On This Day in 1975: India beat Pakistan to lift its first Hockey World Cup

India won its first and only Hockey World Cup in 1975.

Year 1975 was a landmark year in sports. The West Indies won the first-ever Cricket World Cup, Muhammad Ali retained his heavyweight title, and on March 15, in Kuala Lumpur, India conquered the world of hockey!

It was the final every fan dreamed of—India vs Pakistan. A clash of titans, a battle of pride. Pakistan arrived as favourites, unbeaten and ruthless, having avenged 1973 defeat against West Germany 5-1 in the semis. India, in contrast, had scraped through, drawing against Australia, losing to Argentina, and barely edging past Malaysia in extra time.

But in a final and that too India vs Pakistan? The stats and past means nothing. It was all about who wanted it more.

The stadium was packed, 50,000 roaring fans. The air crackled with tension. Then, in the 17th minute, shock! Mohammad Saeed put Pakistan ahead. 1-0. Silence in the Indian camp. Was this another heartbreak in the making?

Not this time. The Indian men’s hockey team weren’t going down without a fight. They pressed forward, attacking with everything they had. Minutes ticked by. The pressure mounted. Then, the moment of hope! In the 44th minute, Surjit Singh slammed home the equalizer. 1-1! The crowd erupted. India was back in it!

A Tribute to Our World Cup Champions! 🇮🇳🏑50 years ago, India etched its name in history with a sensational victory at the 1975 Hockey World Cup! 🏆✨From that golden moment to today, the legacy lives on, inspiring generations, fueling dreams, and reminding us of India’s… pic.twitter.com/9r9lhOjf5d

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) March 15, 2025

Seven minutes later, destiny called. Ashok Kumar, son of the legendary Dhyan Chand, found himself in position. A crucial deflection, a split-second decision, GOAL! 2-1! India had turned the game around! Pakistan, stunned. The clock kept running, but India held firm, refusing to let history slip away.

Then, the final whistle! And mayhem! Sticks flew in the air, jerseys were tossed into the stands, players embraced in sheer ecstasy! India had done it! They were world champions! A team that had been counted out, doubted, written off had just scripted history!

For Ashok Kumar, the goal was deeply personal. Initially the last man added to the squad, his chances of playing were slim. But in that moment, under the brightest lights, he became immortal in Indian hockey history.

This win was more than just a trophy. It was redemption. It erased the agony of the 1973 final loss to the Netherlands. It proved that India, once the undisputed king of hockey, still had fire in its soul.

But then, silence. Since 1975, India has never reached a Hockey World Cup final again and now, 50 years later, the question lingers, can India add second title to its cabinet?  Can the fire of 1975 burn again? Time will tell. But for now, we remember. We celebrate. The day India ruled the hockey world!

46 years ago #OnThisDay in 1975, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team brought home the maiden World Cup Title! 🏆🙌📸 Picture source: Hockey India #IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/lE1WVj19N5

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) March 15, 2021

India’s 1975 Hockey World Cup winning squad:

• Ashok Diwan (shirt no. 2)
• Surjit Singh (4)
• Michael Kindo
• Aslam Sher Khan (5)
• Varinder Singh (6)
• Onkar Singh
• Mohinder Singh (8)
• Ajit Pal Singh (7, Captain)
• Ashok Kumar (17)
• B. P. Govinda (11)
• Harcharan Singh (15)
• Harjinder Singh
• Victor Philips (10)
• Shivaji Pawar (16)
• P. E. Kalaiah
• Leslie Fernandez

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