International hockey set to return to New Delhi after 10 years; veteran players Zafar Iqbal, Harbinder Singh hail Indian team

Indian men’s hockey team pose for a group picture on their return from China after winning the Asian Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2024, in New Delhi. File.
| Photo Credit: ANI

The general impression that the Indian hockey team concedes late goals has changed with its second successive Olympic bronze medal and the Harmanpreet Singh-led side is one of the best in the world in all aspects, feels the legendary hockey player Zafar Iqbal.

Iqbal, a gold medallist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and captain of the 1982 Asian Games silver-winning Indian team, is hoping for an uptick in the game’s profile in the country after the bronze medals in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

“The general impression before was that India is a team that concedes goals late in games but that has changed now, we are one of the best teams in the world in all aspects,” Iqbal said in a Hockey India release. “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 and palpable excitement always followed the huge stadiums we played in.”

Talking about the India vs Germany matches to be played at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on October 23 and 24, he said, “Germany is a tough team, we beat them in the Tokyo Olympics to win bronze medal and lost to them recently in semifinals in Paris, so I’m sure the Indians will be rooting for us to get one over them.”

“The facilities are top notch and I am sure the game will be filled with riveting action. And, I would like to take this opportunity to invite hockey fans to turn up in numbers to support our team,” he added.

Another hockey legend Harbinder Singh is also upbeat about the return of big matches in the national capital. “1972 was the last time I played hockey in Delhi for the national team. I remember Shivaji Stadium was filled to the brim and fans were on their feet cheering for us,” he asserted.

“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,” added Singh, a gold winner at 1964 Tokyo Olympics gold, and bronze medallist at 1968 Mexico and 1972 Munich Games.

With the matches against Olympic silver winners Germany, international hockey is returning to New Delhi after a decade. The last time India played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was during the Hockey World League Final Men’s Round 4 in January 2014.

Also Read: Asian Champions Trophy hockey: Favourites India look to continue supremacy over Pakistan

Last year, Chennai hosted the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, while Ranchi organised the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier.

In November 2024, Rajgir, a city in Bihar, will host the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.

Dominant Dozen: Indian’s record of Olympic hockey medals in pictures

India clinched its first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey in 1928. The team secured a significant victory, paving the way for many more triumphs in subsequent Olympics. Dhyan Chand emerged as the star with 15 goals.

Indian hockey wizard Dhyan Chand moves with the ball in the match against the U.S. which India won by 24 goals to 1 during the Los Angeles Olympic Games 1932. The Indian team scored 35 goals in two matches to clinch the gold medal.

Dhyan Chand goes over a defender as India beat France 10-0 during the Berlin Olympic Games hockey match on August 12, 1936. India defeated host Germany 8-1 in the final to secure its third gold medal.

India’s goalkeeper L. Pinto rushes out to intercept a Dutch forward in the semi-final against Holland while Trilochan Singh and Gentk (second from left) anxiously watch on, during the Olympic Games Hockey match at the 1948 Olympics. India won its first Olympic medal as an independent nation, defeating Great Britain 4-0 in the final.

Pankaj Gupta celebrates with Dharam Singh. The Indian players’ joy knew no bounds after winning gold at the Helsinki Olympic Games 1952.

Balbir Singh Sr. and his team made history by securing India’s sixth consecutive gold medal in men’s hockey. The players get a grand welcome in Madras on December 22, 1956.

Danish goalkeeper Nielsen dives to save from the attacking Indian player Udham Singh, in the eliminating round of the Olympic Games hockey match between India and Denmark at Rome on August 28, 1960. India’s gold-medal run came to an end as the team lost in the final to take home the silver medal.

Charanjit Singh, captain of the Indian hockey team waves from the podium to the crowd after beating Pakistan in the final of the 1964 Olympic Games hockey tournament in Tokyo

India’s Gurbux Singh (right) and Balbir Singh II (left) celebrate after the second goal against Germany which won India the bronze medal at the 1968 Olympic Games held at Mexico City.

India’s Singh Kulwant, centre, pierces through Pakistan defence of Munawaruz Zaman and Akhtarul Islam during the Olympic games hockey match at Munich on September 8, 1972. Pakistan won 2-0 as India ended with a bronze medal.

The victorious Indian Hockey Team after winning the Gold Medal defeating Spain 4-3 in the Olympics in Moscow on July 31, 1980. It would be India’s last gold medal in hockey.

Indian players pose as they celebrate their victory over Germany in the men’s field hockey bronze medal match, at the 2020 Summer Olympics, in Tokyo. It was India’s first Olympic medal in hockey in 41 years.

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“High-profile matches should be hosted at various venues across the country, giving a chance for people from all regions to witness the team live in action and grow the following for the sport, in addition to keeping our players sharp for important international tournaments,” said Singh.