Nitin Kohli attends celebration of 100 years of Indian Hockey with Union Sports Minister; calls it a “Century of pride & progress”
New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): As India commemorates 100 years of its illustrious Hockey legacy, Vice President, Hockey India and President, Hockey Punjab, Nitin Kohli attended the National Celebration of Indian Hockey hosted at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. The event witnessed the presence of influential dignitaries including Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports. Speaking on the occasion, Nitin Kohli expressed pride in the sport’s remarkable journey and enduring legacy.
This event marks the beginning of nationwide celebrations of the sport, with over 1400 matches scheduled across 550 districts, highlighting its widespread cultural and historical significance across the country. “Celebrating 100-years of Indian Hockey is not just an event, it is a tribute to every player, coach, fan and volunteer who has kept the spirit of the game alive. Hockey is not merely a sport in India, it is a legacy of passion, pride and national identity,” said Kohli.
The main ceremony featured a symbolic 30-minute exhibition match between the Union Minister’s XI and Hockey India’s Mixed XI (Men & Women), demonstrating the sport’s commitment to gender equality, inclusivity and teamwork. Esteemed players from the Indian Men’s and Women’s National Teams took part, reflecting the unified growth of the sport. The Program also included the felicitation of legendary hockey icons who have made significant contribution to the sport from 1975 to 2025.
Other notable people who attended the event are Mr Aslam Sher Khan, Mr Gurbaj Singh, Mr Ashok Kumar, Mr Varinder Singh, Mr Balwinder Shami, Mr Dilip Tirkey along with other senior officials of Hockey India.
Nitin Kohli, serving both as Vice President, Hockey India and President, Hockey Punjab, has played a vital role in building Hockey in India, and especially in Punjab, from the grassroots level. “From the golden era of Olympic glory to our modern-day resurgence, Hockey has united communities and inspired generations. As we celebrate 100 years, it is our responsibility to ensure that the next century is equally glorious. We aim to strengthen grassroots systems, encourage young talent, and reinforce India’s standing on the global Hockey stage,” Kohli concluded.