Former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Zafar Iqbal has hailed the 100-year journey of Indian hockey as a monumental achievement, reflecting on the sport’s glorious past and its promising resurgence.
Speaking about the centennial milestone, Iqbal said, “It is a big achievement by Indian Hockey during the last 100 years. The sport has gone through several phases, but our passion and identity with hockey have remained strong.”
Zafar Iqbal, who was part of India’s gold medal-winning team at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and later captained the national side during the 1982 Asian Games, remains one of the most respected voices in Indian hockey. He highlighted that Indian hockey’s century-long journey stands as a testament to the country’s enduring commitment to the sport, which has shaped India’s identity on the global sporting map.
He recalled the golden days when hockey stadiums were packed with passionate fans and India’s dominance was unmatched. While acknowledging that the popularity of other sports has shifted focus over the years, Iqbal expressed confidence that Indian hockey is regaining its old rhythm with recent international successes and improved infrastructure.
The former captain also emphasised the need to continue investing in young talent, modern training techniques, and sports science to ensure India remains competitive on the world stage.
“This milestone is not just about looking back with pride,” he said. “It’s also about looking ahead with purpose — ensuring that the next hundred years of Indian hockey are even more glorious.”
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