New Zealand Plans to Celebrate Centenary of 1926 Indian Army Hockey Team Tour

New Zealand is gearing up to commemorate the centenary of the 1926 tour of an Indian Army hockey team, which featured the legendary Dhyan Chand, as part of its efforts to honor the rich sporting relationship between the two nations. Outgoing New Zealand High Commissioner to India, David Pine, expressed his excitement for the special year of 2026, which will mark a significant milestone in their sporting ties.

During an interaction hosted by the Ananta Aspen Centre, Pine revealed that plans are underway to celebrate the historic tour that took place a century ago. He mentioned the formation of an informal committee to shape the commemorative events, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the diverse sporting connections between India and New Zealand.

The 1926 Indian Army Hockey Team’s visit to New Zealand, led by the iconic Dhyan Chand, left a lasting impact on the local sporting community. Pine highlighted the team’s transformative influence on the way people engaged with sports during their three-month stay in the country. Beyond cricket, the celebration in 2026 will also encompass sports like weightlifting, judo, boxing, and more to showcase the breadth of the sporting relationship.

Furthermore, New Zealand is eagerly anticipating a visit from an Indian prime minister in 2026, reinforcing the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. The upcoming centenary celebration serves as a poignant reminder of the shared history and mutual respect for each other’s sporting achievements.

As preparations unfold for the momentous occasion, sports enthusiasts can look forward to a year filled with nostalgia, camaraderie, and a celebration of the enduring bond between India and New Zealand in the realm of sports.