Pakistan celebrated National Hockey Day on Tuesday across the country and internationally. Cake-cutting ceremonies, exhibition matches, and educational seminars were held, focusing on Pakistan’s past successes in the national sport. According to hockey ambassador Professor Rao Javed Iqbal, the day’s events, organized by the Pakistan Institute of Hockey, aimed to revive the spirit of Pakistan’s golden era in hockey.

The date commemorates Pakistan’s historic victory over India in the 1960 Rome Olympics, where the team won the gold medal and ended India’s 32-year Olympic reign. Following this landmark achievement, then-President General Ayub Khan declared hockey the national sport.

The day’s events have reignited national pride and a commitment to reclaiming past glory. There are calls for the government to formally recognize National Hockey Day and include it in the national calendar.