For much of the last century, Indian Hockey Team players were the true stars of the sport worldwide. India dominated field hockey with incredible skills that became legendary, while other countries struggled to keep up and beat them. Although the team as a whole was brilliant, there was always one player who stood out.
Here, we look at top 5 hockey players of all time:
5. PR Sreejesh
PR Srejesh buit an impressive career as a top Hockey Player of India as goalkeeper. He had to wait a long time to join the senior national team. His big break came in the 2011 Asian Champions Trophy, where he saved two penalties against Pakistan to win the title, becoming the first-choice goalkeeper. His leadership and excellent shot-stopping skills have made him one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Sreejesh has also captained the Indian hockey team and came back strong after a serious injury in 2017. In Tokyo Olympics 2020, Sreejesh was outstanding, helping India win a bronze medal and ending a 41-year drought. He also helped India win a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games.
See More: Third Medal For India in Paris Olympics 2024: Swapnil Kusale
4. Dhanraj Pillay
A legendary Indian hockey player Dhanraj Pillay who debuted in 1989. Known for his speed and perfect passes, he became a top attacker in the 1990s. He received the Arjuna Award in 1995 and led India to an Asian Games gold in 1998 and an Asia Cup win in 2003. Pillay played in four Olympics, World Cups, Asian Games, and Champions Trophy tournaments before retiring in 2004 after a 15-year career.
3. Mohammad Shahid
Lesser-known name in Indian hockey history named Mohammad Shahid, was considered one of the country’s most skilled players. He debuted with the Indian junior team in 1979 and quickly became a key player, joining the Olympic squad in 1980. As an attacking winger, Shahid formed a strong partnership with Zafar Iqbal, helping India win its last Olympic gold medal in hockey at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. His talent and importance were praised by the 1980 Olympic gold-winning captain, Vasudevan Baskaran. Shahid continued to shine in the 1980s, winning an Asian Games bronze in 1986. He retired in 1989 and passed away in 2016 due to a liver ailment.
2. Balbir Singh Sr
When the Olympics resumed in 1948 after being canceled in 1940 and 1944 due to World War II, Indian hockey needed a new star, Balbir Singh Dosanjh, known as Balbir Singh Sr, stepped up. He is considered one of the greatest center-forwards in hockey history. Despite challenges, he scored eight goals in two matches, helping India win the Olympic hockey gold in 1948. Balbir Singh Sr became India’s key player, leading the team to three consecutive Olympic golds, including a record five goals in the 1952 final. He received the Padma Shri award in 1957.After retiring, he coached and managed the Indian hockey team, leading them to win their only Men’s Hockey World Cup in 1975. He passed away in May 2020 at age 96, leaving a lasting legacy.
See More: Top 5 Indian Olympians in Paris Who Might Have Excelled in Cricket
1. Dhyan Chand
Dhyan Chand is considered the greatest hockey player ever. Known as “the wizard” for his incredible skills, he scored many goals, including hat-tricks in two Olympic finals. He first gained international attention in 1926 during India’s tour of New Zealand. Chand debuted in the Olympics in 1928, scoring 14 goals and winning a gold medal. He won two more gold medals in the 1932 and 1936 Olympics, the latter as captain, retiring with an unbeaten Olympic record.
Read More:
