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

(Top & right) Indian hockey players at an exhibition game on Friday. (I-R) Udhayanidhi Stalin, Kiren Rijiju and Mansukh Mandaviya during centenary celebrations of Indian hockey. (I-R) Indian hockey legends seated in the front row- Jagbir Singh, Harjeet Singh Chimni, RP Govinda, Harbinder Singh, Gurbux Singh and Zafar Iqbal. The greats were felicitated during the '100 years of Indian hockey programme' at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Friday.

(HOCKEY INDIA HOCKEY INDIA HOCKEY INDIA)

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.