A century of stick & spirit: India celebrates 100 yrs of hockey

India marked a historic milestone on Friday, the completion of 100 years of its hockey legacy with nationwide celebrations led by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Hockey India.

The centenary, commemorating the day the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) was formed on November 7, 1925 in Gwalior, celebrated India’s remarkable journey from its colonial era beginnings to global dominance in the sport.

The occasion was graced by Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister of Sports, Odisha, Suryabanshi Suraj and International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Tayyab Ikram, along with hockey legends and national team members.

An exhibition match between the Sports Minister’s XI, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, and the Hockey India XI, led by Dilip Tirkey, set the tone for the day. The Sports Minister’s XI clinched victory (3-1), with goals from Beauty Dungdung, Salima Tete and Krishna Pathak, while Manpreet Singh scored for Hockey India XI.

In his address, Mandaviya hailed hockey as a “symbol of India’s sporting pride”, recalling the nation’s golden era marked by eight Olympic gold medals. “The sport has seen many phases, and it was through hockey at the Olympics that we showed the world what India can achieve in sports. We have never looked back since. With its rich history, Indian hockey is once again rising and moving towards another Olympic medal. As the country celebrates with over 1,000 matches being played nationwide today, entire Bharat revels in this proud moment. The Government of India will continue to support our players and the sport in every possible way. I congratulate Hockey India, the players, coaches and fans for being part of this remarkable journey,” he said.

Kiren Rijiju also reflected on the historic day, saying, “I consider myself fortunate to stand here among the legends of the game on this special occasion. It has been a long and inspiring journey for Indian hockey. I congratulate Hockey India for honouring our greats alongside the current stars, merging our rich history with our promising future. Congratulations to all who have been part of this incredible journey.”

Tayyab Ikram, president of the FIH, said: “It is a pleasure to be part of this historic milestone for Indian hockey. Today, we express gratitude to our legends, players, fans and administrators who have shaped this journey. India has led the way in world hockey through 100 years of resilience and innovation. I thank the Government of India and Hockey India for their continued support. India’s resurgence in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics shows its strength, and I am confident the next 100 years will be even brighter for Indian hockey.”

As part of the centenary celebrations, Hockey India announced a nationwide initiative to organise over 1,000 matches across states, involving schools, academies and local clubs to promote grassroots participation.

Hockey India also felicitated some of the game’s most celebrated icons, including Gurbux Singh, Harbinder Singh, Ajith Pal Singh, Ashok Kumar, BP Govinda, Aslam Sher Khan, Zafar Iqbal, Brigadier Harcharan Singh (VSM), Vineet Kumar, Romeo James, Asunta Lakra and Subhadra Pradhan, in recognition of their lasting contribution to the sport.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said the centenary is not just a look back at past glory but a renewed commitment toward excellence and inclusivity. “Our next 100 years begin today with stronger structures, greater opportunities and a dream to bring hockey back to its golden peak,” he said.