New Zealand to Celebrate Centenary of 1926 Indian Army Hockey Team Tour, Including Dhyan Chand

New Zealand is gearing up to mark the centenary of the historic 1926 tour of an Indian Army hockey team, which included the legendary Dhyan Chand, as part of its efforts to celebrate the “breadth of our sporting relationship”. Outgoing New Zealand’s High Commissioner to India, David Pine, expressed his excitement for the special year of 2026, which will highlight the deep-rooted sports connections between the two nations.

During an interaction hosted by think-tank Ananta Aspen Centre, Pine revealed that plans are in motion to commemorate the significant tour that took place a century ago. He emphasized the impact of the Indian Army Hockey Team’s visit to New Zealand, led by the great Dhyan Chand, which left a lasting impression on the local sporting community.

“In 1926, the Indian Army Hockey Team came to New Zealand with the great Dhyan Chand. They stayed for three months and completely changed the way people engaged with the sport,” Pine shared. He also mentioned that beyond cricket, other sports such as weightlifting, judo, and boxing will be celebrated to showcase the diverse sporting connections between the two countries.

The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) organized its first international tour to New Zealand in 1926, where the team played 21 matches and emerged victorious in 18. This tour marked the beginning of a legendary era in Indian hockey, with Dhyan Chand’s exceptional skills captivating audiences worldwide.

The upcoming centenary celebration in 2026 is expected to be a grand affair, with New Zealand eagerly anticipating a visit from an Indian prime minister. The tour of the 1926 Indian Army hockey team holds immense historical significance in both Indian and New Zealand sporting history, paving the way for future collaborations and friendships in the world of sports.