Even as other sporting events have their own importance and fan base; hockey has always been associated for its patent Indian ethos. In her essay, Kriti Kalra highlights the high and low trajectory of this sport. Despite its glorious past, Indian hockey witnessed a steady decline in subsequent decades. Factors like synthetic turf, changes in coaching methodologies, and administrative mismanagement contributed to the erosion of India’s hockey supremacy.
Hockey holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, deeply intertwined with the nation’s history and identity. From its golden era of dominance to periods of decline and resurgence, the journey of Indian hockey reflects the country’s passion for the sport and its enduring quest for excellence on the international stage.
In India, the hockey connection dates back to the 20th century. Over the decades, Indian hockey emerged as a powerhouse, dominating the Olympic Games and World Championships during the mid-20th century. The iconic triumphs of the Indian hockey team, including six consecutive Olympic gold medals from 1928 to 1956, remain etched in sporting folklore, symbolising the nation’s prowess and unity.
Despite its illustrious past, Indian hockey witnessed a gradual decline in subsequent decades. Factors such as the advent of synthetic turf, changes in coaching methodologies, and administrative mismanagement contributed to the erosion of India’s hockey supremacy.
Recognising the need for a revival, various stakeholders within Indian hockey embarked on a journey of transformation. Initiatives such as the Hockey India League (HIL), launched in 2013, aimed to rejuvenate the sport by providing a platform for domestic talent to showcase their skills alongside international stars.
The HIL not only elevated the standard of competition but also reignited public interest in hockey, fostering a new generation of players and fans.
Concerted efforts were made to overhaul the grassroots infrastructure, with emphasis placed on talent identification, coaching development, and youth programmes. The establishment of state-of-the-art training facilities and the recruitment of talented coaches injected fresh perspectives and methodologies into Indian hockey.
The legacy
In India, the genesis of hockey clubs dates back to the late 19th century, with the first club established in Calcutta in 1885-86. Soon after, Bombay and Punjab followed suit, demonstrating the sport’s rapid spread across the nation.
By 1908, the Bengal Hockey Association emerged as India’s pioneering hockey association, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s organisational structure. As hockey gained popularity, similar associations proliferated in regions such as Bombay, Bihar, Orissa, and Delhi, further fostering the growth of the game.
The watershed moment for Indian hockey arrived at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam, where the national team clinched its maiden gold medal, signalling the beginning of a remarkable era of dominance.
Subsequently, India went on to secure Olympic gold for an unprecedented five consecutive times, establishing itself as a powerhouse in international hockey. The triumphs at the Olympics elevated the stature of the Indian Hockey Federation, the administrative body of field hockey in India, garnering widespread acclaim and recognition on the global stage.
The inclusion of women in Indian hockey further enriched the sport’s landscape, with significant strides made towards gender inclusivity. The Asiad 82 marked a pivotal moment by incorporating women’s hockey into the tournament, highlighting the growing presence and prowess of female athletes in the sport.
The legends
Legendary players such as Dhyan Chand, Allen, Norris, Pinniger, Yusuf Gateley, and Cullen became synonymous with Indian hockey’s golden era, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
Born in 1905 in Prayagraj, Major Dhyan Chand was an icon in Indian field hockey. He is revered as one of the greatest field hockey players in the world and his legacy transcends generations.
Renowned for his exceptional ball control and goal-scoring prowess, Chand clinched three Olympic gold medals for India in 1928, 1932, and 1936, marking an era of Indian dominance in field hockey. His impact reverberated far beyond these victories, contributing significantly to India’s triumphs in the field hockey events.
In recognition of his enduring legacy, Chand’s birthday on 29th August is commemorated as National Sports Day in India since 1995. On this day, the President bestows prestigious sports-related awards such as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and Dronacharya Award at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolising Chand’s enduring influence on Indian sportsmanship and excellence.
Today, Indian Hockey has found its bearing again. In the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, India clinched silver and bronze medals in the men’s and women’s hockey tournaments, respectively. At the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, the Indian men’s hockey team triumphed with a gold medal, while the women’s team secured a bronze.
Indian hockey’s journey from the golden era to adversity and revival epitomises the resilience and spirit of the nation. Indian hockey is now a dominant force in the international arena, inspiring generations and upholding the legacy of a sport deeply ingrained in the fabric of Indian society.
The football story
Football, often referred to as the beautiful game, has a rich history and a massive global following. In recent years, India’s relationship with football has undergone significant transformations, reflecting the nation’s passion for the sport and its ambitions on the international stage.
After rooting itself in the early 19th century, football quickly gained popularity, and by the early 20th century, Indian football clubs were flourishing. The Durand Cup, established in 1888 by Mortimer Durand, stands as one of oldest football tournaments, highlighting the sport’s early presence in the country.
Calcutta FC, Calcutta Football Club, is regarded as India’s inaugural football club. The true pioneer of Indian football emerged with the arrival of Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari. This legendary football administrator played a pivotal role in establishing numerous football clubs across Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and Bengal, significantly boosting the sport’s popularity. Consequently, this zone emerged as the focal point of football in India.
He was instrumental in the formation of the three iconic Calcutta clubs – Mohun Bagan, founded in 1889, Mohammedan Sporting Club, established in 1891, and East Bengal, inaugurated in 1920. These clubs continue to thrive even today.
The Indian Super League (ISL), founded in 2013, emerged as a game-changer, attracting attention from domestic and international audiences. With its star-studded line-ups and high production values, the ISL revolutionised Indian football, providing a platform for homegrown talent to showcase their skills alongside renowned international players.
Furthermore, the I-League, India’s premier football competition, continues to play a vital role in nurturing young talent and promoting competition at the national level. Despite facing challenges such as financial instability and organisational issues, the I-League remains an essential component of Indian football’s ecosystem.
Amidst these challenges lie numerous opportunities for Indian football to thrive. The country’s massive population, growing middle class, and increasing interest in the sport present a fertile ground for the expansion of football’s footprint. Moreover, initiatives such as the Mission XI Million, aimed at promoting football among school children, demonstrate a concerted effort to build a strong footballing culture from the grassroots level.
The Indian national team’s rise in FIFA rankings, coupled with impressive performances in regional competitions such as the AFC Asian Cup, signals progress and potential for further growth. Indian players such as Sunil Chhetri, dubbed the “Captain Fantastic,” have garnered international acclaim for their talent and dedication to the sport. Chhetri’s leadership on and off the field has earned him recognition as one of Asia’s finest footballers, inspiring a new generation of players in India.
Indian football has come a long way from its humble beginnings to emerge as a prominent force in the global footballing landscape. While challenges persist, the passion and determination of players, coaches, and fans alike continue to drive the sport forward.