First Gold as an Independent India

India has always been one of the leading nations in the sport of hockey. The scenario has changed quite a lot lately, due to lack of infrastructure and negligence on the part of the authorities. However, India is on the rise again, with more and more money coming into the sport in form of deals and sponsorships, the new look Indian team is a tough nut to crack.

India as a British colony had already won three gold medals. Their first gold as an independent nation came in the year 1948, in the London Olympics. India won all the matches in the group stages to qualify for the semi-finals. They outclassed a strong Dutch team 2-1 in the semis, displaying grit and sheer resilience. Great Britain on the other hand overcame Pakistan to set up a final date.

In the finals in Wembley, India thrashed the British 4-0 in a resounding and a historic victory. It can almost be termed poetic; winning the final on British soil, against the same people who were once our colonial masters.