Kolkata: Hockey Bengal, the parent body to run and promote field hockey in West Bengal, celebrated its 117th Foundation Day on Saturday.

Legendary hockey star Gurbux Singh lauded Kolkata's role in nurturing Indian field hockey. 

Reflecting on the rich history of the sport, Singh reminisced about a time when Bengal and Bengalis had a dominant presence in the world of hockey.

“Kolkata, the cradle of Indian hockey, has always shown the way — and will continue to do so in the future,” he said during the event.

The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including Hockey Bengal President and West Bengal's Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose, Secretary Istiaq Ali, IFA Secretary Anirban Dutta, and senior Bengal Olympic officials Bishwaroop Dey and Swapan Banerjee.

Image courtesy: Hockey Bengal

As part of the celebrations, 60 young players from various districts across the state were presented with hockey sticks and balls, underscoring Hockey Bengal's commitment to nurturing grassroots talent.

Bengal, particularly Kolkata, holds a significant place in India's sporting history, especially in hockey.

It was in 1885 that the country’s first hockey club, "Calcutta," was established in the then-bustling city.

A decade later, in 1895, the iconic Beighton Cup — one of the oldest hockey tournaments in the world — began its journey from Kolkata.

In 1905, the Calcutta Hockey League was launched, and just three years later, in 1908, India's first official hockey association, the Bengal Hockey Association (now Hockey Bengal), was founded — laying the foundation for organized hockey in the country.