Did Commonwealth Games Bring Indian Hockey Back On Track?
Those who follow Indian sports might be surprised to learn that India’s national game is not cricket, but hockey. And till about 30 years ago, the evidence was there for all to see. Thereafter, the decline was steep. Hockey got Europeanized – the use of artificial turf made it a much faster game, effectively shifting the emphasis from stick-work and artistry to speed and passing. In other words, fitness took precedence over skill. The result was the drying up of medals in international tournaments. Hockey first featured at the Olympics in 1908, when England won. It was next played in the 1920 edition, England won that too. Thereafter, the pre-war hockey golds were monopolized by India – playing under a British flag — in 1928, 1932 and 1936. When the Olympics resumed in 1948, India claimed the hockey gold again, making Dhyan Chand the only player in the history of the game to win four Olympic golds. India’s domination continued after independence, and they won gold at the Olympics in 1
