Types of Sports.

There are many differences about the origin of Hockey. No one knows when the game of hockey was originated and in which country. The beginning of hockey has some link with Egypt because its description is available in a picture in a mosque (Beni Hasan, Mosque). This mosque was built in about 2050 B.C. Two players along with two bent sticks are shown in bully position in this picture. On the basis of some facts, it is said that the Persians used to play hockey with sticks and a ball by sitting on the back of horses. In those days, the ball was made of wood. Persia passed the game to Greece. After that Romans learnt this game from Greeks. The Romans carried this game to England. But most of the British writers oppose such type of possibility. They aver that hockey was originated in England. Even some of the writers allude that a stick and a ball game was popular in England before Christ.

The oldest club related to hockey was constituted in 1871. The name of this club was Tedington Hockey Club'. This club-played a hockey match against Richmund Club on October 24, 1874. The 'English Hockey Association' was formed in London on April 16, 1875. International Hockey Federation was established on January 7, 1924. 'D' was used first time in a hockey match which was played on 9th December 1876. The international level matches of hockey were started in 19th century. The first international level hockey match was played between Wales and Ireland on January 26, 1895. Hockey was included in Olympic games in 1 908 and 1 920. But since 1928, hockey is being played in Olympic games persistently. As a matter of fact Hockey became popular and flourished in England. So, no doubt England is the real originator of modern hockey.

Though England did not participate in Olympic hockey for some decades. Since 1948, England has restarted playing hockey in Olympics. Although, the contribution of England towards hockey cannot be denied, however, the supreme as well as extra-ordinary skill of hockey can only be seen during the match of India and Pakistan. The rules of hockey were prepared by Wimbledon Hockey Club in 1883. These rules were recognised by Hockey Association in 1886.