Hockey India made multiple important announcements at the HI congress on Sunday, including the conducting of a nationwide festival of hockey on November 7, and significant financial support for the development of the game at state and national levels.
The 15th HI congress, held in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, also marked a century of Indian hockey’s journey.
Financial grants increased
In a move to further empower the ecosystem of Indian hockey, HI announced:
– ₹70 lakhs each for hosting the Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s National Championships
– ₹30 lakhs each for Junior Men, Junior Women, Sub-Junior Men, and Sub-Junior Women National Championships
– ₹25 lakhs per state to support the organisation of district and state-level competitions.
These enhanced grants aim to strengthen infrastructure, improve event quality, and ensure wider participation by reducing financial constraints at the local level. The support is expected to benefit thousands of emerging players, coaches, and grassroots officials who are the backbone of Indian hockey’s future.
The Nationwide Festival of Hockey Celebration is intended to feature 1,000 simultaneous matches — one men’s and one women’s match in every district of the country — and will involve over 36,000 players spanning both the men’s and women’s games.
HI president Dr Dilip Tirkey said: “As we celebrate 100 years of Indian hockey, we not only honour our golden legacy but also lay a strong foundation for the future. This nationwide festival is our tribute to every player, coach, and fan who has carried Indian hockey forward. The financial support we are announcing is a direct investment in the dreams of the next generation, ensuring that no talent is left behind due to lack of resources.”
HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh added: “This centenary celebration is not just symbolic — it’s action-oriented. The increased grants are a reflection of our belief that real growth happens at the grassroots, and that equal opportunity, gender parity, and quality infrastructure are essential pillars of hockey’s resurgence. We thank all our state units and districts for their commitment, and we look forward to a grand, inclusive celebration on 7th November.”
