Indian Hockey Centenary marks a bold and inspiring celebration of 100 years of excellence, unity and legacy —

Sirohi,Nov.07,2025:Indian Hockey Centenary marks a pivotal moment—100 years since formal national-level hockey governance began in India (1925-2025). At its heart lies not just remembrance of triumphs, but the bold leap into the next century of sport-

This landmark celebration features nationwide matches, exhibitions and nods to the sport’s heritage. For instance, across more than 550 districts over 1,400 matches will be staged, with over 36,000 players engaging.

In the small town of Mandwa, Sirohi, a dedicated match was organised to mark this centenary: In the words of the local coach, Parmvir Singh Devda, a “merry match” (मैत्री मैच) for players selected at state and national levels such as Ravina Kumari Luhar and Khushboo Kanwar Devda participated. That match, its context and its local resonance become the lens through which we view this national-scale celebration.

Why Indian Hockey’s 100 Years Matter

Indian Hockey Centenary is not just a date—it’s a symbol of legacy, identity, and resurgence. Below are key dimensions-

• The administration for Indian hockey officially formed on 7 November 1925, now completing 100 years.
• In its golden era, India dominated field hockey on the global stage, including eight Olympic gold medals.
• The centenary is being leveraged as an opportunity to signal the next chapter—modern infrastructure, inclusivity (men & women), grassroots development.
• It carries regional and local implications—towns like Mandwa Sirohi are aligning their celebration with the national narrative, making the centenary not just top-down but grassroots-connected.
• From Delhi to the Countryside

Under the banner of Indian Hockey Centenary-

• On 7 November 2025, a grand ceremony will be held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, starting at 8:30 a.m.
• Simultaneously, in over 550 districts national-wide, events will be held—including more than 1,000 to 1,400 matches.
• A mixed-gender exhibition match will feature national-level male and female players to underline inclusivity.
• A commemorative publication “Indian Hockey: 100 Years” will be released, chronicling the journey from 1928 Amsterdam Olympics to modern challenges.

Thus, the celebration is both symbolic and substantive—heritage meets future.

Local Matches & The Match at Mandwa Sirohi

While the national pageantry is powerful, the true soul of the Indian Hockey Centenary is in local action. One heartfelt instance: a friendly match at Mandwa Sirohi, Rajasthan.

In Mandwa Sirohi-

• A “मैत्री मैच” (friendly / friendship match) was organised to mark the centenary of Indian hockey (भारतीय हॉकी के 100 वर्ष).
• Coach Parmvir Singh Devda highlighted the history of the sport and supervised the match.
• State- and national-level players such as Ravina Kumari Luhar and Khushboo Kanwar Devda participated.

This local gesture exemplifies how the Indian Hockey Centenary is not just big cities—it’s in villages and smaller towns where the next generation rises. It bridges national legacy with community roots.

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Coaches, Players & Ambassadors

The Indian Hockey Centenary celebrates not just years, but people—the coaches who shaped talent, the players who wore the jersey, and the administrators who steer the sport. Key highlights-

• Coach Parmvir Singh Devda in Mandwa is a grassroots spearhead, connecting the local match to the broader centenary narrative.
• Players like Ravina Kumari Luhar and Khushboo Kanwar Devda serve as linkages: state- & national-level athletes representing local aspiration.
• Administrators such as Mansukh Mandaviya (Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports) announced the centenary celebration on behalf of the government and national hockey body.
• The national body Hockey India has stated their commitment to invest more in infrastructure and coaching, especially for women’s hockey.

These human elements ground the centenary in real efforts, not just symbolism.

The Gift of New Turfs

One of the most tangible legacies of the Indian Hockey Centenary is investment in infrastructure at the local level. For example-

• In Bhilwara (Rajasthan), as the centenary moment arrived, a decision was announced to build an international-level astro-turf hockey field at the Pratapnagar school sports complex, with budget approval of ₹ 5 crore.
• This investment follows 20 years of advocacy by local hockey lovers and coaches.
• Implication: The Indian Hockey Centenary is being used as a catalyst for lasting improvement in grassroots infrastructure, not just a one-day event.

How the Indian Hockey Centenary Impacts Future Generations

This 100-year celebration is more than history—it’s a launchpad for tomorrow. Key future-oriented themes include-

• Encouraging young boys and girls to pick up hockey sticks, especially in smaller towns that often lack high-quality facilities. The minister emphasised this.
• Reinforcing gender equality: the mixed exhibition match and inclusive messaging show a new era for Indian hockey.
• Strengthening grassroots systems: With infrastructure like new turfs, training centres, local matches integrated into national campaigns, the pipeline is being reinforced.
• Re-instilling national confidence: After decades of decline from the golden era, the centenary is an opportunity to renew India’s hockey ambitions on the world stage.
• Recording legacy: Through commemorative publications, exhibitions and media coverage, the story is being preserved and communicated to younger generations.

Ten Bold Insights from the Celebration

1. Symbol + Substance: The Indian Hockey Centenary is not just symbolic—it comes with over 1,400 matches and 36,000 players across India.
2. Nationwide Reach: More than 550 districts are involved—ensuring even remote areas feel the legacy.
3. Local-Global Link: A friendly match in Mandwa Sirohi, with national-level players, shows how local events reinforce the national narrative.
4. Infrastructure Legacy: Investment in new turfs (Bhilwara) shows that the centenary is a launch for long-term growth.
5. Inclusivity Focus: A mixed men-women exhibition match underscores gender parity as part of Indian hockey’s future.
6. Heritage Archive: Exhibitions at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium will showcase visuals—from 1928 Amsterdam to today.
7. Future Pathways: The celebration aims to inspire young athletes, reconnect with the local talent pipeline and elevate standards.
8. Symbol of National Identity: Hockey in India has often embodied national pride; marking 100 years again raises that link.
9. Media Momentum: Coverage in multiple states (Rajasthan, Jharkhand, etc.) shows the varied regional penetration of the event.
10. Opportunity for Revival: With strategic investment and visibility, the Indian Hockey Centenary has the potential to reignite India’s global hockey ambition.

• “भारत गिन रहा है हॉकी की 100 वर्षों की गौरवगाथा”

More than a Milestone

At its core, the Indian Hockey Centenary is a bold celebration of the past, present and future of one of India’s most iconic sports. From the grand ceremonies in Delhi to local matches in Mandwa Sirohi, from investment in new turfs to gender inclusive exhibition games, the narrative is both uplifting and strategic.

As coach Parmvir Singh Devda put it in Mandwa Sirohi—reflecting on the history of hockey and guiding the friendly match—the legacy of the sport becomes the impetus for the next generation. With the right momentum and infrastructure, this centenary could mark the beginning of a resurgence.