Hockey Bengal has significantly contributed to the development and promotion of hockey in India, particularly in Bengal, by organizing tournaments, fostering talent, and providing a platform for players to excel. The organization, originally known as the Bengal Hockey Association, has played a pivotal role in the early history of Indian hockey.
Kolkata, the cradle of Indian hockey, has always shown the way — and will continue to do so in the future, said legendary hockey Olympian Gurbux Singh during the celebration of Hockey Bengal’s 117th Foundation Day. Reflecting on the rich history of the sport, Singh reminisced about a time when Bengal and Bengalis had a dominant presence in the world of hockey.
The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including Hockey Bengal President and West Bengal’s Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose, Secretary Istiaq Ali, IFA Secretary Anirban Dutta, and senior Bengal Olympic officials Bishwaroop Dey and Swapan Banerjee.
As part of the celebrations, 60 young players from various districts across the state were presented with hockey sticks and balls, symbolizing Hockey Bengal’s commitment to nurturing grassroots talent.
Bengal, particularly Kolkata, holds an undeniable place in India’s sporting history, especially in hockey. It was in 1885 that the country’s first hockey club, “Calcutta,” was established in the then-bustling city. A decade later, in 1895, the iconic Beighton Cup — one of the oldest hockey tournaments in the world — began its journey from Kolkata.
In 1905, the Calcutta Hockey League was launched, and just three years later, in 1908, India’s first official hockey association, the Bengal Hockey Association (now Hockey Bengal), was founded — laying the foundation for organized hockey in the country.
Here’s a more detailed look of Hockey Bengal’s contributions:
Pioneering Role in Indian Hockey:
The Bengal Hockey Association was the first hockey association formed in India, established in 1908.
The first national hockey championship of India was held in 1928, organized by the Bengal Hockey Association.
The first Indian Olympic team for the Amsterdam Games was selected in Kolkata after the 1928 national championship.
Organizing Major Tournaments:
The Calcutta Hockey League, organized by Hockey Bengal, is the oldest field hockey league in India, with its first edition held in 1905.
Hockey Bengal also organizes the Beighton Cup, another well-known and prestigious hockey tournament in India.
Talent Development:
Hockey Bengal has a strong history of producing talented hockey players who have represented India at the national and international levels.
The organization focuses on developing young players and provides them with opportunities to showcase their skills.
Infrastructure and Facilities:
While Kolkata is a major metropolis without an artificial turf, Hockey Bengal has actively sought to improve the infrastructure for hockey in the region.
They have advocated for the development of astro-turf facilities to facilitate better training and competition for players.
Promoting Hockey in Bengal:
Hockey Bengal strives to keep the sport alive in Bengal, despite challenges like the lack of infrastructure and declining interest from some clubs.
They continue to organize events and initiatives to promote hockey and encourage participation.
(Ms. Pratyusha Mukherjee, an Independent Sr. Broadcast Journalist working for British media with 20 years of experience in covering the east and northeast, with specialisation in Defence and Sports.She is associated with us as Editorial head of Defence and Sports. In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and Indian media awards for Journalism)
