10 interesting facts about Indian hockey that you must not miss

In 1928, India became the first non-European country to join the International Hockey Federation(FIH).

The Indian Hockey team was the first ever sports team from India to ever set foot in Australia/New Zealand(1928), Europe(1928) and Japan/USA(1932).

India played its maiden Hockey World Cup in 1971 in Barcelona, where they finished third. They have won the prestigious trophy just once – 1975 in Kuala Lumpur.

Jaipal Singh led the first Indian Hockey team that participated in Olympics.

After winning their maiden gold medal at the 1928 Olympics, the Indian team was unbeaten in the Games until 1956, winning six gold medals.

The Indian hockey team holds the record of most appearances in men's Olympic hockey – 20 (1928-2004 and 2012-16).

The Indian men’s hockey team also holds the record for most goals scored in the Olympics – 433 ahead of Netherlands (306) and Australia (302).

Dhanraj Pillai is the only Indian to play in 4 Olympics, 4 World Cups, 4 Champions Trophy and 4 Asian Games.

Only three teams have claimed a gold medal in two back-to-back Olympics – India, Germany, and Netherlands.

For 28 years, India went unbeaten in hockey at the Olympic Games. In that span, India won 25 consecutive games, which also brought them six straight gold medals. Their run was ended by Pakistan at the 1960 Olympics final.