India’s World Cup hockey journey from 1971 bronze to 2023
India’s men’s hockey team has had a roller-coaster journey in the World Cup, from winning the inaugural bronze in 1971 to lifting the title in 1975 and then enduring a long wait for another podium finish.
The eight-time Olympic champions’ only World Cup triumph came in Kuala Lumpur in 1975, when Ajit Pal Singh’s side defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 in the final.
Pakistan remain the most successful team in the tournament with four titles, while the Netherlands, Australia and Germany have won it three times each. Belgium are the other champions.
The eight-time Olympic champions’ only World Cup triumph came in Kuala Lumpur in 1975, when Ajit Pal Singh’s side defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 in the final.
Pakistan remain the most successful team in the tournament with four titles, while the Netherlands, Australia and Germany have won it three times each. Belgium are the other champions.