NEW DELHI, 26th May 2026 – In a momentous event that seamlessly merged India’s illustrious sporting history with its ambitious future, some of the nation’s most decorated icons gathered at The Connaught Hotel, New Delhi, today for the official launch of a pioneering historical account of Indian hockey. The high-profile gathering bore witness to the unveiling of India’s Olympic Gold: Hockey Triumph at Amsterdam, authored by renowned hockey historian K Arumugam. Incidentally, today marks the 98th anniversary of India’s first Olympic Gold obtained at Amsterdam in 1928.
The book, which meticulously documents India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in 1928, was officially released by dynamic IOA President, Dr. PT Usha, and the visionary President of Hockey India, Dr. Dilip Tirkey. The launch served as more than a literary event; it became a rallying cry for Indian hockey as the nation braces for a crucial sporting year featuring the Asian Games and the World Cup.
A Galaxy of Hockey Royalty
The Connaught’s ballroom was packed with former players, academicians, and history enthusiasts, transforming the venue into a hall of sporting fame. The event’s grandeur was amplified by the presence of true hockey royalty, including triple-Olympian and former captain Harbinder Singh. Also present were figures deeply connected to hockey’s defining legacies: double Olympian Jagbir Singh and Olympic gold medalist Zafar Iqbal.
Adding immense historical significance was the presence of Ashok Kumar, whose father, the legendary Major Dhyan Chand, first showcased his genius to the world during that very 1928 Amsterdam campaign.
The dignitaries also took time to witness a curated photo exhibition organized specifically for the launch. The exhibition featured rare, vintage images and insightful newspaper cuttings from 1928, offering a poignant visual journey back to the genesis of India’s Olympic dominance.
A New Era of Sporting Impetus: Dr. PT Usha’s Vision
Releasing the book to a packed audience, IOA President and sporting legend Dr. PT Usha delivered an inspiring address, framing hockey’s historical triumphs as essential catalysts for India’s modern sporting resurgence.
“Indian sports is looking up,” declared Dr. PT Usha. “We are now in an ecosystem where India is not only competing but hosting major global events, such as the Commonwealth Games, and we are actively and confidently bidding to host the Olympic Games.“
Dr. Usha emphasized that as India evolves into a multi-sport nation, hockey’s rich legacy provides the necessary groundwork. “Hockey is part of our DNA. The sport has given India eight Olympic gold medals so far, which remains an unparalleled feat. The two successive bronze medals won by our men’s team recently prove that our traditional sport has successfully navigated a transition and is now poised to bring home even more laurels in this defining year of the Asian Games and the World Cup.“
Unfazed and Focused on World Cup Glory: Dr. Dilip Tirkey’s Vow
Echoing Dr. Usha’s optimism, Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey provided a focused update on the national teams’ preparations, choosing to prioritize upcoming challenges over any potential administrative discussions.
“Our teams are preparing exceptionally well for both the Asian Games and the World Cup,” said Dr. Tirkey, who holds the rare distinction of having represented India in three different World Cups during his illustrious playing career. “I am sidestepping controversies; my focus is squarely on the preparation.“
Dr. Tirkey declared a singular mission for Hockey India: ending a half-century-old medal drought at the World Cup. “I am particularly and intensely focused on us bringing home a medal at the World Cup. This is an achievement that has eluded us since 1975, when India last won gold. It is time to add a fresh chapter to that legacy.“
Dr. Tirkey also took a moment to laud the dedication of the author, K Arumugam. “Arumugam is a rare presence in sports literature. He has been tirelessly providing genuine, well-researched literature on hockey for the last four decades. In fact, he published my biography midway through my international career—a gesture that was quite a surprise for me then. That speaks volumes about his rare vision and his dedication to documenting the sport’s icons.“
Ashok Kumar Traces the Genesis of Amsterdam
While celebrating the 1928 Amsterdam victory, Ashok Kumar, the illustrious son of Major Dhyan Chand, added a crucial historical layer by linking that success to an earlier, pivotal tour.
Elaborating on the less-documented 1926 Indian Army tour of New Zealand, Ashok Kumar shared a powerful insight: “We must not forget the importance of that 1926 tour. Dhyan Chand and the team were sensational in New Zealand. But for the massive success and acclaim of that tour, India would not have received the vital impetus, the confidence, or the financial support needed to send a full hockey team to the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.“
A Collective Sporting Legacy: The Author’s Perspective
India’s Olympic Gold: Hockey Triumph at Amsterdam marks the 16th publication by K Arumugam, a testament to his life’s work. Speaking at the launch, Arumugam argued that India’s foundational victory in 1928 must be reclaimed by the entire nation, not just the hockey community.
“The Amsterdam gold medal should not be confined only to the corridors of hockey stadiums or federation offices,” Arumugam asserted with conviction. “The entire Indian sporting community, across all disciplines, must celebrate it collectively.“
“This victory did something profound: it gave colonial-era Indian sportspersons, in any field, the vital self-confidence they needed to know they could be the best in the world. The foundation of India’s entire sporting legacy—from track and field to cricket—was built on that Amsterdam success. That is exactly why we have the President of the IOA, Dr. PT Usha, here today, alongside prominent history and sociology professors. This is a story of national identity, not just a sports result.“
About the Book: A Definitive Guide to History
India’s Olympic Gold: Hockey Triumph at Amsterdam promises to be a comprehensive resource for hockey fans, historians, and students of Indian social history.
-
Pages: 144
-
Images: 24 (many rare and previously unpublished)
-
Foreword: Contributed by a collective of legends: Dr. PT Usha, Dr. Dilip Tirkey, Olympian Gurbux Singh, and triple-Olympian Harbinder Singh.
-
Format: Paperback
-
Price: Rs.360
For copies and inquiries, please contact: N Shanthi: 9968014105
Media Contact: K Arumugam: 9811662081 Email: hockeybook@gmail.com