Indian hockey's past meets its present in 100-year celebration

Hardik Singh passed the ball to Salima Tete who pushed it further to Krishan Bahadur Pathak. The India goalkeeper, having never scored a goal in his career, made the most of his chance to beat goalie Bichu Devi and help the Sports Minister's XI beat Hockey India's XI 3-1 in an exhibition game here on Friday.

- Sandip Sikdar

From the stands, Gurbux Singh, Harbinder Singh, BP Govinda, Zafar Iqbal, MM Somaya and many other legends were watching the action where the Indian men and women players played together to celebrate a rare moment in history. And seeing them all lined up was a unique way to gain an appreciation of the time when India ruled the sport.

As Indian hockey celebrated turning 100 years old, the entire fraternity came together to reminisce the legacy that spans eight Olympic gold medals, one silver and four bronze.

It was on November 7, 1925 that the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) was born in Gwalior. That moment, in its own chaotic way, set into motion a series of events that made hockey the most successful Olympic sport for India. "It is almost 65 years that I have been associated with the sport and I have lived my best life because of hockey," said 1964 Tokyo Olympics champion Gurbux Singh.

Gurbux had trained under Roop Singh, two-time Olympic champion and brother of Dhyan Chand. A short distance away, the threads connected again.