Ex-India Captain Says Era Of Artistic Hockey Largely Faded: 'Everything Involved Is Very Costly'

Last Updated:December 25, 2025, 08:26 IST

Ashok Kumar noted hockey now requires astroturf facilities, which are increasingly scarce in cities and colleges.

Ashok Kumar wants astroturf in every district to revive grassroots hockey. (PTI Photo)

Former India captain Ashok Kumar, speaking at the Sangram Singh Hockey Cup on Wednesday, described modern hockey as a game driven by power and dominated by physicality and expensive equipment. He lamented that the era of classical, wrist-based hockey has largely disappeared.

Ashok Kumar, an Arjuna Awardee and son of hockey legend Dhyan Chand, addressed the media after attending the event as the chief guest.

“It was an era of classical, artistic hockey, played with the wrists. Today’s hockey is played with the shoulders. We call it power hockey, and it has become a game where everything involved is very costly. In our time, we played with very little," he said.

Comparing hockey to cricket, he noted that while boys can still start playing cricket with just a bat, ball, and a few stumps, hockey now requires astroturf facilities, which are increasingly scarce in cities and colleges.

Ashok Kumar, a member of the 1975 Hockey World Cup-winning team, called on the state and Union governments to provide every district with astroturf and synthetic grounds to revive grassroots hockey.

He emphasised the role of administrators and stakeholders in preserving the legacy of local clubs and tournaments that once nurtured players across the country.

Expressing his pleasure over the 29th edition of the Sangram Singh Hockey Cup, he highlighted the importance of such competitions for the sport’s survival.

Recalling his time in Kota, he shared that the city played a significant role in his hockey journey by offering opportunities through its various clubs.

“Hockey is our heritage. India is the only country to have won eight Olympic gold medals, along with four bronze and one silver. Small tournaments are what produce great players, and we need to promote them," he said.

With PTI Inputs

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