Famous Indian Hockey Players

Major Dhyan Chand was an Indian field hockey player known for his exceptional ball control and goal-scoring abilities. He earned three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936, during India's dominant era in field hockey. Chand's influence extended beyond his victories, with India winning the field hockey event in seven out of eight Olympics from 1928 to 1964. He played internationally from 1926 to 1949, scoring over 1,000 goals in his entire career. Chand was honored with the Padma Bhushan and has a prestigious sporting award named after him.

Sandeep Singh is a renowned Indian field hockey player known for his expertise as a full back and penalty corner specialist. His exceptional drag-flick skills have earned him the nickname "Flicker Singh." In addition to his achievements in hockey, Singh holds a DSP rank in the Haryana Police and has served as an MLA from the Pehowa constituency in Haryana. He briefly held the position of Sports Minister of Haryana before resigning due to a legal issue.

Sardara Singh is an accomplished Indian field hockey coach and former player, renowned for his leadership as captain of the Indian national team. He excelled in the center half position, making history as the youngest player to captain the team in the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri in 2015. After passing on the captaincy in 2016, he retired from international hockey in 2018, concluding a successful career that spanned 12 years and 314 matches.

Ritu Rani is an Indian former field hockey player known for her leadership as the captain of the India women's national field hockey team. She played as a halfback and led the team to notable achievements, including winning a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games. Rani's captaincy also saw the team qualify for the Olympics after a 36-year hiatus following a fifth-place finish in the 2014–15 Women's FIH Hockey World League Semifinals. Her contributions to Indian women's field hockey have left a lasting impact on the sport.

Vandana Katariya is an accomplished Indian field hockey player known for her role as a forward in the national team. With a career spanning several years, she has showcased her skills in numerous international matches and major tournaments. Vandana gained recognition for her impressive performance as India's top goal-scorer in the 2013 Women's Hockey Junior World Cup, where the team secured a bronze medal. She has also been part of significant achievements such as winning a bronze at the 2014 Asian Games and representing India at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Vandana's dedication and talent have been acknowledged with prestigious honors like the Padma Shri award.

Lalremsiami Hmarzote is a talented Indian field hockey player who excels as a forward and occasionally as a halfback for the Indian national team. She also plays for Sports Authority of India at the club level. Hmarzote's notable achievements include being part of the squad that represented India at the 2018 World Cup and winning a silver medal at the Asian Games, making her the first sportsperson from Mizoram to achieve such a feat. Her dedication and skills have established her as a key player in the field hockey scene.

Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam is an accomplished Indian field hockey player with a remarkable career. Having served as the former captain of the Indian national team, she has earned over 150 international caps. Known for her leadership skills, Chanu led the junior women's team to a bronze medal at the Hockey Junior World Cup. She has also been part of significant achievements, including a bronze medal at the Asian Games and a commendable fifth-place finish at the Men's FIH Hockey World League Semifinals. Chanu's contributions to Indian hockey have been widely recognized, including being awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award.

Dhanraj Pillay is a retired Indian field hockey player and former captain of the India national team. He has made significant contributions to the sport both on and off the field. Pillay has overseen the Air India Sports Promotion Board as a Joint Secretary in Mumbai and managed the SAG Hockey Academy in Gujarat for the past 5 years. He has represented India in multiple Olympic Games, World Cups, and Champion Trophies, making 400 appearances for the national team and scoring 170 goals. Pillay has also played for various clubs internationally and was honored with the Padma Shri by the government of India in 2000.

Harmanpreet Singh is an Indian field hockey player known for his exceptional skills as a defender and penalty corner specialist. He serves as the captain of the Indian national team, showcasing strong leadership qualities and strategic gameplay. With a reputation as one of the best drag flickers globally, he has made significant contributions to the team's success. Harmanpreet has represented India at multiple Olympic Games, including the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he leads the team with experience and expertise.

Balbir Singh Sr. was a highly accomplished Indian hockey player and coach, known for his exceptional skill and leadership on the field. He achieved great success as a three-time Olympic gold medallist, playing key roles in India's victories in the 1948, 1952, and 1956 Olympics. Singh's prolific goal-scoring ability and strategic acumen made him a standout centre-forward in the sport. He later transitioned into coaching, guiding the Indian team to victory in the 1975 Men's Hockey World Cup and securing a bronze medal in the 1971 edition. Singh's legacy as a legendary figure in the history of hockey was further solidified through his recognition in prestigious Olympic exhibitions and his enduring impact on the sport.

Gurjit Kaur is an accomplished Indian female field hockey player known for her proficiency as a defender and drag flicker. She has showcased her skills on the international stage, notably at the Hockey World Cup 2018 and the Asia Cup, where she emerged as the top goal-scorer. With 53 international matches under her belt, Gurjit has established herself as a key player for the Indian national team. Her talent and dedication were recognized when she was named the women's "Player of the Year" at the FIH Player of the Year Awards for 2020-21.

Saba Anjum Karim is an Indian former field hockey player known for her exceptional skills as a right wing forward. She represented the India women's national field hockey team in various international tournaments, including the Asian Games, Asia Cup, Commonwealth Games, and Junior World Cup. Saba's achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. She was also honored with Chhattisgarh's Gundadhur sports award and was appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police in the police department by the Government of Chhattisgarh.

