Hockey!! an enthusiastic game which brings more energy and also reminds our national game which makes us proud and gives the country pride.
As we talk about the history of hockey in Indian dates to the rule of British regiments in India. In 1885-86, Calcutta (the city of joy) became the first city to have a hockey team, followed by Bombay and Punjab. The Bengal Hockey Association established the first hockey organization in India in 1908.
Later when the game became popular, organizations sprung up in places like Bombay, Bihar, Orissa and Delhi.
India first won the gold medal in hockey at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. India has won the Olympic Hockey Championship five times in a row. The Indian Hockey Federation gained a name and reputation due to India’s first Olympic entry into hockey, which ended in triumph. The best Indian hockey players were Dhyan Chand, Yusuf G, Pinniger, Norris and Cullen.
Indian Hockey in International Fields
The great achievements of Indian hockey at the Olympic Games were a source of pride for the country.
The Indian hockey team completed in 1928, the year the nation’s first Olympic gold medal was awarded.
The Indian Hockey Team won six Olympic gold medals between 1928-1956. They managed to win 24 straight games during that span, scoring 178 goals while only surrendering seven in their opponent’s half. The prime of Indian hockey is thought to have occurred during this time. The winning streak for Indian hockey in the 1960 Olympics in Rome came to an end. The team then lost the title game 0-1 to the Pakistan Hockey team.
The Indian hockey team won a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 and won several bronze medals in the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
After 1980, the Indian hockey team’s performance at the Olympic Games deteriorated further, resulting in the team’s failure to win any medals.
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Indian men’s hockey team won the 1975 Hockey World Cup.
History of Indian Hockey in The Olympics
1928 – Amsterdam Olympics: GOLD
In the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, India defeated the Netherlands 3-0 to win their first Olympic hockey medal. Moreover, this was India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.
1932 – Los Angeles: GOLD
Four years later, in Los Angeles, India successfully defended their championship and won two straight Olympic gold medals. India’s 24-1 victory against the USA in the Los Angeles Olympics of 1932 still stands as the largest margin of victory in Olympic hockey history.
1936 – Berlin: GOLD
Dhyan Chand led the Indian side and completed a hat-trick of gold medals in the Olympics by beating Germany 8-1 the biggest margin in the Olympics hockey finals. In front of their home crowd in Berlin, 1936.
1948 – London: GOLD
Even though the 1940 and 1944 Games were Cancelled because of World War II, India continued to dominate the competition. This was India’s first Olympic Medal since gaining independence, and the fact that they defeated Great Britain 4-0 in the final added to the joy.
1952 – Helsinki: GOLD
Balbir Singh Sr scored five goals against the Netherlands in the Helsinki Olympics finals. India earned its fifth consecutive gold medal in the major event.
1956 – Melbourne: GOLD
India won another gold medal by defeating neighbours Pakistan 1-0 in the Melbourne finals, which served as the start of the conflict between the two arch-rivals.
1960 – Rome: SILVER
India’s streak of six consecutive Olympic gold medal wins came to an end in the 1960 Rome Olympics after a 0-1 loss against Pakistan. The Indian men’s hockey team had to be satisfied with a silver medal.
1964 – Tokyo: GOLD
India made a successful comeback at the next Olympics in Tokyo, defeating Pakistan in the finals to win their sixth Olympic gold medal.
1968 – Mexico City: BRONZE
This was the first Olympics in which the Indian team failed to make the finals of an Olympics. After defeating West Germany, they had to settle for a bronze medal after being defeated by Australia in the semifinals.
1972 – Munich: BRONZE
After losing to Pakistan in the semifinals, India was unable to get to the Olympics finals. India claimed their second bronze medal by beating the Netherlands.
1980 – Moscow: GOLD
In the Olympic Games played in a format that did not have semi-finals, India defeated Spain in the Olympic Games finals, winning their eighth gold medal overall.
2021 – Tokyo: BRONZE
India defeated Germany 5-4 to win their 12th medal in the Olympics after 41 years.
The Indian men’s hockey team is a true force to be reckoned with. They have shown tremendous skill, determination, and tenacity in their recent international matches. Their hard work and dedication are commendable, and their accomplishments are truly inspiring. They are a shining example of what it means to be a champion, and their success is something to be proud of. Congratulations to the Indian men’s hockey team!
