Top 10 Famous Hockey Players Of India

Did you know that it was actually way back in 1928 when the Indian hockey team won the first-ever Olympic gold medal? Yes, that was kind of a turning point of this game in the Indian subcontinent, and from there on, we got to see some of the best hockey players, not just in India, but those who were or are much appreciated on the global stage as well. Sure, hockey right now isn’t the most-watched sport in the country, but sure, there are some hockey players who most people know in the country because they have made it to the list of the most famous sports persons tier. And in today’s post, we’ll talk about these top 10 famous hockey players of India, so, let’s just get to the list right away.

1. Major Dhyan Chand

Major Dhyan Chand aka the “Wizard of Hockey” has made himself a legend in Indian sports through his kinda extraordinary performances, and that’s why, after so many years, he still is considered the best hockey player we ever had. Like, in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, he was the captain of the Indian hockey team and this was the start of his rise as a star with a remarkable performance of 14 goals which achieved gold. Major Dhyan Chand was gifted with the ball and his goal-scoring ability was not matched, which propelled India to win back-to-back Olympic golds in 1932 and 1936, you know?

2. Roop Singh

Roop Singh, the younger brother of the legendary Dhyan Chand, was one of the best hockey players India has ever seen as well. In fact, he was known for his exceptional scoring ability, a fact that stood out at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics when he scored 10 goals against the United States in a single match, in a way that changed the game, you know? His incredible performance in playing a super important role at the 1936 Berlin Olympics was the last nail in the coffin for the opponent team, as it not only hit the target but also, and that too ultimately, led to India securing its third and last consecutive gold.

3. Balbir Singh Sr.

Balbir Singh Sr. is the one who is the star of the events in the sporting scene after independence, and he is known for his Olympic golds in 1948, 1952, and 1956. Just so you know though, he is known for his speed and precision, and in the 1952 finals he broke the Olympic record of scoring five goals which remains unbroken until now. Post his playing days, he was a coach with the Indian team which won only one World Cup in 1975, thus making him an essential figure in Indian hockey through his mentorship.

4. Leslie Claudius

In Indian hockey defensive play, Leslie Claudius would always go to the forefront, and why’s that? Well, he was able to compete in four Olympics that were held from 1948 to 1960 and received three gold medals in addition to the silver medal. He was an assistant in the match of defense of India with a great performance as a halfback by the way of his calm and strategic manner. The Olympic team in 1960 thus was under his captaincy but they couldn’t grab the gold, they were just inches away from it.

5. Udham Singh

As a versatile player, Udham Singh was a three-time Olympic Champion (the years being 1952, 1956, and 1964) and bronze medalist (the year being 1960). Not just that though, he also played a crucial role in the continuity of the Indian team seeing success for two decades, can you even imagine that? He had the mark of being a flexible player, as such, he smoothly drifted between front and middle positions which further solidified India’s team at that time.

6. Ajit Pal Singh

Ajit Pal Singh is mainly remembered for his guidance for India which was successful in only one World Cup in the year 1975. You know, in addition to his being a genius in skills as a center-half player, his fabulous ability to motivate others was another one that he was good at. He was the one who really controlled the midfield and thanks to that is a vital figure to India’s success. He was around the Indian hockey team through some Olympics but it was 1975 that became the most precious moment of his career.

7. K. D. Singh Babu

Next up, K. D. Singh Babu, a name associated with technical expertise, was the man behind India’s Olympic wins in 1948 and 1952. And why’s he on the list today? Well, just so you know, his quick decision-making and accuracy of execution were the reason that India resumed its pre-Independence fame. Not just that though, K.D. Babu was awarded with the Padma Shri in 1960.

8. Shankar Lakshman

Then, Shankar Lakshman, amongst India’s greatest keepers, was the main man behind the 1956,1964 Olympic golds and the silver in 1960. Without a doubt, he made incredible and fearless saves, the most famous one being in the 1964 final match against Pakistan, remember that? And yes, he was given the Padma Shri for his high-quality work.

9. Dhanraj Pillay

The logical conclusion to a match in which Dhanraj Pillay left his mark was a loss for the other team. This Indian player is the pioneer of the modern genre of hockey. And sure, he was one of the key reasons India brought home the 1998 Asian Games and the 2003 Asian Cup under his leadership. Right now though, by making a game plan for his teammates when he was on the field he became a massive crowd favorite in India.

10. Mohammed Shahid

Last on the list, Mohammed Shahid, the dribbling wizard, was one of the most important members of the Indian hockey team which made history by winning an Olympic gold medal in 1980. His ability to bypass defenses and set up teammates was what garnered him great popularity among the youth of the time. Just so you know though, a token of his talent, the Arjuna Award 1981 and the Padma Shri 1986 were given to him in acknowledgment.

Conclusion

There you have it. Now, it might be that this list is a bit different or more of the same as other rankings on the internet because these famous hockey players are objectively the best and most famous from India. So, that’s that.