Sunita Lakra is an accomplished field hockey player from India, having represented her country as a key member of the India women's national field hockey team. With numerous caps to her name, Lakra has showcased her talent and dedication on the field. After a successful career, she announced her retirement from hockey in January 2020. Throughout her professional journey, Lakra has left a lasting impact on the field hockey community with her skills, leadership, and contributions to the sport.

Mamta Kharab is an accomplished Indian former field hockey player and captain of the India women's national field hockey team. She achieved numerous successes in both national and international hockey championships, including winning gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and being recognized as the Best Player and Best Scorer in various tournaments. Her outstanding performance led to prestigious awards such as the Arjuna Award. Currently serving as Deputy Superintendent of Police in Haryana, Mamta continues to inspire with her leadership and dedication to sports.

Lilima Minz is a prominent Indian female field hockey player known for her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport. She has established herself as a key player in the field hockey community, showcasing her talent and dedication both on and off the field. With a background rooted in sports hostel training, Lilima has honed her abilities and risen to prominence in the field hockey scene. Her professional career is marked by numerous achievements and accolades, solidifying her status as a respected figure in the sport.

Chitrashi Rawat is an Indian model, national-level athlete, and actress best known for her portrayal of Komal Chautala in the 2007 film "Chak De! India." Apart from her successful acting career, Chitrashi is also a real-life hockey player who began playing the sport at the age of 17. She specialized as a left striker on the field, showcasing her athleticism and dedication to the game. With a versatile professional life that includes modeling, athletics, and acting, Chitrashi Rawat has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry and sports world.

Deep Grace Ekka is a distinguished Indian former field hockey player known for her outstanding contributions to the national team. Throughout her career, she showcased exceptional skills and dedication to the sport, earning widespread recognition for her performances on the field. Her talent and hard work were acknowledged with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2022, a testament to her remarkable achievements in the realm of field hockey. Deep Grace Ekka's professional journey exemplifies a commitment to excellence and a passion for representing her country at the highest level of competition.

Rani Rampal is an accomplished Indian field hockey player and coach, recognized for her skill and leadership on the field. As the captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team, she has showcased her talent in 212 international matches, scoring an impressive 134 goals. Known for her versatility as a forward and mid-fielder, Rampal has garnered praise for her strategic gameplay and goal-scoring abilities. Her dedication to the sport was acknowledged by the Government of India with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2020.

Namita Toppo is an accomplished Indian field hockey player from Sundargarh District of Odisha. She was awarded the prestigious 28th Eklavya award in December 2020 in recognition of her outstanding performance from April 2018 to March 2020 at national and international levels. Toppo has made significant contributions to the sport through her skills and dedication, earning respect and accolades for her achievements on the field. Her professional career is marked by excellence and a strong commitment to representing India in field hockey competitions.

Gagan Ajit Singh is an Indian former field hockey player who played as a forward. He had a successful career, captaining the India national under-21 team to victory at the 2001 Junior World Cup. Singh made his senior national debut in 1997 and went on to represent India at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics. Known for his scoring prowess, Singh was the top-scorer for India at the 2004 Olympics. He trained at the Government Arts and Sports College in Jalandhar and played for New Delhi's Air India Hockey Academy.

Suraj Lata Devi Waikhom is an Indian former field hockey player who notably captained the India women's national field hockey team. She led the team to victory in several prestigious tournaments, including the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the 2003 Afro-Asian Games, and the 2004 Hockey Asia Cup. Her leadership and skills were instrumental in securing gold medals for India in these competitions. Suraj Lata Devi's contributions to Indian field hockey have left a lasting legacy and have inspired many aspiring athletes in the country.

Navjot Kaur is a highly skilled Indian field hockey player who has made significant contributions to the Indian Women's Hockey team. She showcased her talent and dedication by representing her country in the 2016 Summer Olympics. Navjot's professional journey is marked by her commitment to the sport and her ability to perform under pressure on the international stage. Her presence in the team has been instrumental in achieving success and raising the profile of women's field hockey in India.

Vidya Stokes has had a long and illustrious career in politics, notably as an active member of the Indian National Congress and the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee. She has been elected multiple times to the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly and has held various leadership positions within the Congress party. Stokes has also been involved in various cooperative and financial organizations, and has represented India in international conferences and sports events. She has a strong presence in both state and national politics, with a focus on cooperative and agricultural issues.

Mary D'Souza Sequeira had a distinguished professional career as an Indian female Olympian in track and field and field hockey. She made significant contributions to Indian sports, winning medals at various international competitions such as the Asian Games and setting national and Asian records in track events. She was a trailblazer as the first Indian double international, excelling in both track and field hockey. Additionally, she served as a sports officer for Indian Railways, coaching and recruiting athletes, and received the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award in 2013 for her outstanding contributions to sports.

