Former stalwarts of Indian hockey, Harbinder Singh and Zafar Iqbal, are thrilled to see the Indian Men's Hockey Team compete against Germany at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The matches are scheduled for October 23rd and 24th, marking the return of international hockey to the city after a decade. Several dignitaries, including former hockey stars, are expected to attend this significant event. The last time India played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium was during the Hero Hockey World League Final – Men's Round 4 in January 2014.

“1972 was the last time I played hockey in Delhi for the national team. I remember the Shivaji Stadium being packed with fans on their feet, cheering for us. I believe many fans will come to support India and Germany. They will be witnessing a high-level international match after a decade,” said Padma Shri Harbinder Singh, who won Gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Bronze at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, and Bronze at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Zafar Iqbal, a Gold medallist from the 1980 Moscow Olympics and Captain of the Silver-winning team at the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi, shared his perspective as well. “Back in our era, hockey had immense following. Events like the Nehru Gold Cup, Asian Games, and other international matches attracted a lot of supporters, creating palpable excitement in the stadiums we played in. Germany is a tough team; we beat them at the Tokyo Olympics for the Bronze medal, but we lost to them recently in the semi-finals in Paris. I’m sure Indians will be rooting for us to come out on top,” he stated.

Last year, Chennai hosted the Men's Asian Champions Trophy, while Ranchi welcomed both the Women's Asian Champions Trophy and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier. This November, Rajgir, a city in Bihar, will host the upcoming Women's Asian Champions Trophy.