Hockey bounces back in Dumdaar Dilli

New Delhi: Major Dhyan Chand, widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, is a towering figure in the world of sports, especially hockey. Known as the “Wizard of Hockey,” his exceptional skill and vision transformed the sport in India and internationally. Born on August 29, 1905, Dhyan Chand played an instrumental role in India’s dominance in field hockey during the early 20th century. Under his leadership, India won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in 1928 (Amsterdam), 1932 (Los Angeles), and 1936 (Berlin), solidifying India’s status as a hockey powerhouse.

His dribbling ability, precision, and unparalleled control over the ball left spectators and opponents in awe. It is said that even Adolf Hitler, after witnessing Dhyan Chand’s brilliance in the 1936 Olympics, offered him a high rank in the German army—an offer Dhyan Chand declined, showing his loyalty to India.

Dhyan Chand’s legacy is immortalized in India, with the country celebrating his birthday as National Sports Day. The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi is named in his honor, symbolizing his immense contribution to the sport. His influence continues to inspire generations of hockey players, making him an enduring icon in Indian sports history.

There is now a sense of jubilation as India once again brought alive the memory of Major Dhyan Chand through a unique two day Indo German Hockey spectacle. India proudly announced a much-anticipated two-match bilateral hockey series between the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and the Germany Men’s Hockey Team that took place on October 23 and 24, 2024, at the historic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The series promised a thrilling encounter between two of the world’s hockey powerhouses, rekindling a rivalry that has consistently delivered high-octane matches on the global stage.

A Fierce Rivalry Renewed

The series marked the first meeting between India and Germany since their clash in the semi-final of the Paris Olympics, where the German team narrowly defeated India with a 3-2 scoreline, ultimately securing a spot in the final. This defeat left India short of a chance to claim their first Olympic gold since 1980. However, India redeemed themselves by clinching a bronze medal, while Germany finished with silver. The two teams are now set to renew their rivalry in what is expected to be a highly competitive series.

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey expressed his excitement about the series, emphasizing its significance. “This bilateral series against Germany will be a remarkable showcase of world-class hockey. Both India and Germany have a rich history in the sport, and this series will give fans an opportunity to witness an intense competition between two of the most formidable teams in the world. We are honored to host this event, which will not only promote the spirit of hockey but also strengthen the bond between the two nations,” Tirkey stated.

Building on International Success

Germany, a team with a formidable reputation in international hockey, has been a long-standing rival of India. The teams have faced each other numerous times on the Olympic and World Cup stages, with both nations boasting an impressive legacy in the sport. Henning Fastrich, President of the German Hockey Federation, expressed his enthusiasm for the series: “India has always been a special place for hockey, and our team is excited to play in front of passionate Indian hockey fans. This series will be a fantastic opportunity to strengthen the sporting ties between Germany and India while offering both teams a competitive platform to prepare for upcoming global events.”

India’s recent success in the international hockey circuit, particularly their bronze medal finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has re-energized the sport in the country. The Indian team’s resurgence under the leadership of Captain Harmanpreet Singh has been pivotal, and the team’s preparation for the upcoming series reflects their ambition to climb higher in the global rankings.

Speaking ahead of the series, Indian Captain Harmanpreet Singh remarked, “Playing in front of home fans in Delhi after so many years is truly special for us as a team. The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium holds a lot of history and memories, and to lead the team here will be a huge honor. The energy of playing in front of our home crowd is unmatched, and I know the fans will turn up in big numbers to support us.”

A Historic Return to Delhi

This two-match series holds a special significance beyond the sporting rivalry between India and Germany. The event marked the return of men’s international hockey to the national capital after a decade. The last international match played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was during the Hero Hockey World League Final in January 2014. This gap has left Delhi’s passionate hockey fans eagerly waiting for the sport’s return.

Former Indian hockey stars, including Harbinder Singh and Zafar Iqbal, have expressed their excitement about international hockey returning to the capital. Harbinder Singh, a member of India’s 1964 Olympic gold-winning team, recalled his own experiences playing in front of packed stadiums in Delhi. “1972 was the last time I played hockey in Delhi for the national team. I remember the Shivaji Stadium was filled to the brim and the fans were on their feet cheering for us. I believe a lot of fans will turn up to cheer for India and Germany as well. They will be witnessing a high-level international match after a decade after all,” he commented.

Zafar Iqbal, captain of the Indian team at the 1982 Asian Games and a gold medalist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, emphasized the significance of the India-Germany rivalry. “Back in our era, hockey had an immense following. Events like the Nehru Gold Cup, Asian Games, and other international matches drew a lot of supporters. Germany is a tough team; we beat them in the Tokyo Olympics to win the bronze medal and lost to them recently in the semi-finals at Paris. I’m sure Indians will be rooting for us to get one over them,” Iqbal remarked.

Expanding Hockey’s Footprint in India

Hockey India’s efforts to promote the sport across the country have been evident in recent years. While Odisha has emerged as a hub for international hockey, hosting several high-profile events such as the Men’s Hockey World Cup, Hockey India has also focused on expanding the sport’s reach to other regions. Last year, Chennai hosted the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, and Ranchi welcomed the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier.

This November, Rajgir in Bihar will host the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, further demonstrating Hockey India’s commitment to making the sport accessible to fans across the country. The return of international hockey to Delhi is part of this larger vision.

Commenting on the importance of spreading hockey to different cities, Harbinder Singh praised Hockey India’s efforts. “High-profile matches should be hosted at various venues across the country, giving people from all regions the chance to witness the team live in action and grow the following for the sport,” Singh stated.

A Celebration of Sporting Spirit

The India-Germany bilateral series is set to be more than just a clash between two great teams. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of hockey and its deep-rooted cultural connection with India. The Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, named after India’s greatest hockey legend, will serve as a fitting venue for the occasion, symbolizing the rich history of Indian hockey.

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh underscored the significance of the rivalry and the event itself. “The India-Germany hockey rivalry has always been a thrilling contest. Our players are eager to compete against such a good side, and I believe this series will offer both teams a chance to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of future international tournaments,” Singh said.

The German team, known for their tactical prowess and disciplined style of play, will provide a stern test for the Indian side. However, with the backing of a passionate home crowd, the Indian team will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and deliver a strong performance.

Growing the Fan Base

In an effort to bring hockey to a wider audience, Hockey India has partnered with DD Sports and FanCode to broadcast the two-match series across India. FanCode, India’s premier sports streaming platform, has been instrumental in making hockey more accessible to fans nationwide. The collaboration with DD Sports, the country’s key public broadcaster, will ensure that the series reaches a broad spectrum of viewers, further fueling interest in the sport.

Yannick Colaco, Co-Founder of FanCode, expressed his excitement about the partnership. “We are proud to extend our partnership with Hockey India with the bilateral series between India and Germany. The series showcases the best of international hockey, and we’re excited to bring the action to hockey enthusiasts in India,” Colaco said.

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey echoed these sentiments, adding that the partnership would provide a significant boost to their mission of expanding hockey’s reach in India.

The India-Germany bilateral series is shaping up to be a landmark event in Indian hockey. With two world-class teams set to face off at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, the series not only provided thrilling on-field action but also served as a testament to Hockey India’s efforts to promote the sport across the country. As Delhi prepared to welcome international hockey back after a decade, fans from all over India eagerly awaied what promised to be a spectacular showcase of skill, passion, and sporting excellence.