100 Years of Indian Hockey – Nationwide Centenary Celebrations Announced

IN NEWS: 100 Years of Indian Hockey – Nationwide Centenary Celebrations Announced

Analysis

1. Announcement and Objective:
   • The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports & Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, announced the Centenary Celebrations to mark 100 Years of Indian Hockey (1925–2025).
   • The celebrations aim to commemorate India’s rich hockey heritage and inspire new generations through large-scale nationwide participation.
2. Event Details:
   • Organised in collaboration with Hockey India, the centenary event will begin on November 7, 2025, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
   • Parallel events will be held across 550+ districts, involving 36,000+ players and 1,400 simultaneous matches.
   • The celebrations start at 8:30 AM and will include a 30-minute mixed exhibition match to promote gender parity, teamwork, and inclusivity.
3. Highlights of the Celebration:
   • Exhibition Match: Union Minister’s XI vs Hockey India’s Mixed XI (Men & Women).
   • Felicitation Ceremony: Honouring hockey legends for their contributions.
   • Photo Exhibition: Showcasing 100 years of Indian hockey, from 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to modern achievements.
   • Commemorative Volume: Release of “100 Years of Indian Hockey”, documenting the sport’s journey and milestones.
4. Government Initiatives and Support:
   • Hockey features under Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Target Asian Games Group (TAGG).
   • ASMITA Hockey League aims to promote women’s hockey at junior and sub-junior levels.
   • The government’s vision is to make India a top sporting nation by 2036, through investments in infrastructure, training, and institutional reforms.
5. Statements from Key Stakeholders:
   • Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya: Emphasised hockey’s role in shaping India’s national identity and pride.
   • Dr. Dilip Tirkey (President, Hockey India): Highlighted the emotional and historic importance of the centenary, focusing on grassroots and gender-balanced development.
   • Bhola Nath Singh (Secretary General, Hockey India): Stressed transparency, grassroots strengthening, and collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Static Part (For UPSC Context)

• Hockey as India’s National Game (Cultural Symbol):
  • Though not officially notified as the national game, hockey holds immense historical significance due to India’s Olympic dominance.
• India’s Olympic Record in Hockey:
  • 8 Olympic Gold Medals and 13 Olympic Podium Finishes (Men’s Team).
• Key Governing Body:
  • Hockey India, established in 2009, recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
• Major Dhyan Chand:
  • Widely regarded as India’s greatest hockey player; the National Stadium in Delhi and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award are named in his honour.
• Schemes Supporting Hockey:
  • TOPS – Focused funding for elite athletes.
  • Khelo India Programme – Grassroots sports development.
  • ASMITA Hockey League – Encouraging women’s participation.

Updated – 03 Nov 2025 ; 06:15 PM | PIB