HISTORY OF HOCKEY
Introduction:
The roots of hockey can be traced back to antiquity. Hockey as such the game was witnessed in some form for almost many hundred years. The similar games like hockey comprising of balls and sticks were played by people in countries such as Greeks, Irish, Egyptians, and the Scotland. The Ireland country termed this game as “Hockie” similarly different countries referred the game by different names.
Evolution of Hockey:
History reveals the prevalence of hockey in ancient Egypt, almost 4,000 year before and also traces of the game are recorded in Ethiopia, approximately during 1,000 BC. The museums provides the evidences that, this sport was in fact played by the Greeks and Romans and also, by Aztec Indians residing in South America many centuries ago, previous to the entry of Columbus in new world. Somewhat dissimilar type of hockey game was played in 17th and 18th century in England. During that era, the entire village used to compete against other village with almost 60 to 80 players. The play involved teams trying to push ball in opposition team’s ground. The hockey match was very chaotic in nature and was usually accompanied with innumerable injuries.
Modern Day Hockey:
The conventional hockey game which is known today has emerged primarily in Eton College of England, during the 1860s. The rules of this game were laid for the first time in this period. The first association of hockey was structured in the year 1875, which further laid down the rules of professional hockey game.
