Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup

Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 – A Tribute to India’s Hockey Heritage

Hockey, one of the oldest and most dynamic sports in human history, holds a distinguished place in India’s cultural and sporting identity. The game, believed to be older than the Olympics, spread across the Indian subcontinent with the advent of British rule in the late 19th century.

The first hockey club in India was established in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1885, followed by many more clubs across the country. On 7 November 1925, these clubs came together in Gwalior to form the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF). Two years later, the IHF gained recognition from the International Hockey Federation (FIH), paving the way for India’s debut in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics—where the Indian Hockey Team won its first Olympic Gold Medal.

What followed was a golden era for Indian hockey, with five consecutive Olympic Gold Medals at Los Angeles (1932), Berlin (1936), London (1948), Helsinki (1952), and Melbourne (1956). To date, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team has achieved eight Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze medals, making India one of the most successful nations in Olympic hockey history.

Odisha – The New Home of Indian Hockey

Continuing this proud legacy, Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, hosted the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 from 28 November to 16 December 2018. Organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), this was the 14th edition of the prestigious tournament, which is held every four years and ranks among the most celebrated global hockey events alongside the Olympics.

This marked the third time India hosted the Men’s Hockey World Cup, following Mumbai (1982) and New Delhi (2010). With this, India became only the second nation after the Netherlands to host the event three times. The Kalinga Hockey Stadium, expanded to accommodate 15,000 spectators, stood as a world-class venue where 16 teams competed in 36 matches over 19 thrilling days, vying for hockey supremacy.

Hockey India and Odisha – A Historic Partnership

Hockey India, the national governing body for hockey in India, is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, FIH, Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). The Government of Odisha, in partnership with Hockey India, became the official sponsor of India’s Men’s and Women’s Hockey Teams till 2023—a landmark initiative by any Indian state government.

Odisha’s unwavering commitment to hockey has transformed the state into a global hub for the sport, nurturing young athletes and producing several players for the national team. The people’s passion and the state’s consistent investment in sports infrastructure have made Odisha a shining example of how government and sport can come together to inspire a nation.

A Philatelic Salute – Commemorative Stamp on Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018

To celebrate India’s rich hockey heritage and the successful hosting of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018, the Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp. The stamp not only honours India’s hockey champions but also symbolizes Odisha’s pivotal role in promoting and globalizing the sport.

A Legacy That Inspires Generations

From Calcutta’s first hockey club in 1885 to Bhubaneswar’s world-class stadium, India’s journey in hockey reflects its passion, perseverance, and pride. The Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Stamp stands as a tribute to India’s hockey heroes and a celebration of the nation’s enduring love for its national game.