K ARUMUGAM
MARCH OF GLORY: On 15 March 1975, Indian hockey created its most glorious World Cup chapter when India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 in the final at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to win the Men’s Hockey World Cup for the first—and so far only—time in its history.
Led by the inspirational Ajit Pal Singh, India entered the final carrying the disappointment of losing the 1973 World Cup final to the Netherlands. Pakistan, meanwhile, were the inaugural World Cup champions and one of the dominant forces of world hockey. The stage was set for an epic Asian showdown.
Pakistan struck first, but India refused to buckle. Surjit Singh brought India level with a penalty-corner conversion early in the second half. The equaliser transformed the Indian team’s fortunes and shifted the momentum decisively.
Then came the defining moment. Ashok Kumar, son of hockey legend Dhyan Chand, produced the winning goal to put India 2-1 ahead. The goal remains one of the most celebrated moments in Indian sporting history.
India held on to secure a historic victory.
It was more than a World Cup triumph. It was Indian hockey’s finest hour, giving the nation its first and only Men’s Hockey World Cup title. Half a century later, the 1975 triumph remains an enduring symbol of India’s golden hockey heritage.
1975 World Cup team celebrating their golden run at Kuala Lumpur
1. Ajitpal Singh, led world cup twice, played for Punjab and Border Security Force, Centre half, 79 years old, lives in New Delhi, currently associated with hockey as one of the selectors.
2. Leslie Fernandes is from Madras, played for Signals, has been a goalkeeper, 79 years old, retired from Indian Railways, lives in Chennai.
3. Ashok Diwan is from Delhi, played for Indian Railways, still serving in Railways, associated with sports being in the Railway Sports Promotion Board, lives in New Delhi, age 72.
4. Michael Kindo is from Orissa, worked in Indian Navy and Steel Authority of India, was right full back. Associated with hockey as a consultant to SAIL, was settled in Rourkela, Orissa,, now no more.
5. Surjit Singh, played for Punjab and Indian Airlines, was talented left full back, died early in a car accident.
6. Aslam Sher Khan is from Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) played for the Indian Airlines, was a left full back, and is 73 years old. Lives in New Delhi, and is now a career politician. Lost the Parliament election from Sagar last year
7. Virendra Singh was from Punjab, played for Indian Railways, was right half, retired from Railways, now no more
8. Onkar Singh is from Punjab, played for Indian Railways, was a left half and now lives in Mumbai.
9. Mohinder Singh, the talented left half expired.
10. V.J. Philips is from Chennai, played for Indian Railways, was a right out, lives in Chennai.
11. Harcharan Singh is from Punjab, played for Services, was a great left winger, retired from Army, age 76, lives in Amritsar.
12. Shivaji Pawar was from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, played for Signals, great centre forward of his time, he worked for Gwalior Municipality before his untimely death.
13. Ashok Kumar, the gifted son of Dhyan Chand is from Uttar Pradesh, played for Indian Airlines, 75 years old no, after retirement from Indian Airlines now he is working as coach of the Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy based in Bhopal.
14. B.P. Govinda is from Karnataka, played for Indian Airlines, delightful centre forward of his times, age 75, lives in Chennai.
15. H.J.S. Chimni is from New Delhi, played for Services, Centre forward, lives in Delhi, age 81.
16. PE Kalaiah is from Karnataka, played for Tatas, talented inside forward, lives now in Coorg region.