100 years of Indian hockey: Celebrations to include nationwide events and exhibition match

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, announced grand celebrations to mark 100 years of Indian hockey. The centenary celebrations will feature a major event in New Delhi, with parallel grassroots-level matches across India

Hyderabad: The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, on Monday announced the grand celebrations to mark 100 Years of Indian Hockey (1925–2025).

The centenary celebrations, to be held in association with Hockey India, will take place on November 7 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, with parallel events scheduled across more than 550 districts in India.

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To celebrate the occasion at the grassroots level, over 1,400 hockey matches will be played simultaneously across 550 districts nationwide, involving more than 36,000 players. Each district will host one men’s and one women’s match, symbolising equality and inclusion. This initiative aims to create a festive atmosphere across the country, uniting rural and urban India in celebration of the national sport.

The milestone event will commemorate a century of India’s rich hockey heritage, honouring the legends who brought the nation glory and celebrating the sport’s enduring spirit that continues to inspire millions.

“As India celebrates 100 years of hockey, we honour a century of pride, perseverance, and national glory. This milestone is an occasion to remember our heroes who brought honour to the country and to draw inspiration from their journey as we look ahead. Hockey is more than just a sport for India—it is part of our identity and collective spirit,” said the Union Minister.

A 30-minute exhibition match featuring the Hon’ble Sports Minister’s XI and Hockey India’s Mixed XI (men and women) will highlight gender parity, teamwork, and inclusivity, with elite players from both the men’s and women’s national teams participating. This will be followed by the felicitation of hockey legends across generations, recognising their contribution to India’s status as the world’s most successful hockey nation, with eight Olympic gold medals and 13 Olympic podium finishes.

“Our vision is clear—to make India one of the top sporting nations in the world by 2036 and to consistently perform at the highest levels in every discipline. With continued collaboration between the Ministry, the Sports Authority of India, and federations like Hockey India, we will continue to nurture young talent, expand access to sport, and ensure that India’s tri-colour flies high on every international stage,” the Sports Minister added.

The centenary will also witness the release of the official commemorative volume, “100 Years of Indian Hockey”, chronicling the sport’s remarkable journey—its triumphs, challenges, and revival. The publication will serve as both a historical record and a tribute to generations of players who have shaped India’s hockey legacy.

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “Celebrating 100 years of Indian hockey is a deeply emotional and proud moment for all of us. This milestone honours our glorious past while inspiring a new generation to carry the legacy forward. Indian hockey has always represented the spirit of resilience, unity, and excellence.”

A large-scale photo exhibition at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium will take visitors through a visual journey of 100 glorious years, displaying rare archival photographs, memorabilia, and Olympic moments—from the 1928 Amsterdam Games to the present resurgence.

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “As we mark this historic milestone, it gives me great pride to see how Hockey India has evolved into a transparent, accountable, and forward-looking organisation.”