- Historical Legacy and Modern Resurgence
- Ancient Origins : Field hockey, one of the world’s oldest sports, has roots tracing back to ancient Egypt and was formalized in Scotland in the 16th century. Modern field hockey, as known today, was developed by the British in the late 18th to early 19th century.
- Indian Connection : The sport was introduced to India by the British in the 1850s and quickly became popular due to the availability of large playing fields and simple equipment. The first Indian hockey club was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1855.

- Dominance and Decline
- Olympic Glory : India’s hockey team began its Olympic journey in 1928, winning gold in Amsterdam. This marked the beginning of a legacy of dominance with eight gold medals in Olympic history. The team, led by legends like Dhyan Chand and Balbir Singh Sr., achieved three consecutive gold medals in the early 20th century.
- Challenges and Stagnation : The 1960s and 70s saw India’s dominance challenged, with a silver medal in 1960 and a gradual decline in performance through the 1970s and 80s. Despite winning the 1980 Moscow Olympics gold, the sport faced stagnation due to the adaptation to artificial astroturf and global competition.
- Modern Era and Revival
- New Challenges : The 2008 Beijing Olympics saw India’s men’s team fail to qualify, marking a low point. However, the 2010s began a period of revival. Under the guidance of coaches like Graham Reid and Craig Fulton, the Indian team adopted a more attacking and structured defensive approach.
- Recent Success : The men’s team secured bronze medals at both the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics, with the latter marking consecutive bronze medals for the first time since 1972. The women’s team also showed remarkable progress, finishing fourth in Tokyo and winning bronze in Hangzhou 2023.
- The Paris 2024 Olympics
- Competitive Edge : At the Paris 2024 Games, held from July 27 to August 9, both the men’s and women’s teams showcased their improved form. The men’s team won bronze by defeating Spain 2-1, continuing their streak of Olympic success.
- Defensive Strategy : The team’s success in Paris was attributed to a balanced approach between attacking prowess and solid defensive structures. Coach Craig Fulton’s emphasis on ‘defend to win’ played a crucial role in their performance.
- Celebratory Welcome and Future Aspirations
- National Celebration : The return of the bronze-winning team was met with grand celebrations. Players like Harmanpreet Singh were welcomed with great enthusiasm, and state leaders expressed their pride in the team’s achievements.
- Looking Ahead : With a renewed focus on both offense and defense, the Indian hockey teams are poised to reclaim past glories. The emphasis on building a strong defensive foundation, along with a dynamic attack, sets the stage for future successes.

- Grassroots and Future Development
- Local Talent : The success of players like Vivek Prasad from Madhya Pradesh highlights the growing talent pool in India. Support from state governments and sports academies is crucial in nurturing future stars.
Call to Action : The revival of Indian hockey is a testament to the sport’s enduring legacy and future potential. With continued support and development, Indian hockey aims to return to the pinnacle of global compe