International Hockey Returns To New Delhi After 10 Years; India Legends React

Former stalwarts of Indian Hockey– Harbinder Singh and Zafar Iqbal are excited to witness the Indian Men's Hockey Team in action against Germany at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. India will face off against the Olympic Silver medallists on the 23rd and 24th of October.

International hockey is returning to New Delhi after a decade with this event and several dignitaries, including former hockey stars are expected to attend the event. The last time India played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was the Hero Hockey World League Final – Men's Round 4, back in January 2014.

“1972 was the last time I played hockey in Delhi for the national team.

I remember the Shivaji Stadium was filled to the brim and the fans were on their feet cheering for us. I believe a lot of fans will turn up to cheer for India and Germany as well.

They will be witnessing a high-level international match after a decade after all,” Padma Shri Harbinder Singh, winner of the 1964 Tokyo Gold, 1968 Mexico Bronze, and 1972 Munich Bronze at the Olympics commented.

Zafar Iqbal, Gold medallist at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and Captain of the 1982 Asian Games Silver winning team in Delhi also weighed in saying, “Back in our era, hockey had an immense following. Events like the Nehru Gold Cup, Asian Games and other international matches drew a lot of supporters and palpable excitement always followed the huge stadiums we played in.