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1975 World Cup gold medallists Brigadier HJ Chimni and Ashok Kumar and Hockey India president Dr. Dilip Tirkey jointly released first-ever book on 1975 World Cup victory. Co-authored by Errol D’Cruz and K. Arumugam, the 204-page treatise is first-ever chronicle of the only World Cup India won so far.
“Addressing in the function, Indian Hockey president Dr. Dilip Tirkey advocated more hockey literature to popularise the sport. Tirkey appreciated the efforts of the authors and wondered why there is a paucity of hockey literature.
Golden Jubilee of 1975 World Cup triumph
Tirkey, however, expressed joy over the book, saying, “I am delighted that the book has been published as we celebrate the centenary of hockey governance in our country as well as the golden jubilee of our epic victory in Kuala Lumpur.”
“I understand this is the first-ever book on the historic World Cup victory. Its fitting it comes as we celebrate its Golden Jubilee”.
While saluting the team that wrote a glorious chapter for Indian hockey, he urged mediamen to write more on the sport to inspire generations to come.
Ashok Kumar, son of the wizard Dhyan Chand, went down memory lane. The scorer of the match-winning goal in the final against Pakistan revealed he may not have been in the team if he had stuck with his plan to accept a lucrative offer from an Italian club.
“I am happy I made the right decision, ” he affirmed.
HJS Chimni, a member of the winning squad, expressed joy and fulfilment on serving the country as a sportsman and a soldier, having won gold in Kuala Lumpur and rising to the rank of brigadier in the army.
“Hockey gave me twin benefits what with Gold at Kuala Lumpur and top rank in service”.
Zafar Iqbal, captain of the 1980 Moscow Olympic gold medal winning team, said in lighter vein that a book should be written on that triumph too!
March to Glory runs into 204 pages and contains around 250 photographs.
As many as 400 players promoted by the NGO One Thousand Hockey Legs witnessed the book release in open theatre of the iconic Shivaji Stadium.
PIC Caption: Dilip Tirkey, President of Indian Hockey releasing March of Glory, The Story of 1975 World Cup Triumph in the presence of 1975 World Cup gold medallist Ashok Kumar (far right) and HJS Chimini (second from left) and Co-author K. Arumugam.
March of Glory Book Cover
Details of the book:
Title: March to Glory: The Story of India’s 1975 World Cup triumph
Authors: Errol D’Cruz & K. Arumugam
Publishers: Hockey Citizen Group
Price: Rs 1,200/- (hard bound), Rs 800/- (paperback)
For copies write to hockeycitizengroup@gmail.com or call 9310618599, 8467870290, 9811662081 & 9823039069
About the book
March of Glory captures the historical essence of India’s 1975 World Cup triumph. The book focuses on the event’s atmosphere and drama along with the prowess and spirit of the team led by Ajit Pal Singh in its quest to win the title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With photographs rendering a powerful visual element, the book – the first ever on the epic – celebrates one of India’s landmark sporting achievements. Details of key matches and quotes from players provide insights into a remarkable journey – a timely enactment in the centenary year of hockey governance in the country.
About authors
Errol D’Cruz has worked for leading newspapers such as The Times of India and The Indian Express. D’Cruz has covered major events like Hockey World Cups and several other international and domestic events. He now contributes to stick2hockey.com, rendering narration and analysis on the sport with a passion and critical eye. He is hailed for his eye for details and accuracy.
K Arumugam’s passion for hockey has expressed itself in journalistic, statistical, organizational, and altruistic efforts. He has authored numerous books focusing on history, records and governance. Arumugam wrote hockey for many news outlets including PTI, Hindustan Times etc. Has appeared on numerous TV shows, besides offering consultancy to three commercial films. He also founded hockey Trust One Thousand Hockey Legs.
RSVP: Errold D Cruz 9823039069 & K. Arumugam 9811662081
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