The origin and the journey of the Hockey World Cup
Ever since Pakistan’s Air marshal and the first editor of the Hockey World Magazine Nur Khan presented the idea of the Hockey World Cup to FIH under the pen name of Patrick Rowley, the Hockey had a new elite tournament adjacent to the prestigious Olympic tournament. Ever since 1971, when the first edition of the Hockey World Cup was held in Spain (moved out of Pakistan due to political issues), the tournament has always offered the world with the best quality hockey.
10 teams featured in the inaugural edition of Hockey World Cup in 1971 which was won by Pakistan who defeated Spain in the finals. The number of teams was increased to 14 in 1978 Hockey World Cup and to 16 teams in 2002 edition which is the record highest number of participants in a Hockey World Cup.
The Hockey World Cup was held once in two years, then three years and since 1982 it is held once in four years, mostly the tournament held mid way between two Olympics. For each edition, teams were selected based on their performance in the Qualification round and based on the performance in the round-robin stage, teams for the semifinals were decided.
Pakistan is the most successful team in Hockey World Cup having won 4 editions and finished as runners up in 2 editions. Netherlands has won 3 editions with Germany (Represented earlier as West Germany) and India following closely with 2 wins under the cap.
The 2014 Hockey World Cup is the 13th edition of the premier tournament and is set to be held at the city of Hague in Netherlands. Australia are the defending champions (2010 Delhi World Cup) and for the first time in history, Pakistan missed out on making it to the Hockey World Cup which leaves Germany, India and Netherlands as the only teams to have played in all the editions from the 24 teams that have played atleast once in Hockey World Cup.
What are you waiting for? This summer. Let’s Celebrate Hockey!
Divakar.K.S
Editor, Sportwalk