India commemorates 100 years of Indian hockey

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Hockey India jointly celebrated the centenary of Indian hockey on 7 November 2025 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. The occasion highlighted a century of sporting excellence, national pride, and unity.

Historical Significance

• November 7, 1925: Marks the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) — the first governing body for hockey in India.
• This date is considered the official start of hockey in India.
• The IHF was replaced by Hockey India in 2009 as the national governing body.

Commemorative Releases

• A book titled “100 Years of Indian Hockey” was launched, chronicling the sport’s evolution from colonial times to the modern era.
• A special photo exhibition was organized, featuring:
  • Archival photographs and memorabilia
  • Iconic Olympic moments
  • India’s journey from the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to the present day

Origins of the Game

• The first Hockey Association was formed in the UK in 1876, providing the first official set of rules for the sport.
• Although it lasted only six years, it was later revived by nine founding clubs.

Early Roots in India

• Indians began playing hockey well before Independence.
• Calcutta established the first hockey club in 1885, followed by clubs in Bombay and Punjab.
• In Punjab, the game was traditionally known as ‘Khido Khundi’, played with a cotton ball and a curved stick.