The hockey stick is made with hickory or mulberry wood and generally, the stick is flat on the playing side. The Hockey India League (HIL) was a professional league for field hockey clubs in India, which was started in 2013 with the aim of promoting the sport and improving its standards. The league saw participation from top international players along with Indian players, and this helped in the development of young talent in the country. Despite these challenges, the Indian hockey team has shown resilience and determination in their efforts to regain their former glory. They have been making strides in recent years and have qualified for major international tournaments. With increased investment and support, there is hope that hockey can once again become a dominant force in Indian sports.

Post-Independence Challenges For Hockey In India

The game gained even more importance after India won its first Olympic gold medal in hockey in 1928, and went on to win 6 more golds in the subsequent years. Indian hockey legends like Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Senior, Leslie Claudius, Udham Singh, and Roop Singh played a pivotal role in establishing hockey as India’s national game. The contribution of these players to Indian hockey is invaluable and cannot be overstated. Hockey is regarded as the national sport of India because it is one of the oldest sports.

In tennis, legends like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, and Sania Mirza have held blog the tricolor high with their exemplary achievements. Furthermore, India has also made its presence felt in athletics, boxing, shooting, and archery, with champions like Mary Kom, Abhinav Bindra, and Neeraj Chopra becoming household names. Cricket, often labeled the “religion” of India, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. Its immense popularity has made it an unofficial national sport, uniting the country during major tournaments and events. Beyond cricket, sports like badminton, tennis, and wrestling have also carved their niches, with athletes representing India on global platforms and bringing accolades home.

Other Significant Sports in India

Hockey, once considered the national sport of India, is now struggling to compete with other sports that have gained popularity in recent years. Cricket is the most popular sport in India, and it has received massive investment and support from both the government and private sector. Other sports, such as football and kabaddi, have also gained popularity and have been successful in establishing professional leagues.

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  • The current accepted version of the game of Field Hockey was developed by the British.

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  • National game status may also arise from the fact that the sport in question has a long-standing rich legacy for that country.
  • The article “What is India’s national sport?” provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing debate surrounding the recognition of India’s national sport.
  • Hockey, also known as field hockey, has a special place in Indian sports history.

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  • In 2024, he was awarded the Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award.

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  • However, while India may have won various accolades in all three of these sports, it does not have an officially declared game as of yet.

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It brings people from all walks of life, irrespective of their backgrounds, together to support and cheer for their favorite teams, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie. The Indian government actively promotes both hockey and the country’s cultural heritage, with the two often being presented as a package. Each year, the government-sponsored National Cultural Festival presents a range of sports including hockey, and in 2020, India will host the 20th National Hockey Championship.

Shehnawaz Quraishi, who has written the book Jharkhand Main Mahila Hockey believes that there is incredible hockey talent in the tribal belt of Jharkhand, especially among girls. “The talent was never recognised because there was no hockey association. Before, only men dominated the hockey scene in the state, but in 1980, when the Bihar Hockey Association was formed in undivided Bihar, the talent of tribal girls was recognised as well,” he says.