It is always amusing to learn that instead of Cricket, it is the game of Hockey which is the national sport of India. Though the nation has successfully made its reputation on the global front in the sport of hockey, its expertise in the game and popularity is not up to the anticipated level. However, this does not mean that the Indian populace lacks faith in its team. From time to time and matches to tournament, Indians have emerged together and supported Indian hockey Team to play well. It is true that the craze is not as strong and fanatic as it is for cricket, but still the support is worth mentioning. It has been anticipated by the senior players that all that Indian Hockey team needs is one good, international victory and the support and madness for the sport of Hockey will reach its ultimate level. History of Hockey in India In India, the first major tournament of hockey was the Beighton Cup. It was held in the year of 1895 in Kolkata. Since then India has participated into a number of international hockey tournaments which include, world Cup, Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, Hockey Champions Challenge, Asian Games, Afro-Asian Games, and many more. Out of all these, India recently organized Hockey World Cup in the year 2010 in the capital city. The history of Indian hockey has given the sport some of the best hockey players. These include Dhyan Chand, Roop Singh, Balbir Singh and more. Unfortunately today, we do not get to see excellence in the field when Indian hockey team plays. Currently, Indian Hockey team ranks 9th among the 20 teams. Milestones for Indian Hockey Team Hockey team of India made its existence felt for the first time during year 1928 when it won three gold medals in the Olympics and remained definite champion till 1956. Today, the Indian Hockey team has secured itself the grand count of eight Olympics gold medals. India is eminent for making the outstanding record of winning six gold medals in a row by defeating its competitors in 24 consecutive matches which were played between 1924 and 1956. In addition, the nation has also earned a gold medal in the prestigious World Cup, two gold medals in the Asian Games and Asia Cup each. Let us now have a look at some of the most popular Indian Hockey players. Among all eminent and recognized Indian hockey players, it was Major Dhyan Chand who gained the highest level of accolades and is remembered as a legendary Indian Hockey player won three Olympic gold medals. He was also awarded with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. His elder younger brother Roop singh was also a popular hockey player. It is believed that during his golden period, he was very admired by Adolf Hitler who also offered him the position of a Field Marshal in the German army. But as wisely, Dhyan Chand politely refused to take the honor. Such accolades and recognition re-infuses the spirit in Indian Hockey players and the populace to emerge as one strong hockey playing team.Future of Indian Hockey is Bright if we prepare ourselves to see it as bright. What do you Proud Indians Think ?
For making hockey as popular as cricket it is very much essential that hockey should also be undertaken by some private firm. The main reason for the degradation of hockey is the restricted source of money and facilities for the players.
