History of Hockey
The Hockey Association was founded in 1886. The first international tournament took
place in 1895, and the International Rules Board was founded in 1900. The
International Hockey Federation is the global governing body of field hockey,
founded on 7th January 1924 in Paris. The Federation of International Hockey (FIH)
not only regulates the sport but is also responsible for its development and
promotion so as to guarantee a secure future for hockey. The FIH retains overall
responsibility for hockey worldwide, including the rules of hockey, umpiring and
coaching.
The British brought the hockey game to India. The first hockey club was formed in
Kolkata in 1885. The Indian hockey team won the first Olympic gold in 1928 at the
Amsterdam Games. They made their Olympic debut without conceding a single goal. The
credit for this win goes to the legend Dhyan Chand, who stole the heart of everyone
with his dazzling skills. It was the golden era of Indian hockey when India
produced some of the finest players in hockey.
How to Play Hockey?
The rules set by the International Hockey Federation FIH are used worldwide to play
hockey games. Hockey is played between two teams of 11 players each, including a
goalkeeper. Before starting the game, a coin is tossed between the captains of the
two teams. The team captain that wins the toss has to choose the starting end or
start with the ball. The game time is divided into four quarters of 15 minutes
each, 15-02-15-10-15-2-15. At the start of each quarter, as well as after goals are
scored, the match is started with a pass from the centre of the field.
Field players may only play the ball with the flat side of the stick. Tackling is
permitted as long as the tackler does not make contact with the attacker or his
stick before playing the ball. Further, the player is not allowed to deliberately
use his body or stick to shield the ball from a legitimate tackle. A goal is scored
when an attacker strikes the ball into the goal from within the striking circle,
even if the ball touches the defender and goes into the goal.
When the ball passes over the sidelines, it is returned to play from the sideline
either by an individual player by himself or with a push or hit, taken by a member
of the team whose players were not the last to touch the ball before crossing the
sideline. If it crosses the goal line after being last touched by an attacker, a
15-metre hit or pass can be made by any player in the defending team. A 15-metre
hit is also awarded for offences committed by the attacking side within 15 metres
of the end of the pitch they are attacking.
National Sports Day of India
The National Sports Day in India is celebrated on 29th August to commemorate Major
Dhyan Chand’s birth anniversary. In 2012, the Government of India designated 29th
August as the country’s “National Sports Day”. On this occasion, the President of
India gives out all the sports-related awards like Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award
and Rajiv Khel Ratna Award. It is done to honour sportspersons and coaches who have
made the nation proud with their service in their respective sports.
Conclusion
Hockey is a popular and interesting sport. But still, in India, it has not got much
attention. There are very few people who have a passion for hockey and would like
to be a part of the Indian hockey team. The Government of India should give more
facilities and pay more attention to promoting hockey. It should be included in
Physical Education, and proper coaching should be provided so students can start
playing hockey at the school level
