The Hero Hockey World League Final Men’s Round 4 match between India and the United States took place at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in January 2014.
Harbinder Singh and Zafar Iqbal, two former Indian hockey legends, are eager to watch the Indian Men’s Hockey Team play Germany at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. On October 23 and 24, India will compete against the silver medalists from the Olympics. With this event, international hockey is making its ten-year comeback to New Delhi, and a number of dignitaries, including former hockey players, are anticipated to participate. India’s last match at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was in January 2014 at the Hero Hockey World League Final – Men’s Round 4.
“My final hockey game for the national team was in Delhi in 1972. I recall that the Shivaji Stadium was completely packed, with supporters standing up to applaud our team. I think there will be a sizable crowd present to support Germany and India as well. Padma Shri Harbinder Singh, the 1964 Tokyo Gold, 1968 Mexico Bronze, and 1972 Munich Bronze medallist, remarked, “They will be witnessing a high-level international match after a decade after all.”
Hockey had a huge fan base back in our day, according to Zafar Iqbal, the 1980 Olympic gold winner from Moscow and the captain of the 1982 Asian Games silver-winning squad in Delhi. There was always a lot of excitement at the massive stadiums we played in after events like the Nehru Gold Cup, the Asian Games, and other international contests. Germany is a formidable team; we defeated them to earn the bronze medal at the Olympics in Tokyo and most recently fell to them in the Paris semifinals, so I’m sure Indian fans will be cheering for us to win.
The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier and the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy were welcomed to Ranchi last year, while the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy was held in Chennai. The next Women’s Asian Champions Trophy will take place in November at Rajgir, a city in Bihar.
Harbinder Singh praised Hockey India’s initiative to bring hockey to every part of the nation, saying that “high-profile matches should be hosted at various venues across the country, giving a chance for people from all regions to witness the team live in action and grow the following for the sport, in addition to keeping our players sharp for important international tournaments.”
Zafar Iqbal also urged fans to show out in large numbers, stating, “The general impression was that India is a team that concedes goals late in games, but that has changed now; we are one of the best teams in the world in all aspects.” The facilities are excellent, and I am confident that the game will be plenty of exciting action. And I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage hockey fans to show out in large numbers to support our team.”
