Why India does not play Indoor hockey
With the Indoor Hockey World Cup recently concluded, some Indian fans wondered—why doesn’t India play indoor hockey?
We reached out to indoor hockey experts to find answers. Though no definitive reason exists, we uncovered some interesting insights. In this post, we explain why India does not play indoor hockey.
Indoor Hockey Origins
Before answering that, let’s first try and understand how indoor hockey began.
Different parts of the world have different origin stories for indoor hockey. In Europe, organizers introduced indoor hockey to ensure year-round play. Harsh winters froze outdoor pitches, often forcing cancellations of games. Even today, social media discussions highlight how frozen pitches disrupt outdoor games in Europe.
To keep players fit and engaged during winter, Germany introduced indoor hockey in the early 1950s. In 1955, the German Hockey Federation (DHB) created rules for indoor hockey, and in 1956, Frankfurt hosted the first indoor hockey tournament.
Indoor Hockey In Australia
Australia does not experience harsh winters like Europe, with temperatures ranging between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. So, how did Australia adopt indoor hockey?
According to Jerome from Blue Sky Sports International, the Australian Navy played a key role in introducing the sport to Australia. During World War II, naval officers played a form of hockey on ships called deck hockey. Using polo-style sticks and pucks (similar to ice hockey), they played on the deck to stay fit and active while stationed on warships.
The popularity of deck hockey led to the creation of a shorter version of the game after World War II. By the 1970s, the sport gained traction, and in 1979, Australia hosted its first official Indoor Hockey Championships.
The different origins of indoor hockey explain why the sport never gained traction in India. The country’s history and economic conditions played significant roles.
Read More: The Mystery of Hockey: Massive Fandom, Stagnant Revenue
Why India Never Adopted Indoor Hockey
1. Timing and Introduction
The British introduced field hockey in India in the 19th century, and the first recorded match took place in 1885. Like cricket, hockey gained popularity as Indians embraced it as their own. India’s three most popular sports—cricket, football, and hockey—share a common origin: British influence.
By the time India gained independence in 1947, indoor hockey remained in its early stages, emerging only in the 1950s and 1960s. No opportunity arose to introduce the sport in India at that time.
2. No Need for Indoor Hockey
Indoor hockey became popular in Europe to combat frozen pitches during harsh winters. India, however, never faced this issue. While some regions experience cold winters, most of the country enjoys pleasant weather that allows year-round field hockey. Without frozen pitches, India had no need for an indoor version of the game to keep players fit and trained.
3. Economic Constraints and Playing Catch-Up
Economic factors significantly influence sports development, and hockey in India was no exception. After gaining independence in 1947, India struggled economically and focused on rebuilding.
India initially dominated hockey, but the introduction of Astroturf changed the game from a skill-based sport to one requiring greater physical power. Wealthier nations adapted quickly, but India, facing financial difficulties, struggled to keep up. Investing in a new form of hockey like indoor hockey became an afterthought as the country prioritized modernizing its field hockey infrastructure.
Conclusion
While Europe and Australia embraced indoor hockey for practical reasons, India never needed an alternative to field hockey. With favorable weather, economic constraints, and the challenge of keeping up with modern field hockey, indoor hockey never found a place in India’s sporting culture.
