Over 1,000 Matches to Be Played Simultaneously Nationwide; Exhibition Matches and Felicitation Programs Scheduled in Rajnandgaon
Published on: November 06, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
To mark 100 years of Indian Hockey, a nationwide celebration will take place on 7 November 2025, during which more than 1,000 hockey matches will be conducted simultaneously across the country. As part of this national sporting festival, Hockey Nursery Rajnandgaon will also host a series of events, with preparations now complete.
Beginning at 8:30 AM, exhibition matches will be held between boys’ and girls’ teams. Along with this, a special seminar on hockey will also be organized. Distinguished senior and international hockey players will be felicitated on the occasion. Winners of various competitions held under the centenary celebrations — including exhibition matches, quizzes, painting and essay competitions — will be awarded during the program.
President of Chhattisgarh Hockey, Firoz Ansari, stated that the event symbolizes the remarkable journey of Indian hockey. The first national hockey administrative body was formed on 7 November 1925. Three years later, in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, India won its first Olympic Gold Medal by defeating the Netherlands — beginning an era of dominance where India won eight Olympic gold medals, the highest by any nation in hockey.
He highlighted the significant contribution of Hockey Nursery Rajnandgaon, mentioning legendary players such as Airman R. Bestian (first Olympian) and Renuka Yadav (first woman Olympian from Chhattisgarh), along with international players Mrinal Choubey, Renuka Rajput, Bhoomisha Sahu, Anisha Sahu, and Aanchal Sahu.
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Secretary of Hockey Rajnandgaon, Shivnarayan, noted that India has so far won 8 Olympic gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals, along with the 1975 Hockey World Cup, and has earned 4 gold, 9 silver, and 3 bronze medals in the Asian Games. The Indian women’s team has also strengthened the nation’s pride with 7 medals in the Asian Games.
Program convenor and international hockey player Mrinal Choubey emphasized the importance of spreading awareness of India’s hockey legacy and inspiring young players. In Rajnandgaon, one men’s and one women’s match will inaugurate the day’s proceedings, followed by multiple matches among local teams. From 3 to 7 November, awareness workshops, general knowledge activities, and school outreach campaigns were conducted across the city to mark the centenary celebration.
