National Sport of India: A Look into the Legacy of Field Hockey

Though cricket may mostly dominate the sports arena in India, the national sport of India has its own special place in the hearts of many Indians. The sport being referred to is field hockey. Field hockey has been the pride of the nation for a long time, especially with India winning so many times on the international stage in the mid-20th century. National sport of india​, however, has become less popular in the last few decades, and this article aims to discuss why it is still regarded as the national sport of India, its history, and the causes of cricket’s popularity at the same level.

Field Hockey in India: A Retrospect of Its Historical and Cultural Importance

The game of hockey was first played in India somewhere around the beginning of the 20th century. The British brought the new way of playing to the country, and soon after, the locals loved the sport. The Indian men’s field hockey team competed in their first Olympic event in 1928, which took place in Amsterdam, and they were celebrated as the golden boys of the day. And so began an era of Indian hegemony in the sports world, which lasted more than twenty years. It is fascinating to note that from that time until now, the team has grown and flourished under the guidance of three different specialist coaches.

The middle of the 20th century was a bright phase for Indian field hockey, as it was when the country dominated the world championships and Olympic Games. Nevertheless, the fame of Indian field hockey began to decline as new sports, particularly cricket, captured our attention and resources. Despite this, the legacy of Indian field hockey remains vivid and frequently serves as a symbol of pride and success.

What is the reason for field hockey to be a national sport?

The fact that cricket is the most played and supported sport in India has not diminished the role that field hockey plays as the national sport. The sport’s symbolic meaning to the country’s identity, not just its history, has given it this special status.

• Firstly, India’s performance in field hockey at the Olympics marked the country’s first major achievement after independence, demonstrating that this game was not just a sport but a significant part of the nation’s history. The winning of many Olympic gold medals and world titles not only improved the image of India in front of the world but also gave a sense of being proud to be an Indian person.
• Secondly, hockey’s significance in Indian culture extends beyond the sports industry. Both small villages and large cities have embraced the game as an integral part of their culture and heritage. The local, regional, and zonal clubs have acted as nurturing grounds for talent and have significantly increased the number of players. This massively remote organizational infrastructure allows the sport to be accessible and nurtures young talent, often in the most isolated areas.
• The Dhyan Chand Factor One of the most celebrated names in Indian hockey is Dhyan Chand. His involvement in the sport and his endlessly outstanding performances are quite legendary. “The Wizard of Hockey” was Dhyan Chand’s nickname, and he is considered the personification of this sport in India. His influence and accomplishments continue to drive the popularity of Indian hockey among the masses.
• Intermassal Achievements Having taken into account the rise of cricket, it is a fact that India has been doing more or less well in field hockey for a long time, especially recently. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Indian men’s team won a bronze medal, thus reconfirming the fact that they are on the verge of returning to the top again. The current situation in the field of hockey and the prospects for its revival have become possible due to consistent fanbase increases and an increase in sport investments.
• Although it is known that India was a mighty force in hockey at a time, and the latter fact continues to be upheld, the subject that the Indian team has now become one of the key teams in the world is not that often talked about. India has definitely been the team that has shaken the so-called strong teams on several occasions, including their most recent victories over the world’s top teams.

India’s Current Standing in Field Hockey

The status of the Indian field hockey team has them dreaming of past glory. After years of underperformance, the Indian team has significantly improved and appears satisfied with their current performance, particularly in the recent international competitions where they have made significant progress. Quite notably, the following:

• A) India secured gold in the ranks of the Men’s Hockey World League in 2014. B) In 2020, India received a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, revealing potential that had always existed but was previously obscured from the public due to faults committed by stakeholders, allowing the team to return to the top ranks. C) In India, the Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy was won in 2018, followed by the Menkey League, which India won, and finally, there is the Champions Trophy, which has never been won by any other team.
• The Indian women’s team has also witnessed India’s rise to power. They’ve excelled at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and other international events, making them a rising global team. Consequently, many efforts have been made to make women’s hockey in India the focus of Indian sports development, with the sport gradually but continually gaining popularity among young girls.

Field Hockey in India: The Future Outlook

India is looking to the future, with the government and various sports organizations making attempts to revive field hockey. The grassroots promotion of the sport, as well as the increase in sponsorship and media exposure, will be crucial for the sport’s place in India’s sports culture.

In addition, initiatives like the Hockey India League (HIL) are a source of inspiration for young players who can gain exposure to a larger audience and display their talent. If fans, players, and the government continue to provide support, India may climb back up the global field hockey ladder.

Key Milestones in Indian Field Hockey

Wrapping up

Field hockey always remains the focus of India’s sports culture, but it has lost the dominant position it had in the 20th century. Nevertheless, the game has retained its position in the culture of India and its identity. Field hockey, having both a glorious past and the prospects of future achievements, has long become more than just a sport—it is an indication of the country’s rich sports history.

As cricket emerged as a juggernaut and the global giant among sports, field hockey, which is India’s national sport, has also undergone a similar transformation while maintaining its significance. It is a tremendous deal possible that field hockey, with continued full-scale government, institution, and fan support, will be revived soon and thus be the vehicle to India’s Olympic gold medal-winning days again.

FAQs

Why is field hockey the national sport of India?

Field hockey is also known as the national sport of India due to its historical significance, and India has won 8 gold medals in the Olympic Games. That is why, I dare say, the country was at the peak of success in the history of the sport.

Who is the most famous hockey player in India?

Dhyan Chand, known locally as the “Wizard of Hockey,” is the most famous and celebrated field hockey player in India. He is a national hero due to his excellence and numerous records in field hockey, which did not make him widely known across the country.

When did India win its first Olympic gold medal in hockey?

India was the champion at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics when they succeeded in field hockey and won their first Olympic gold medal.

What is the current status of field hockey in India?

As a sports team, the return of the men’s team has been very helpful, as we can see with last year’s bronze medal in Tokyo. The move also positively affected the women’s program, making them more powerful and confident in the international competitions as well.

To what extent has cricket influenced the popularity of field hockey in India?

Field hockey once led the traditional sport of cricket in India. Furthermore, cricket has been by far the most popular sport in India, especially over the last two decades. However, field hockey, as a matter of fact, still encompasses a significant position in the fabric of the country’s sports history and cultural identity.