HISTORY
KERALA HOCKEY is the recognized body to Manage, Control, and Administer the game of Hockey in the State and it is recognized by Kerala State Sports Council. Kerala Hockey is the member unit of ‘Hockey India’, the National Hockey Federation. It is a registered society in the State formed to develop the Game of Hockey. It came into existence on 24th August 2014. Kerala State Sports Council recognized Kerala Hockey as its affiliated member from 21st July 2017.
This game of Hockey has a bright history as it was deep rooted in Kerala and played by brilliant hockey players. It is one of the oldest known sports of India; however the root has been weak in our State because of lack of training and infrastructure facilities. Talented children have to be properly trained to play hockey right from the school level. In order to bring another golden period for Hockey in the State, Kerala Hockey is promoting the game in schools and colleges in grassroots level.
Kerala has also produced brilliant Hockey players for the Nation. Hockey has brought the lone Olympic medal to the State. The lone Olympic medal holder (bronze) in the State is Mr Manuel Fredrick’s ( Dhyan Chand Awardee) who hails from Kannur District, who was the Goal Keeper of Indian Hockey team in 1972 Munich Olympics . Padmasree P.R. Sreejesh was the Captain of Senior Indian Hockey Team and has won Asian Games Gold medal and Common Wealth Games Silver medals hails from Ernakulam District. Besides this M/s Anil Aldrian, Sabu Varkey, Dinesh Naik (Olympians) and Niyaz (Asia Cup under 19 winners) brought laurels to the State. In addition to this Kerala has also produced Arjuna awardee Smt Omana kumari (Asiad Gold Medallist) and several other women Internationals in Hockey. During mid 1970’s Kerala Junior Women Hockey team were crowned National Champions and runner ups several times. Hockey is the only Game who has brought Olympic, Asiad and Commonwealth Medals to the State. Thus the prominence of Hockey standout tall to get promoted among other sports disciplines in the State.
