Hockey at the Olympics

With its fast-paced action and global appeal, hockey has been a staple of the Olympic Games for over a century. With one of the highest fan bases and a hugely active player base around the world, hockey has a long and storied history at the Olympic Games and is one of the sports that has appeared most often at the Olympic Games, with Paris 2024 marking the 25th edition of Hockey at the Games!

Field hockey first appeared at the modern Olympic Games in London 1908, where hosts Great Britain dominated the competition and won the gold medal in the first men's tournament. In the 116 years since the London Games, field hockey has been played at every edition of the Games except 1912 and 1924, appearing in 24 of the 26 editions, and in every edition since Amsterdam 1928.

The 1928 Amsterdam Games marked the beginning of a new era in Olympic hockey, dominated by India after Great Britain won gold in the first two editions. Led by legendary figures like Dhyan Chand and Balbir Singh Sr., India won six consecutive gold medals from 1928 to 1956, showcasing their incredible skill and technique. Their dominance was interrupted in 1960 by Pakistan, who won their first gold medal in Rome and went on to win two more Olympic gold medals in the next two decades. This intense rivalry between India and Pakistan took the sport to new heights with their fierce competition and remarkable players, as the two countries won 11 of the 13 gold medals between 1928 and 1984.

Women's hockey made its Olympic debut much later, at the 1980 Moscow Games. Zimbabwe won the first women's tournament, setting the stage for what would become a highly competitive field. Since then, women's hockey has grown significantly, with an increasing number of countries investing in the sport and winning medals at the Games, including the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain and Spain from Europe, Argentina and the US from the Americas, Australia from Oceania, and South Korea and China from Asia.

The 1980s also saw a diversification in the men's Olympic hockey medal winners. European teams such as the Netherlands and Germany began to assert their dominance in both men's and women's hockey. The introduction of artificial turf in the 1970s revolutionized the game, making it faster and more dynamic.

The competition became even more intense and unpredictable in the late 20th century. Teams from Oceania, such as Australia and New Zealand, have performed consistently well. Argentina, known for their passionate and agile play, have also emerged as a strong contender, winning their first men’s gold medal at Rio 2016 and their third women’s silver at Tokyo 2020. Teams such as Belgium, France, South Africa and Chile have continued to push the boundaries in the 21st century, with nations such as India and Great Britain also beginning to climb back to the heights they achieved during their glory days in the 20th century.

The history of Olympic hockey is full of memorable moments. From the hockey wizardry of Dhyan Chand and the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan to the last-minute goals and dramatic shoot-outs in recent tournaments, Olympic hockey has provided countless thrills for fans around the world.

As we look to the future, hockey at the Olympics continues to evolve, with technological innovations in sports equipment and increasingly sustainable facilities promising to keep the sport fresh and exciting. Even as multiple formats, including Indoor Hockey and Hockey5s, continue to grow in popularity around the world, the Olympic stage remains the pinnacle of performance for hockey players and the anticipation for each tournament continues to grow.

The journey of hockey at the Olympic Games is a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and global reach. From its earliest days to the modern era, hockey has captured the hearts of millions and created some of the most unforgettable moments in Olympic history. As we look forward to future Games, one thing is certain: the spirit and excitement of Olympic hockey will continue to inspire and excite fans around the world.

The field hockey competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from 27 July to 9 August 2024. Both the men's and women's competitions will feature 12 teams, divided into two groups of six prior to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the competition, visit Olympic Games. Hockey.