Introduction
As Indian hockey proudly enters its 100th year, Hockey India (HI) has unveiled a comprehensive celebration plan that combines financial empowerment with national-level festivities. The federation has announced enhanced grants ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹75 lakh, along with a nationwide grassroots hockey festival on November 7, 2025, to commemorate this significant milestone.
This centennial celebration isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s a determined leap toward the future of hockey in India.
📜 A Century of Indian Hockey: A Quick Look Back
India’s romance with hockey began in the early 20th century, culminating in its first Olympic gold medal in 1928. Over the next four decades, India dominated the global stage, winning 8 Olympic gold medals, including an unmatched streak from 1928 to 1956.
The sport became more than just a game; it was a symbol of national pride and unity during the colonial era and beyond. While the global game has evolved and challenges have emerged, the spirit of Indian hockey remains unbroken.
Now, 100 years later, Hockey India aims to reignite this legacy through systemic support, grassroots participation, and national celebration.
🎉 Nationwide Festival on November 7
To honour this centennial, Hockey India will host a festival of hockey on November 7, 2025, featuring:
- 1,000+ simultaneous hockey matches across the country
- Participation of over 36,000 players, including schoolchildren, club players, and grassroots talent
- Events conducted in all districts across 28 states and 8 union territories
This event marks the largest single-day grassroots hockey event in Indian history, turning every village, town, and city into a celebration ground for the sport.
“We aim to touch every corner of the country with this celebration. This is not just a look back at our past but a forward push to reach new heights,”
— Dilip Tirkey, President, Hockey India
💰 Enhanced Financial Grants Announced
To ensure the festival and grassroots movement are impactful and sustainable, Hockey India announced enhanced financial grants for its member units:
| Category | Amount Sanctioned |
|---|---|
| State Member Units | ₹75 lakh each |
| Union Territories | ₹45 lakh each |
| District Associations | ₹25 lakh each |
These grants are intended to:
- Organize local tournaments and training camps
- Purchase equipment and kits for grassroots players
- Conduct awareness drives and inter-school/club competitions
- Support long-term talent identification and development programs
This is the first time in Hockey India’s history that such substantial decentralized funding has been made available to states and districts.
🌱 Impact on Grassroots Development
The nationwide initiative isn’t just symbolic—it’s deeply strategic.
1. Widening the Talent Pool
With thousands of young players participating, scouts and coaches can identify emerging talent from remote and rural regions.
2. Strengthening Infrastructure
District-level funding allows for:
- Upgraded turfs and grounds
- Access to modern kits
- Better coaching setups
3. Increasing Inclusivity
By focusing on pan-India participation, including tribal and remote regions, Hockey India seeks to ensure no talent is left behind.
“Our goal is to find the next Dhanraj Pillay or Rani Rampal not just in metro cities but in villages and small towns,”
— Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General, Hockey India
🗓️ Why November 7?
November 7 holds historical importance as it marks the date when the Indian Hockey Federation was formed in 1925. It also aligns with the vision of inclusivity, unity, and revival, making it the perfect day for a celebration that bridges the past and the future.
📢 Campaigns and Engagements Planned
To build excitement and visibility around the centenary, Hockey India is also planning:
- #100YearsOfIndianHockey campaign on social media
- Documentaries and video retrospectives featuring legendary players
- Photo exhibitions and fan stories at select stadiums
- Partnerships with schools and colleges to hold essay competitions and awareness drives
🏆 Legacy & Future: What’s Next?
The centenary celebration is a platform to launch long-term initiatives:
- Annual Hockey India Day starting 2026
- Scholarships for emerging players
- Mentorship programs involving former Olympians
- National Hockey Development Fund to support underprivileged players
The plan is to ensure that this celebration becomes a launchpad for India’s hockey renaissance, culminating in Olympic and World Cup success.
👏 Reactions from the Hockey Community
The response from former players, coaches, and fans has been overwhelmingly positive.
- Rani Rampal, former India women’s captain:
“This is the kind of attention and support our grassroots players need. The centenary is being celebrated the right way.” - Sandeep Singh, Olympian and former Sports Minister of Haryana:
“Hockey India has done a commendable job. These grants will be game-changers at the state and district level.” - Hockey fans on X (Twitter):
“More than medals, hockey needs visibility and support at the ground level. This is a great move by HI. #100YearsOfIndianHockey”
📊 Quick Summary
| Initiative | Details |
|---|---|
| Centenary Event Date | November 7, 2025 |
| Matches Planned | 1,000+ nationwide |
| Participants Expected | Over 36,000 players |
| States/UTs Involved | All 36 (28 States + 8 UTs) |
| Grants Announced | ₹75L (states), ₹45L (UTs), ₹25L (districts) |
| Goal | Grassroots development, celebration, talent scouting |
🎯 Final Thoughts
The 100th anniversary of Indian hockey is not just a nostalgic event; it’s a powerful movement aimed at reviving India’s hockey culture from the ground up.
Through a combination of funding, celebration, and inclusivity, Hockey India has taken a bold and commendable step to reconnect the nation with its national sport.
The path to Olympic gold may be long, but with such efforts, India’s next hockey legend may already be stepping onto the turf this November 7.