Kisumu Sikhs Hockey Club, Kenya 1941.
The contribution of Sikhs to the sport of hockey worldwide has always been immense. It is not only Indian hockey but international hockey which owes a lot to the Sikhs. Many Asian, African and North American countries emerged on the world hockey scene thanks to efforts and hard work of certain enthusiastic and energetic Sikh hockey players, administrators and sponsors.
Wherever Sikhs went, both as a part of the British Empire or otherwise, they carried with them their game and hockey sticks. Interestingly, Sikhs have played hockey in 94 countries to date.
As of 2023, 160 Sikhs (155 men and five women) have played hockey at Olympic Games representing nine countries: Canada, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Singapore, Tanzania and Uganda. Sikhs have played in every Olympic Games since 1928, winning nine Gold, one Silver and three Bronze medals and scoring 254 Olympic goals on the way.
Sikhs have been playing hockey in all parts of the globe and have represented eighteen countries at international level: Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Singapore, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, Wales, Zambia and Zanzibar. They have played at every Men’s World Cup since the first tournament in Barcelona in 1971.
Details of all Sikh Officials, at FIH, Continental and National level, all international umpires and national coaches, and information on the playing countries can be found at: www.sikhsinhockey.com. The website is maintained by Dil Bahra, former founding Trustee of The Hockey Museum.
