100 YEARS OF INDIAN HOCKEY

NEWS

• November 7, 2025 marks 100 years since the foundation of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF), India’s first governing body for the sport (1925).
• Celebrations include 1,400 matches across 550 districts, symbolizing hockey’s deep cultural and historical roots.
• The centenary also highlights the evolution of Indian hockey from colonial legacy to global dominance.

HIGHLIGHTS

Historical Evolution

• Origin: Modern hockey evolved in Britain (18th–19th century) and reached India via the British Army (1850s).
• Early Clubs: Calcutta (1885) established India’s first hockey club, followed by Bombay and Punjab.
• Formal Structure: The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) was established on November 7, 1925, replaced by Hockey India in 2009 as the official governing body.

 India at the Olympics

• Hockey became a permanent Olympic sport from 1928 Amsterdam Games.
• India has won 13 Olympic medals — 8 Gold, 1 Silver, 4 Bronze.
• First Gold: Amsterdam 1928.
• Latest Medal: Bronze at Paris 2024, defeating Spain.
• Legend: Major Dhyan Chand, known as the Magician of Hockey, led India to three consecutive Olympic golds (1928–36); his birthday (Aug 29) is celebrated as National Sports Day.

 Government Schemes Promoting Hockey

1. Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): Financial & training support for elite athletes preparing for the Olympics.
2. ASMITA Hockey League: Promotes women’s hockey at junior and sub-junior levels.
3. Khelo India Scheme: Scholarships, infrastructure, and talent identification for young hockey players.
4. Sports Authority of India (SAI) Schemes: Includes National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) and High-Performance Coaching for elite hockey players.