New Delhi [India], November 7 (ANI): The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Hockey India celebrated 100 years of Indian hockey with a grand centenary occasion on the historic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Friday.
The landmark event was graced by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister of Sports and Youth Services, Odisha, Suryabanshi Suraj, President, FIH, Dato Tayyab Ikram, together with different dignitaries, hockey legends, and members of the nationwide groups, as per a Hockey India press launch. The celebration marked a century of sporting excellence, delight, and unity, honouring the journey of Indian hockey from its beginnings in 1925 to its resurgence within the trendy period. Union Sports Minister Dr Mandaviya expressed his delight at being a part of the milestone, noting that ‘the game has seen many phases, and it was by hockey on the Olympics that we confirmed the world what India can obtain in sports activities. We have by no means regarded again since. With its wealthy historical past, Indian hockey is as soon as once more rising and transferring in the direction of one other Olympic medal. As the nation celebrates with over 1,000 matches being performed nationwide right this moment, complete Bharat revels on this proud second. The Government of India will proceed to help our gamers and the game in each attainable approach. I congratulate Hockey India, the gamers, coaches, and followers for being a part of this exceptional journey.’ Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju mirrored on the historic day, saying, ‘I think about myself lucky to face right here among the many legends of the sport on this special day. It has been a protracted and provoking journey for Indian hockey. I congratulate Hockey India for honouring our greats alongside the present stars, merging our wealthy historical past with our promising future. Congratulations to all who’ve been a part of this unimaginable journey.’
Dato Tayyab Ikram, President of the FIH, remarked, ‘It is a pleasure to be a part of this historic milestone for Indian hockey. Today we categorical gratitude to our legends, gamers. followers, and directors who’ve formed this journey. India has led the best way in world hockey for 100 years, demonstrating resilience and innovation. I thank the Government of India and Hockey India, for his or her continued help. India’s resurgence within the Tokyo and Paris Olympics exhibits its power, and I’m assured the following 100 years shall be even brighter for Indian hockey.’ An exhibition match between the Sports Minister’s XI, led by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, and the Hockey India XI, led by Dr. Dilip Tirkey, set the tone for the day. The match resulted in a 3-1 win for the Sports Ministry XI, with objectives from Beauty Dungdung, Salima Tete, and Krishna Pathak, whereas Manpreet Singh scored for Hockey India XI. Hockey India additionally felicitated among the recreation’s most celebrated icons in recognition of their lasting contributions to the game and their inspiration to generations of gamers. The legends of the sport honoured on the ceremony included 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.
Another spotlight of the day was the launch of the commemorative guide ‘100 Years of Indian Hockey’, which chronicles the game’s journey by a century of triumphs, challenges, and revival. A particular photograph exhibition additionally provided a uncommon glimpse into Indian hockey’s exceptional historical past by archival pictures, Olympic moments, and memorabilia tracing the game’s evolution from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to the current day. With Tamil Nadu gearing as much as host the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, the coveted trophy was additionally on show, marking the beginning of a 20-city trophy tour. Adding to the festivities, singer and composer Siddharth Mahadevan delivered a collection of energetic dwell performances, charming these in attendance and highlighting the celebratory observe to the event.
Extending the centenary spirit throughout the nation, a Nationwide Hockey Festival was organised concurrently in 500 districts, participating greater than 36,000 gamers in over 1,000 exhibition matches. The initiative introduced collectively faculty athletes, veterans, and group groups, remodeling the milestone into a real nationwide celebration of the game. Dr Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, shared, ‘It is an honour for me to face right here on the very stadium the place I attended my first camp and performed my first main event. Today is a tribute to those that laid the inspiration for Indian hockey a century in the past and to each participant who has introduced glory to the nation by this sport. We should additionally recognise all of the stakeholders who work tirelessly for the promotion of Hockey together with the Government of India who given us immense help. I’m assured that many extra moments of delight await us within the years to come back.’ Bholanath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India, expressed gratitude to all those that made the milestone attainable: ‘A particular because of the Government of India for making this celebration a actuality and to all of the esteemed dignitaries current right here right this moment. This second belongs to your complete hockey fraternity, and we’re proud to be celebrating it throughout each state. I additionally thank our State Member Units for his or her fixed help and contribution in taking the game ahead.’ (ANI)