Olympic Hockey
Olympic hockey has a rich history dating back to the early days of the modern Olympic Games. The sport, also known as field hockey at the Summer Olympics, has been a staple of the Olympic program since its inception in 1908. In this article, we will delve into the world of Olympic hockey, exploring its history, rules, and the teams that have dominated the sport over the years.
A Brief History of Olympic Hockey
Olympic hockey made its debut at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London, with only three teams participating – Great Britain, Belgium, and France. The tournament was a huge success, with Great Britain emerging as the first-ever Olympic hockey champions. Since then, the sport has grown exponentially, with more countries joining the fold and the competition becoming increasingly fierce.
| Year |
Host Country |
Number of Teams |
| 1908 |
Great Britain |
3 |
| 1920 |
Belgium |
6 |
| 1928 |
Netherlands |
10 |
Rules and Scoring
Olympic hockey is played on a rectangular field with goals at each end. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by hitting the ball into the opponent's goal using a stick. The rules are similar to those of field hockey, with some modifications to accommodate the Olympic format.
- The game is divided into two halves, each lasting 35 minutes.
- Each team consists of 11 players – one goalkeeper and 10 outfield players.
- The team with the most goals at the end of the two halves wins the match.
Domestic Hockey in India
In India, hockey is a highly popular sport, with a rich history dating back to the colonial era. The Indian national hockey team has won eight Olympic gold medals and 28 World Cup
