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New Delhi: The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium came alive on Friday as the Indian hockey team celebrated 100 years of its existence with some legends of the sport. The extravaganza included Olympic gold medallists Gurbux Singh and Aslam Sher Khan who both the graced the big event making it bigger.
Hockey India felicitated some the game's most celebrated icons in recognition of their lasting contributions to the field of hockey and also for the inspiration they provided to the generations of players. Among those who graced the occasion and were honoured at the massive function included Gurbux, Aslam, Harbinder Singh, Ajith Pal Singh, Ashok Kumar, B P Govinda, Zafar Iqbal, Brigadier Harcharan Singh, Vineet Kumar, Mir Ranjan Negi, Romeo James, Asunta Lakra, and Subhadra Pradhan.
The event was also graced by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya along with Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin. Mandaviya hailed the sport's illustrious journey and its deep connection with the country's sporting pride.
'The sport has seen many phases, and it was through hockey at the Olympics that we showed the world what India can achieve in sports. We have never looked back since,' Mandaviya said. 'With its rich history, Indian hockey is once again rising and moving towards another Olympic medal,' he added.
The 100 year celebrations started with an exhibition game between the Sports Minister’s XI led by Mandaviya himself and the Hockey India XI captained by Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey. The friendly match was successful in setting the tone for the day's festivities.
The Sports Minister's XI registered a 3-1 win, with goals from Beauty Dungdung, Salima Tete, and Krishna Pathak, while Manpreet Singh netted the lone goal for the Hockey India XI. The game featured a mix of players from both the men's and women's national hockey teams.
President Tirkey also spoke on the occasion and said it was deeply emotional to return to the venue where his own hockey journey began.
'It is an honour for me to stand here at the very stadium where I attended my first camp and played my first major tournament. Today is a tribute to those who laid the foundation for Indian hockey a century ago and to every player who has brought glory to the nation through this sport,' he said.
