New Delhi, November 7 – In honor of the 100th anniversary of Indian hockey, Hockey India has announced a year-long celebration to pay tribute to a century of unparalleled excellence and visionary growth in the sport. This centennial year will include the grand relaunch of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) and, for the first time, a historic inauguration of the Women’s HIL.
The journey of Indian hockey began on November 7, 1925, in Gwalior with the formation of a national body for the sport. Since then, Indian hockey has built a legacy of victory and pride, marked by eight Olympic gold medals, one silver, four bronze, a World Cup trophy, as well as silver and bronze medals on the world stage. Evolving from the golden era on natural fields to the modern challenges of artificial turf, Indian hockey has emerged resilient and strong, symbolizing a journey of revival. Over the past decade, Indian hockey has seen a renaissance, highlighted by the historic back-to-back Olympic medals for the men’s team and an impressive fourth-place finish for the women’s team in Tokyo. These achievements underscore the resurgence of Indian hockey.
The return of the Hockey India League alongside the centennial celebrations reflects Hockey India’s commitment to preserving this glorious past while embracing an exciting future. India has also hosted several prestigious international tournaments and developed world-class facilities, including state-of-the-art artificial turfs nationwide. Hockey India has embraced digital advancements, including a member unit portal and an online player registration system, creating a comprehensive database for professional players. Additionally, a structured coaching education pathway prepares officials to meet international standards.
Hockey India has always supported gender equality in the sport. It proudly upholds equal prize money for tournament-winning men’s and women’s teams and standardized match-winning fees across genders, making hockey the only team sport in India with full pay parity.
The return of HIL is a planned tribute for this centennial celebration. The Women’s HIL, set to make a grand debut, will be bigger, better, and bolder. This move not only showcases the resurgence of Indian hockey but also reinforces Hockey India’s steadfast commitment to providing equal opportunities and recognition for all athletes.
Expressing his excitement, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey stated, “As we celebrate 100 years of Indian hockey, the restart of the Men’s HIL and the launch of the Women’s HIL mark a pivotal moment. This year-long celebration is a testament to our remarkable journey and enduring legacy. We look forward to witnessing thrilling matches and exceptional talent in these leagues that embody the spirit of excellence that has defined Indian hockey for a century.”
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh added, “The centennial celebration of Indian hockey is a historic milestone that reflects our rich legacy and our vision for the future. The return of HIL and the launch of the Women’s League are crucial steps in our commitment to fostering talent and promoting equality in the sport. We anticipate an unforgettable year of high-caliber hockey as we pay tribute to our past and build a brighter future for the sport in India.”
This centennial celebration is not only a tribute to a century of excellence but also serves as a launchpad for the next hundred years of glory and success in Indian hockey.
