Decline of Indian hockey

 

 

India made its Olympic debut in hockey in 1928 at Amsterdam and won the gold medal. That was the beginning of a golden era, with India winning six consecutive Olympic gold medals from 1928 to 1956 and again in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1980 Moscow Olympics. India lost to Pakistan in final in 1960 Rome Olympics. India did not win any medal in hockey in Olympics between 1980 Moscow and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Ended the 41 year medal drought by winning a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and repeating it at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Major Dhyan Chand, one of the greatest hockey players of all time, played a crucial role in India’s early successes. He earned the nickname “The Wizard” for his exceptional dribbling skills. There is a famous anecdote about his hockey stick being examined as to how he was able to have such skills. This incident took place during 1936 Berlin Olympics. However, upon examination, nothing was found. It was simply his incredible talent and mastery of the game. The decline of Indian hockey can be attributed to several factors. The history of Indian hockey is rich and illustrious, it must be revived as it deserves much more than bronze medal. Dr O. Prasada Rao, Hyderabad