History Of Hockey

Throughout that historic run India fielded some extraordinary teams led by some remarkable players. Five different Indian players share the name of Balbir Singh, all playing for the Olympic champions at different times including the one who scored five goals in 1952 to lead his team to gold.Women’s field hockey was added in 1980.
Through the short history of the women’s Olympic tournament, Australia has been the most successful, winning gold in 1988 and again in Atlanta four years ago. The Australian women are also expected to be strong contenders for the gold at home in Sydney, too.

Archaeologists trace the origins of field hockey as far back as 2,000 B.C when sketches were made of men playing a version of the game in Egypt’s Nile Valley. The modern version of the sport was first played in British schools in the 19th century and is believed to have been adapted from the Irish game of hurling Hurling is played on a grass pitch where players use their sticks to hit the ball in mid-air through an H-shaped goal. After field hockey evolved in Great Britain it was spread throughout the British Empire by the army, gaining prominence in Pakistan and India.

The sport debuted at the 1908 Olympics, and was held again in 1920 with the sport’s birthplace winning gold both times. Field hockey returned in 1928 where it has remained since. That year marked the beginning of the historic Olympic run by India, which hasn’t been matched since. India won all six gold medals between 1928-1956. During that time they won 30 consecutive matches, and would strike gold again in 1964 and 1980. When it comes to individual accomplishments India once again leads the pack and one name stands out: Balbir Singh, a named shared by five different Indian players during their winning streak.

The only country other than India to claim top honours more than once since then is Pakistan, which won in 1960, 1968 and 1984.The women began competing in Olympic field hockey in 1980 at the boycotted Games in Moscow. The only repeat winner since then has been Australia, which captured gold in 1988 and 1996.