Friday, Mar 14 2025 | Time 20:50 Hrs(IST)
Sports


Ajit Pal Singh recalls 1975 World Cup glory as Hockey India prepares for its Golden Jubilee celebrations

Ajit Pal Singh recalls 1975 World Cup glory as  Hockey India prepares for its Golden Jubilee celebrations

New Delhi, Mar 14 (UNI) As the Hockey India 7th Annual Awards 2024 set to bring together the Indian hockey fraternity here on Saturday, the day holds a special significance, marking the

golden jubilee of India's historic 1975 World Cup victory.

On this very day in 1975, the Indian Men's Hockey Team, led by Ajit Pal Singh, etched their name in hockey history as they added another laurel to their monumental legacy by winning the Men's Hockey World Cup for the first time.

In a thrilling final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, India defeated arch-rivals and then hockey powerhouse Pakistan 2-1 to clinch the prestigious title.

To commemorate this milestone, the stalwarts of the 1975 World Cup-winning team will be felicitated by Hockey India during the annual awards night, paying tribute to their remarkable achievement and lasting legacy in Indian hockey.

Sharing his excitement for the occasion, former India captain Ajit Pal said, "I’m very happy that Hockey India is celebrating this milestone in a big way. After the 1964 Olympic gold, the 1975

World Cup was a major achievement for the Indian team. It has been 50 years since that victory,

but the memories are still fresh in my mind."

In the pool stage of the World Cup, the Indian team secured three victories against England (2-1), Ghana (7-0), and West Germany (3-1), while playing out a 1-1 draw against Australia and narrowly losing to Argentina (2-1). Despite the setback, they topped their pool and advanced to the semi-finals, where they edged past hosts Malaysia 3-2 before defeating Pakistan in the final to claim the title.

Reminiscing about the glorious campaign, the former centre-half reflected, "While there are countless memories from the journey, we faced several challenges along the way but never gave up. At one stage, we suffered a setback against a weaker team like Argentina and found ourselves in a must-win situation. In the semi-final, we were trailing 2-1 against Malaysia but turned things around in extra time to defeat the hosts."

"And, of course, there’s no better feeling than beating your traditional rivals, Pakistan, especially in a World Cup final," he further added.

With the golden jubilee celebrations of the World Cup win, the seventh edition of the Hockey India Annual Awards promises to be a momentous occasion, honouring the finest performances and moments in Indian hockey during the 2024 season. With a record prize pool of INR 12 crore, a total

of 32 nominees across eight categories have made it to the final list.

Highlighting the importance of the Hockey India Annual Awards, the former India captain said, "Any player would feel proud and happy to be recognised and honoured in their career by their sports federation. Every athlete plays to achieve success and earn recognition, and Hockey India ensures that their efforts are celebrated at every important step in their career. It’s commendable that Hockey India has been consistently organising such ceremonies for the growth and betterment of not just the sport, but also the players, coaches, and officials."

Speaking about reuniting with his teammates, Ajit Pal said, 'It is always a joy to have these reunions, and I hope this time will be just as special. We certainly miss a few players and members of the coaching staff who have passed away, but they were wonderful people, and their contributions will always be cherished."

UNI BM

More News

Uncapped Hinestroza earns Colombia call-up for World Cup qualifiers

14 Mar 2025 | 8:39 PM

Bogota, Mar 14 (UNI) Uncapped midfielder Marino Hinestroza was called up to Colombia's squad
for World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Paraguay.

see more..

Olympic champion Gong leads Chinese team for World Athletics Indoor Championships

14 Mar 2025 | 8:35 PM

Beijing, Mar 14 (UNI) 2020 Tokyo Olympic women's shot put champion Gong Lijiao is among 35 athletes selected to represent China at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing next week.

see more..
Joshua Berry shoots course record 62 to emerge joint leader along with Om Prakash

Joshua Berry shoots course record 62 to emerge joint leader along with Om Prakash

14 Mar 2025 | 8:33 PM

Kolkata, Mar 14 (UNI) England teenager Joshua Berry shot an astounding 10-under 62 to break the course record and emerge joint leader along with India’s Om Prakash Chouhan at a total of 10-under 134 at the halfway stage in the Kolkata Challenge 2025, being played at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club here on Friday.

see more..

Frankfurt thrashes Ajax to move into Europa League quarterfinals

14 Mar 2025 | 8:29 PM

Berlin, Mar 14 (UNI) Eintracht Frankfurt booked its place in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals with an emphatic 4-1 win over Ajax, sealing a 6-2 aggregate victory.

see more..

Joshua Kimmich finally agrees new Bayern Munich deal

14 Mar 2025 | 8:24 PM

Berlin, Mar 14 (UNI) Joshua Kimmich has agreed a new deal with Bayern Munich, the German giants confirmed via the club's official website.

see more..