Savita Punia is an Indian field hockey player who serves as the goalkeeper for the India women's national field hockey team. Known as the "Great Wall of India," she gained recognition for her exceptional performance at the 2020 Summer Olympics. Hailing from Haryana, Savita has established herself as a key player in the team with her remarkable skills and dedication. Her strong presence in goal and consistent performance have contributed significantly to the success of the Indian women's field hockey team on various platforms.

Jasjeet Kaur Handa is an accomplished Indian former field hockey player known for her contributions to the India women's national field hockey team. She played a vital role in the team's victory at the 2004 Women's Hockey Asia Cup, where they clinched the Gold medal. Her remarkable skills and dedication to the sport were recognized when she received the prestigious Arjuna award in 2010. Throughout her professional career, Jasjeet Kaur Handa left a lasting impact on the field hockey community through her outstanding performances and achievements.

Surinder Kaur is an Indian former field hockey player known for her exceptional skills and contributions to the India women's national field hockey team. She played a pivotal role in the team's success, including their gold medal win at the 2004 Hockey Asia Cup. Surinder Kaur's dedication and talent on the field earned her respect and admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. Her professional career exemplifies a commitment to excellence and a passion for the sport that continues to inspire aspiring hockey players.

Pritam Rani Siwach is an Indian former field hockey player and captain of the India women's national field hockey team. Known for her wealth of experience, she was recalled in 2008 for the Olympic qualifiers. Despite not qualifying, she highlighted missed chances as the reason. She played a key role in the team's victory at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Currently, she runs a hockey academy in Sonipat, Haryana, where she trains young girls in hockey and also works as a hockey coach.

Nikki Pradhan is an accomplished Indian field hockey player and a vital member of the Indian national team. She made history as the first female hockey player from Jharkhand to represent India in the Olympics, showcasing her exceptional skills as a midfielder. Pradhan's inclusion in the 16-member squad for the Rio Olympics marked a significant moment for Indian women's hockey after a 36-year hiatus from the Olympics. Her impressive performance at the Hockey World League Semifinals in 2015 solidified her position as a key player in the team.

Suman Bala is an Indian former field hockey player known for her contributions to the India women's national field hockey team. Hailing from Shahabad Markanda, Haryana, she played a pivotal role in the team's Gold medal win at the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games. Her skill and dedication on the field made her a key player for the national team during her career. Suman Bala's achievements and performance have left a lasting impact on the field hockey community in India.

Amandeep Kaur is a retired Indian field hockey player who achieved success representing the India women's national field hockey team. She played a crucial role in the team's victory at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, where they secured the Gold medal. Kaur's professional career was marked by her exceptional skills, dedication, and contributions to the sport. Her performance and leadership on the field were instrumental in the team's success, earning her a respected place in Indian field hockey history.

Rupinder Pal Singh is a professional field hockey player known for his exceptional skills as a fullback and drag flicker. He has represented India in various prestigious events including the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Olympic Games, and other international tournaments. Singh's notable achievements include winning a bronze medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. He is recognized as one of the best drag flickers in the world and has made significant contributions to the Indian Hockey Team with his talent and dedication.

Deepika Thakur is an accomplished Indian field hockey player who holds the distinction of being the most senior and highest capped player of the Indian women's team. She plays a key role as a Defender in the senior team, contributing significantly to the team's success. With over 200 appearances for India, Deepika has showcased her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. Her impressive record of 24 goals scored demonstrates her proficiency and valuable contribution to the team's performance.

Udham Singh Kular was a renowned Indian hockey player hailing from Sansarpur, Punjab, India. He participated in the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, and the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. His exceptional skills and dedication to the sport led him to win four Olympic medals, a feat achieved by only one other Indian player, Leslie Claudius. Udham Singh's contributions to Indian hockey history remain a significant part of his professional legacy.

V. R. Raghunath is a former Indian professional field hockey player recognized for his expertise as a fullback and drag flicker. Throughout his career, he showcased exceptional skills and talent in the sport, earning a reputation as a formidable player. Raghunath was known for his precision and power in executing drag flicks, making him a valuable asset to his teams. His contributions to the field of hockey have left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a respected and accomplished player in the sport.

Leslie Claudius had a distinguished professional career in the Calcutta Customs Department, starting as a Preventive Officer and retiring as an Assistant Collector of Customs. He was an active member of the Calcutta Customs Club, representing the Calcutta Port Customs Commissionerate in various tournaments. His contributions to the club not only brought international recognition but also maintained a high standard of excellence. Additionally, he received the prestigious Padma Shri Civil award from the Indian government in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of field hockey.

Mohammed Shahid was a legendary Indian field hockey forward, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the country's history. Known for his exceptional dribbling skills, he was a key member of the Indian team that clinched the gold medal at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. Throughout his illustrious career, Shahid received prestigious accolades including the Arjuna Award in 1980–1981 and the Padma Shri in 1986. His contributions to the sport left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as a true icon of Indian field hockey.

Jyoti Sunita Kullu is an Indian former field hockey player who represented the India women's national field hockey team. She made her international debut in 1996 at the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup. In 2002, she emerged as the top scorer of the Champions Challenge tournament in Johannesburg, South Africa, netting five goals in six matches. The same year, she clinched the golden medal with India at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England. Kullu's professional career was marked by significant achievements and contributions to Indian field hockey.