The nation witnessed a historic moment today as India celebrated 100 years of hockey at a grand centenary event held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. The occasion marked a century since Indian hockey began its legendary journey from colonial-era beginnings to global domination and modern resurgence, a story woven deeply into the fabric of India’s national identity.
The commemorative event was graced by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, alongside distinguished hockey legends, former Olympians, and hundreds of young players who represent the sport’s vibrant future.
As part of the nationwide celebrations, more than 1,400 matches were held across 550 districts, a remarkable initiative by Hockey India to connect every corner of the nation to the sport that has brought India unparalleled international glory.
The main function in New Delhi commenced at 8:30 AM with a ceremonial opening that paid homage to India’s earliest hockey pioneers from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, where India won its first gold, to the golden decades that followed under the indomitable leadership of Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Sr., and other icons who turned hockey into India’s pride on the global stage.
A 30-minute exhibition match between the Union Ministers’ XI and Hockey India’s Mixed XI (Men & Women) set the tone for the celebrations, showcasing the spirit of inclusivity, gender parity, and teamwork. The match brought together elite players from both national teams, underlining how far Indian hockey has evolved since its amateur beginnings a century ago.
The highlight of the morning was the felicitation of Indian hockey legends, Olympians, coaches, and administrators whose lifelong dedication built the foundation of the sport’s success. The thunderous applause that greeted them reflected the nation’s collective gratitude to those who made hockey synonymous with Indian excellence.
One of the defining moments of the day was the release of the official commemorative volume, “100 Years of Indian Hockey”, capturing the sport’s extraordinary journey. The volume traces India’s evolution from its golden age of Olympic domination — eight gold medals between 1928 and 1980 — through periods of challenge and revival, culminating in Hockey India’s structured efforts since its formation in 2009 to professionalise the game, improve infrastructure, and promote gender equality in sport.
A large-scale photo exhibition at the stadium drew crowds into a visual journey of triumphs, heartbreaks, and unforgettable milestones from black-and-white images of the 1936 Berlin Olympics to the euphoric bronze medal at Tokyo 2020. Rare memorabilia, vintage sticks, and team photographs created an immersive timeline of a sport that has defined generations.
In his address, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, one of India’s most decorated defenders and a symbol of modern Indian hockey, said, “This centenary is not just about remembering our glorious past, but about inspiring the next generation to dream bigger. Hockey has been India’s pride, and our mission is to make it the nation’s passion once again.” Tirkey reaffirmed Hockey India’s commitment to grassroots development, women’s participation, and a renewed push toward Olympic excellence.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya hailed the centenary as “a celebration not just of a sport, but of a shared emotion that unites India.” He praised Hockey India’s leadership for reviving India’s global standing through sustained grassroots investment. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju highlighted hockey’s role in shaping India’s national pride, while Tamil Nadu DCM Udhayanidhi Stalin reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s commitment to nurturing future hockey stars and expanding the game’s southern footprint.
As the event concluded with the national anthem echoing through the same stadium that has witnessed countless hockey battles, the moment symbolised both reflection and renewal: a tribute to a century of perseverance and a pledge to the future.
With eight Olympic gold medals and 13 podium finishes, India remains the most successful hockey nation in history. The centenary celebrations reminded every Indian that hockey is far more than a game, it is the heartbeat of a nation, an enduring legacy now ready to script its next century of glory.
