Hockey India started the centenary celebrations of Indian hockey on Thursday, which marked the beginning of the historic year-long event. This centenary year is a tribute to 100 years of excellence in the sport and promises a brighter future for hockey in India. The celebrations started with the grand relaunch of the Hockey India League and the historic launch of Women’s HIL.
Hockey India was born on November 7, 1925, in Gwalior. Just with its very birth began an odyssey of wins and development which catapulted India to the topmost echelons in the game.
The Indian hockey team has gathered an unbeatable legacy over the last 99 years. The country has won eight Olympic Gold medals, one Silver, four Bronze medals, and one Hockey World Cup trophy with one Silver and a Bronze medal. From the golden days of natural grass to the current fight on artificial surfaces, Indian hockey grew and battled all odds with great resilience.
Over the past decade, Indian hockey has experienced a revival of sorts. The men’s team won back-to-back Olympic medals after a gap of 52 years. While the women finished a creditable fourth at the Tokyo Olympics. To that was added their victory in the FIH Nations Cup. Underlining the growth and emergence of the women’s game in India. Anniversary year this year also marks the return of the Hockey India League. A true testament to Hockey India’s pledge to its glorious past while facing forward to the future.
Besides building world-class infrastructure, including modern artificial turfs across India through digital initiatives like Member Unit Portal. And online player registration system, to create a database of professional players in the country. The pathway of structured coaching also aims at producing internationally recognized officials.
It also pushes for gender equity in sports and ensures prize money for men’s and women’s teams in tournaments is the same. As is match-winning fees. Hockey is the only team sport in India where full pay parity across genders has been achieved.
Speaking on the celebrations, President of Hockey India, Dilip Tirkey says, “With the start of the year-long celebration of 100 years of Indian hockey, the re-launched Men’s Hockey League. And introduction of the Women’s Hockey India League become milestones. These leagues are a perfect tribute to our remarkable journey and also legacy in the sport. And we look forward to the exciting matches and extraordinary talent these leagues will witness.”
Adding to that, Secretary General of Hockey India Bhola Nath Singh also said, “This centenary celebration reflects upon our rich heritage and vision for the future. We aim at nurturing talent with the spirit of equality in this sport. This year will be unforgettable as we honor our past and build a better future for hockey in India.”
ANI
