Former Indian hockey captain Ashok Kumar, a revered figure in the sport, has voiced a poignant critique of the modern game, highlighting a dramatic shift from its artistic roots to a power-centric spectacle. The son of the legendary Dhyan Chand and a member of the 1975 World Cup-winning team shared his views with the media in New Delhi on Wednesday after attending the Sangram Singh Hockey Cup as chief guest.
The Lost Art of Wrist-Based Hockey
Ashok Kumar, an Arjuna Awardee, painted a vivid picture of the hockey he grew up with, describing it as a classical and artistic discipline. "It was an era of classical, artistic hockey, played with the wrists," he recalled. He contrasted this sharply with the contemporary version, stating, "Today’s hockey is played with the shoulders. We call it power hockey." According to him, the finesse and skill that once defined the sport have largely been overshadowed by brute physicality and strength.
The High Cost of Playing the Game Today
A significant concern raised by the hockey veteran is the prohibitive cost associated with the modern game. He pointed out that hockey has transformed into an expensive pursuit, reliant on costly equipment and specialized infrastructure. Drawing a parallel with cricket, Kumar noted that the latter still requires minimal gear—a bat, ball, and stumps—to begin playing. In stark contrast, hockey now necessitates astroturf facilities, which are becoming increasingly scarce in urban areas and educational institutions across India.
He expressed deep worry over this accessibility gap, emphasizing that it stifles talent at the grassroots level. "In our time, we played with very little," Kumar said, reminiscing about a more accessible era for the sport.
A Call for Infrastructure and Legacy Preservation
To address this critical issue, Ashok Kumar made a direct appeal to both state and central governments. He urged them to take proactive steps to equip every district with astroturf and synthetic hockey grounds. He believes such infrastructure is non-negotiable for reviving the sport's foundation and nurturing future champions.
Beyond infrastructure, Kumar stressed the responsibility of administrators and all stakeholders to safeguard the legacy of local clubs and tournaments. He highlighted that these smaller competitions were the traditional nurseries for national talent. Expressing his happiness at the 29th edition of the Sangram Singh Hockey Cup, he affirmed that such tournaments are vital for the survival and growth of hockey in India.
Recalling his personal journey, he acknowledged the city of Kota for playing a pivotal role, providing him with opportunities through its various clubs.
Concluding with a powerful reminder of India's rich hockey heritage, Ashok Kumar said, "Hockey is our heritage. India is the only country to have won eight Olympic gold medals, along with four bronze and one silver." He firmly reiterated that "Small tournaments are what produce great players, and we need to promote them", calling for a collective effort to bring the sport back to its glory days by focusing on its roots.
