Indian Hockey’s Rise: From Poverty to Olympic Glory, But Professionalism Still a Distant Dream

Often labeled the “poor man’s game,” Indian hockey has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis both on and off the field since the eye-opening Olympic miss in 2008. While securing a job remains a priority for aspiring players, most of whom come from humble backgrounds, rewards for major victories, like Olympic medals or tournament triumphs, have significantly increased.

The shift is evident in the substantial prize money awarded to players. After Hockey India announced a Rs 15 lakh reward for each player who secured bronze at the Paris Olympics, Madhya Pradesh led the way for state governments with a Rs 1 crore reward for Vivek Sagar Prasad, a midfielder from Itarsi and a Deputy Superintendent of Police in MP. This represents a significant financial boost for a 24-year-old hockey player, starkly contrasting with the past when coaches like Baldev Singh had to dip into their savings to purchase a vehicle to transport players to matches across Haryana and beyond. Even that scenario pales in comparison to the pre- and post-independence era when teams relied on crowdfunding to travel and compete at the Olympics. This unwavering spirit exemplifies the deep connection hockey has with the Indian masses. From remote villages to bustling urban areas, hockey triumphs are celebrated nationwide. Despite the lack of resources, money, and facilities, parents never deterred their children from playing on dusty village hockey grounds. Without this enduring support, India wouldn’t have witnessed the rise of Rani Rampal, daughter of a cart-puller; PR Sreejesh, whose father made immense sacrifices to purchase a Rs 15,000 goalkeeper kit for his son; or Neha Goyal, whose mother endured domestic violence and worked in a cycle factory to support her daughter’s hockey aspirations.

In stark contrast to Pakistan, where Olympic and World Cup medal droughts coupled with poor governance pushed the sport into decline, India took decisive action after the era of the erstwhile Indian Hockey Federation (IHF). Hockey India, the new governing body, not only streamlined administration but also successfully courted corporate sponsorship. Credit is also due to Indian PSUs and government units for maintaining hockey teams, providing employment opportunities that allowed players to focus on honing their skills – a stark contrast to the situation in Pakistan where the lack of such support proved detrimental to the youth’s interest in the sport. This comparison highlights the pivotal role of India’s adaptation and evolution in the 21st century.

Former Hockey India president Narinder Batra’s leadership, despite being criticized for alleged dictatorial governance, is credited with attracting significant financial resources to the sport since 2010. The Odisha government’s sponsorship proved to be a game-changer, providing substantial financial support to the Indian national hockey teams across all levels. Corporate investment gave birth to the Hockey India League (HIL) in 2013, and the Junior World Cup triumph in 2016 underscored the positive impact of the HIL’s talent development pipeline. This infrastructure contributed to India’s consecutive Olympic bronze medals in Tokyo and Paris. However, the World Cup remains an elusive trophy. Despite hosting two consecutive men’s World Cups on home soil, India failed to even reach the semifinals. The upcoming World Cup in 2026, hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, presents another opportunity for India to claim the title.

The next two years are crucial for Indian hockey. Maintaining stability and consistency on the field and in policy-making is paramount. Adhering to coach Craig Fulton’s successful program should be prioritized, at least until the 2026 World Cup. The path towards the 2028 LA Olympics can then be reassessed.

Hockey India’s introduction of annual cash incentives two years ago, rewarding players with Rs 50,000 for every victory by the senior men’s and women’s teams, was a positive step towards addressing players’ financial security. With the recent Olympic successes, including the women’s team’s historic fourth-place finish in Tokyo, Hockey India can further enhance stability by introducing central contracts, similar to cricket, based strictly on performance rather than reputation. This could potentially make India the first country with full-time professional hockey players.

Former India captain Arjun Halappa, in a podcast following India’s bronze medal win in Paris, urged Hockey India to consider central contracts. “I would love to see Indian players getting central contracts, where some financial assurance is guaranteed,” he said, adding that he and his former teammates had raised this issue in 2009. “It is not about money, it is about the effort we (players) are putting in for the whole year for the nation. If central contracts come in, it will be a big game-changer for the sport of hockey. It is one thing I want to see. We fought for it in 2009-10.” Halappa believes central contracts would address the plight of young hockey players in India, who often face financial and educational challenges. “Hockey players come from poor backgrounds mostly, where parents struggle to make ends meet; there are neither studies, nor money. If they go on to play for India (senior), then they can hope of securing a job, otherwise they find themselves on the crossroads,” Halappa explained.

While Hockey India might argue that the jobs players secure as Indian internationals provide some stability, the federation must acknowledge that this doesn’t make them professional players. Although this isn’t a widespread trend in hockey globally, it’s a sentiment shared by many players. With two consecutive Olympic medals and a stronger financial standing compared to other leading hockey nations, Hockey India has the opportunity to lead the way in professionalizing the sport. A tiered central contract system would provide motivation and enhance competition for roster spots as top performers would earn higher salaries. Most importantly, it would break the age-old notion of securing a job as a pathway to becoming an international player.

The generation of players who have contributed to India’s resurgence since 2010 have benefited from the improved rewards system, including five years of participation in the HIL (2013 to 2017) and recognition for their Olympic achievements. However, it’s the next generation of players, including Sanjay, Sukhjeet, Abhishek, and Raj Kumar Pal, that Hockey India needs to provide with future security as Indian players.

The second edition of the HIL, expected to launch later this year, will play a crucial role in building this security and fostering professional hockey players. It is hoped that the league will produce more Olympic medalists like Mandeep Singh and revitalize the talent development pipeline that faltered in 2017. The inclusion of central contracts would empower these players to focus solely on their game.

As India pursues a third consecutive Olympic medal, the upcoming era following the retirement of PR Sreejesh presents a significant opportunity for transformative change. The road to the 2028 LA Olympics could be marked by the introduction of central contracts, a game-changing step towards professionalizing Indian hockey and ensuring a secure future for its players.

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