. As we celebrate across more than 500 districts, we’re not just honouring history — we’re building the next century of Indian hockey together.”
As the countdown to this historic day begins, stadiums, schools, and fields across the country are preparing for a celebration steeped in nostalgia, pride, and renewed purpose.
A century completed — and a new era ready to begin.
