• Dr. Pravindra Kumar

The Period of hockey is considered as old as the human civilization. It was first introduced in India in the early eighties of the 19th century. Hockey has been played in Punjab since primitive era. 1928-80 period is considered a golden period in history of Indian hockey. During this period when our country won many international tournaments. In special reference, Major Dhyan Chand (29 August 1905 – 3 December 1979) was an Indian field hockey player. He is widely regarded by many as the greatest field hockey player in world history. He was known for his extraordinary ball control and goal-scoring feats, in addition to earning three Olympic gold medals, in 1928, 1932 and 1936, during an era where India dominated field hockey. However, Indian team lost its winning habits after 1980 and since then we have not won any Olympic medal to date. The position of India with regard to hockey has degraded and Punjab, which has been cradle of Indian hockey, once upon produced great players now facing a drought. Therefore the fortunes of Indian as well as of Punjab hockey declined. "For many years, Indian hockey had been at its glory in the world. From dizzy heights of the world hockey, it has been fallen from grace to the humiliating bottom. It has lost its distinct identity and pioneering recognition. It has been mercilessly killed by those who were supposed to uplift and boost it up." (Mohinder Singh, 2008).

DOWNFALL OF HOCKEY IN PUNJAB: A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY

"DOWNFALL OF HOCKEY IN PUNJAB: A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no.e750-e753, June-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406497.pdf

"DOWNFALL OF HOCKEY IN PUNJAB: A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 6, page no. ppe750-e753, June-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2406497.pdf