Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Centenary Celebrations to Mark 100 Years of Indian Hockey

• To be organised in association with Hockey India, celebrations begin on November 7 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
• Over 1,400 hockey matches will be played simultaneously across 550+ districts nationwide, involving more than 36,000 players at the grassroots level
• A 30-minute mixed exhibition match will be played to highlight gender parity, teamwork, and inclusivity

Rakesh Thapliyal

New Delhi: The Union Minister for youth affairs and sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, on Monday announced the grand celebration to mark 100 Years of Indian Hockey (1925–2025). The centenary celebrations, to be held in association with Hockey India, will be held on November 7 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, with parallel events taking place across more than 550 districts in India.

The milestone event will commemorate a century of India’s rich hockey heritage, honouring the legends who brought the nation glory and celebrating the sport’s enduring spirit that continues to inspire millions. The celebrations in New Delhi will begin at 8:30 AM, featuring a series of special events that capture the essence of Indian hockey’s glorious journey.

“As India celebrates 100 years of hockey, we honour a century of pride, perseverance, and national glory. This milestone is an occasion to remember our heroes who brought honour to the country and to draw inspiration from their journey as we look ahead. Hockey is more than just a sport for India — it is part of our identity and collective spirit. The celebrations across more than 550 districts will not only highlight our legacy but also take the story of Indian hockey to every corner of the nation, inspiring young boys and girls to pick up the stick and play with passion,” said Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.

A 30-minute exhibition match featuring the Hon’ble Sports Minister’s XI and Hockey India’s Mixed XI (Men & Women) will highlight gender parity, teamwork, and inclusivity, with elite players from both the men’s and women’s national teams participating. This will be followed by the felicitation of hockey legends across generations, recognising their contribution to India’s status as the world’s most successful hockey nation, with eight Olympic gold medals and 13 Olympic podium finishes.

Hockey is one of the priority sports in the government’s scheme of things. Men and women’s hockey feature among the government’s premier schemes – Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Target Asian Games Group (TAGG). Under these schemes, national teams receive funding for training, competitions, exposure trips and allowances among other facilities in every Olympic cycle. To spread hockey among women, the sports ministry organises ASMITA hockey league across the country at the junior and sub-junior levels.

“The government remains deeply committed to strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem through greater investment, modern infrastructure, and institutional reforms. Our vision is clear — to make India one of the top sporting nations in the world by 2036 and to consistently perform at the highest levels in every discipline. With continued collaboration between the Ministry, the Sports Authority of India, and federations like Hockey India, we will continue to nurture young talent, expand access to sport, and ensure that India’s tricolour flies high on every international stage,” the sports minister added.

The centenary will also witness the release of the official commemorative volume, “100 Years of Indian Hockey”, chronicling the sport’s remarkable journey—its triumphs, challenges, and revival. The publication will serve as both a historical record and a tribute to generations of players who have shaped India’s hockey legacy.

Hockey India president Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “Celebrating 100 years of Indian hockey is a deeply emotional and proud moment for all of us. This milestone honours our glorious past while inspiring a new generation to carry the legacy forward. Indian hockey has always represented the spirit of resilience, unity, and excellence. As we celebrate this centenary, our focus is on strengthening the game from the grassroots, empowering both men and women equally, and preparing our teams to reach the pinnacle of world hockey once again. I extend heartfelt gratitude to all those who have stood by Indian hockey over the years — our players, coaches, fans, and partners. Together, we will make the next century even more golden.”

A large-scale photo exhibition at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium will take visitors through a visual journey of 100 glorious years, displaying rare archival photographs, memorabilia, and Olympic moments—from the 1928 Amsterdam Games to the present resurgence.

To mark the occasion at the grassroots level, over 1,400 hockey matches will be played simultaneously across 550 districts nationwide, involving more than 36,000 players. Each district will host one men’s and one women’s match, symbolising equality and inclusion. The initiative aims to create a festive atmosphere across the country, uniting rural and urban India in celebration of the national sport.

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “As we mark this historic milestone, it gives me great pride to see how Hockey India has evolved into a transparent, accountable, and forward-looking organisation. Our focus has been on strengthening systems — from performance-based funding and grassroots development to the successful launch of professional leagues for both men and women. We are also investing in coaching, analytics, and infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth. I would like to express sincere gratitude to the Sports Authority of India, whose consistent support has been vital in developing world-class facilities and nurturing young talent. This centenary is not just a celebration of history, but a reaffirmation of our commitment to building a stronger future for Indian hockey.”

The ministry of sports and Hockey India remain committed to preserving and promoting India’s hockey heritage while paving the way for a new era of excellence and inclusivity in the sport.