~ Hockey India prepares to honor 100 years of Indian hockey excellence with commemorations in over 500 districts on November 7 ~
New Delhi, October 31, 2025: A century ago, on November 7, 1925, Indian hockey became affiliated to the FIH – and what followed was not just the rise of a sport, but the birth of national pride. Within three years came Amsterdam 1928, and with it a historic Olympic gold that announced India as a hockey superpower. In the decades that followed, the tricolor dominated the world stage, collecting eight Olympic gold medals – the most of any country in hockey history – along with one silver and four bronze medals.
It’s been a journey full of genius, testing phases and exciting comebacks. The golden era of 1928–1959 shaped India’s sporting identity; the 1980s and 1990s challenged its legacy; and then came the revival – culminating in the iconic Tokyo 2020 Bronze and reconfirmed at Paris 2024 with another podium finish. In addition to the victory at the 1975 World Cup and the large number of medals at the Asian Games for both men and women, hockey remains deeply intertwined with the sporting soul of the country.
On November 7, 2025, India will pause to celebrate this remarkable century. The heart of the celebration will beat at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, where the morning will begin with an evocative practice match featuring the Honorable Sports Minister against the Honorable Sports Minister’s Mixed XI, uniting men and women on one field – symbolizing the inclusive future of sports. Hockey legends from generation to generation will be honoured, the commemorative book ‘100 Years of Indian Hockey’ will be unveiled and a moving photo exhibition will take spectators through iconic milestones – from Amsterdam to Paris, from the artistry of Dhyan Chand to the grit of modern champions.
But the celebration will not be limited to one stadium. It will reverberate across more than 500 districts, where more than 1,000 matches and 36,000 players – schoolchildren, grassroots aspirants, veterans and community teams – will take the field together. It will be a festival of sticks and cheers, of memory and promise – a nationwide tribute to a game that once defined India and still inspires dreams.
President of Hockey India, Dr. Dilip Tirkey, said, “This centenary celebration reflects the soul of Indian hockey: its heroes, its resilience and its wonderful revival. From our golden legends to the young stars of today, every step of this journey has shaped our country’s sporting identity. As we celebrate 100 years, we honor our past and set bold ambitions for generations to come.”
Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, added: “Hockey has always belonged to the people of India, and this celebration is for every fan, every player, every coach who has kept the spirit alive. As we celebrate in over 500 districts, we are not just remembering history – we are building the next century of Indian hockey together.”
As the country counts down to this important day, stadiums, schools and fields across the country prepare for a celebration full of nostalgia, pride and renewed energy. A century completed – and a new era ready to begin.