Ancient Origins – 4000 Years Back
Hockey-like games were played as early as 2000 BC in Egypt, Persia, and Greece using curved sticks and balls, laying the foundation of the sport we know today.
Modern Hockey Begins in England (19th Century)
The formal version of field hockey emerged in 1849 with clubs like Blackheath and rules were standardized in 1886 by the Hockey Association in London.
First International Match – 1895
Ireland faced Wales in the first-ever international field hockey match. Played in 1895, Ireland won 3–0 — marking the beginning of global hockey.
Olympic Debut and Expansion
Men’s field hockey debuted in the 1908 London Olympics. It became a permanent Olympic sport in 1928, with women’s hockey added in 1980.
