Hockey is the India’s national sport. Although cricket is the mainstream game of the country, hockey does enjoy good popularity. Furthermore, movies like Chak De India have promoted this game, and steps are being taken for motivating new players to enter the arena. In recent time India has achieved a lot of success which includes winning Asian Championship. In last many years, India has successfully groomed talented hockey players, and this list is about 10 of all-time greatest and the most famous hockey players in India.
- Dhyan Chand
Dhyan Chand is considered as world’s greatest hockey player. He enjoyed a remarkable record in Indian hockey history and is among the best hockey players of India. ‘The Wizard’ was the name given to him due to his control and skills over the ball.
- Balbir Singh Sr.
He is regarded to be a fabulous center forward and the second Indian player to represent the country winning gold medals at three consecutive Olympics. He also made the maximum goals over Netherlands in 1952 Olympic Games, which is still unbeaten.
- Mohammed Shahid
He is popular for his excellent dribbling skills. In 1980-81 he has been awarded the Arjuna Award and 1986 with the Padma Shri Award. He formed an excellent partnership with Zafar Iqbal.
- Dhanraj Pillay
This hockey player is regarded as one of the world’s famous hockey players in India. He is popular for dribbling skills, which was fast enough to pierce across any defense at any point.
- Ajit Pal Singh
He is regarded to be an outstanding center half during his time. He also is credited with leading the country to a historic win at the 1975 Kuala Lumpur world cup tournament. He was presented in 1970 with the Arjuna Award and in 1992 with Padma Shri Award.
- Udham Singh
He is the pillar of the Indian hockey team and among the finest and famous hockey players in India. He represented the country in 4 Olympic Games and the 2nd Indian player to win 3 golds and 1 silver medal at the Olympic Games after Leslie Claudius.
- Leslie Claudius
Leslie claudius is a legend among famous Indian sports personalities and among hockey players. He has registered his name in the Guinness Book of World Records for winning maximum number of Olympic medals for hockey and was also conferred with the coveted Padma Shri in 1971. Leslie played in the IFA Shield and shown meteoric improvement.
- Gagan Ajit Singh
He is Ajit Singh, the legendary hockey player’s son and is regarded to be an effective striker. In 2001, the Indian junior team won the Jr. World Cup and in 2002 he was given the Arjuna Award.
- Ashok Kumar
The son of Dhyan Chand was a legendary hockey player himself. He had exceptional skills along with incredible ball control. He represented the country in four World Cups.
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