If you are passionate about hockey, it is nice to try and learn something about it. Understanding the history of the game is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the tradition of the sport. Whether you are an active and enthusiastic player or just a supporter, learning the history is key to becoming genuinely knowledgeable about the game. Moreover, it undoubtedly makes it a lot easier to engage in real conversations with other hockey enthusiasts.
The Origins of Hockey
The sport of field hockey was first played in the 19th century. It took immense effort, and the development of a few variants, before it became the game which it is today. It was initially very rough and physical before some cricket players from London changed that aspect while playing during their off-seasons.
It took several attempts to put the rules together before the pioneers had it all figured out. The first international competition kicked off in 1895 between Ireland and Wales.
The Growth of International Hockey
Hockey was introduced into the Olympic calendar in 1908. It was played by only three teams: England, Scotland, and Ireland. However, the game was officially adopted into the Olympic Games in 1928, in Amsterdam. Women’s hockey made its debut into the Olympics in 1980, in Moscow.
Structuring the Sport
The British army certainly played a significant role in spreading this game across the British Empire. It WAS only after English and Belgian hockey teams played against each other, that the international structuring of the sport began. This saw the teams later join the French federation, to form the international hockey federation or Fédération International de Hockey (FIH). Having started with only seven founding members, the FIH now has 127 member states.
A game, that initially started with a simple stick and a ball, now enjoys a massive following. While this article does not have much new to offer, there are other interesting facts to learn about this sport.
Recent Comments