India Celebrates 100 Years of Hockey with Grand Centenary Event

New Delhi, November 7, 2025 India marked 100 years of its rich hockey legacy with a grand celebration at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. Organized by the Sports Authority of India and Hockey India, the centenary event paid tribute to a century of passion, teamwork, and sporting excellence that has made hockey an inseparable part of India’s identity. The event saw the presence of Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Odisha’s Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram, hockey legends, and members of India’s national teams. Dr. Mandaviya praised India’s glorious journey in the sport, saying hockey gave the nation unforgettable Olympic memories and moments of unity. “With its proud legacy, Indian hockey is rising again and moving towards more Olympic glory. The Government of India will always stand by our players and help the sport reach new heights,” he said. Kiren Rijiju called Indian hockey’s journey “long and inspiring,” celebrating both legendary players of the past and the new generation leading the sport forward. FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram applauded India’s contributions to world hockey, highlighting the country’s recent resurgence at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. “India’s century in hockey is built on resilience and innovation. The next 100 years promise to be even greater,” he said. A friendly exhibition match added excitement to the event, where the Sports Ministry XI, led by Dr. Mandaviya, defeated the Hockey India XI, captained by Dr. Dilip Tirkey, 3–1. Goals came from Beauty Dungdung, Salima Tete, and Krishna Pathak for the Ministry team, while Manpreet Singh scored for Hockey India XI. The ceremony honoured iconic players like Gurbux Singh, Harbinder Singh, Ajith Pal Singh, Ashok Kumar, Zafar Iqbal, and Asunta Lakra for their immense contribution to Indian hockey. A special book, “100 Years of Indian Hockey”, was launched to capture the sport’s history from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to today. A photo exhibition displayed rare images, Olympic moments, and memorabilia that celebrated India’s hockey journey. As part of the event, the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 trophy—set to be hosted in Tamil Nadu—was unveiled as part of a 20-city national tour. The evening concluded with a live performance by singer and composer Siddharth Mahadevan, adding a vibrant touch to the celebration. Across the country, the centenary spirit spread through the Hockey Festival, which saw more than 36,000 players participate in over 1,000 matches across 500 districts. Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said the event honoured those who built the sport’s foundation, while Secretary General Bholanath Singh called it “a proud moment for the entire hockey family.” India’s 100 years of hockey were not just celebrated in a stadium—they were celebrated in the hearts of millions who continue to cheer for the game that once made India a global powerhouse. India Celebrates 100 Years of Hockey with Grand Centenary Event India completed 100 years of hockey glory, marking a century of teamwork, pride, and unforgettable victories. The celebration at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi brought together players, legends, and fans who have carried the spirit of Indian hockey through generations. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said hockey gave India some of its proudest Olympic memories and promised continued government support for players and the sport’s growth. Kiren Rijiju called it a “long and inspiring journey,” praising both the legends and today’s rising stars. The event featured an exhibition match where the Sports Ministry XI won 3–1 against the Hockey India XI, showing that the love for the game still runs strong. A special book, 100 Years of Indian Hockey, was released to honour the sport’s history, along with a photo exhibition showcasing iconic moments and Olympic triumphs. Celebrations also reached across India, with over 36,000 players participating in matches across 500 districts as part of the Hockey Festival. A century of hockey is not just about the past—it’s a promise for the future. India continues to stand tall, ready for another hundred years of hockey excellence.