India's Hockey Legacy Celebrated: Past and Present Unite at Dhyan Chand Stadium

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New Delhi: In a rare moment of unity, Indian hockey legends from the past mingled with the present stars at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. The exhibition game between the Sports Minister's XI and Hockey India's XI was a testament to the sport's rich history, spanning 100 years since the Indian Hockey Federation was founded in 1925. The event brought together some of the sport's greatest names, including 1964 Tokyo Olympics champion Gurbux Singh, who has been associated with hockey for over 65 years. Gurbux had the privilege of training under the legendary Roop Singh, a two-time Olympic champion and brother of the iconic Dhyan Chand. A poignant moment was shared by Ashok Kumar, whose father was a three-time Olympic champion, as he reflected on his own journey to success. Kumar's winning goal in the 1975 World Cup final against Pakistan was a defining moment in his career, and it was only after he achieved this milestone that his father, Dhyan Chand, showed his appreciation. The exhibition game was a celebration of India's hockey legacy, which boasts eight Olympic gold medals, one silver, and four bronze. However, the sport's golden era was marked by a decline in the 1980s due to the introduction of artificial turf, which Indian authorities struggled to cope with. This led to European nations and Australia dominating the game, relegating India to the margins. Indian hockey's resurgence began after a jolt in 2008, when the team failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics. The IHF was derecognised in 2009, and Hockey India (HI) took over as the official body in 2011. The team's subsequent success, including Olympic medals in 2016, 2021, and 2022, is a testament to the professionalism, fitness, and scientific approach of today's players. According to 1980 Olympic gold medallist and former India captain MM Somaya, 'The Tokyo Olympic bronze was not just a medal; it symbolised the resurgence of Indian hockey. This, in every sense, is a golden generation too.' The celebration of India's hockey legacy serves as a reminder of the sport's rich history and the journey of its players, who have overcome challenges to achieve greatness.