Field hockey is generally played on natural grass or artificial turf and mostly played in countries such as Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Argentina. The game is governed by International Hockey Federation (FIH). Field hockey is also part of the Summer Olympic Games and has provided many talented and greatest players. The list will feature the 10 greatest field Hockey players of all time.
10. Dhanraj Pillai
Pillai has earned two highly respected honours, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Padma Shri Awards of 2000. Dhanraj was an ex Indian field hockey player. Pillai was the only Indian player to be ranked World Eleven side in the 1994 Sydney World Cup.
In addition, while appearing in 339 international matches, he scored 170 goals over his lifetime. In the Asian Games in Bangkok, Pillai was the highest goal scorer.
9. Shahbaz Ahmed
The Maradon of Hockey was Shahbaz Ahmed Sr. He was his nation and won the Champions Trophy in 1994 and the 1994 World Cup. He was a World Cup Tournament Player in 1990 and 9194. The 1992 bronze medal in Barcelona was the greatest of his Olympic Games.
Some of these prizes are the 3rd Asian Cup Gold Medals, the Champions’ Trophy Silver Medals and the BMW Trophy. In 1992 the Government of Pakistan awarded Ahmad Sr. the President’s Pride of Performance. One of the greatest hockey players, Shahbaz is presently the PIA Country Manager in Saudi Arabia.
8. Leslie Claudius
Leslie Claudius has been one of the best hockey players ever. The squad of Indian hockey controlled the world with great players and belonged to the age of Balbir Singh and Udham Singh. He represented India at four Olympics and never went empty-handed.
In 1948, 1952 and 1956, he brought country gold medals. Leslie was also the first hockey player in 100 games representing India and reaching the landmark.
7. Jamie Dwyer
Jamie Dwyer has been a leading Australian men’s field hockey team since 2001 to this day. In his 20-year career, Jamie received a 326 cap and a 6-time Champions Trophy.
Jamie was no less than a pioneer on the Australian side of the squad, who outspoken at the 2004 Summer Olympics and led the team to win the 2008 and 2012 Gold Medals and Bronzes.
6. Ties Kruize
Ties Kruise is widely recognised as the Netherlands’ strongest and most competitive punisher. The Dutch squad headed by Kruise was named distinguished winners, for example, in 1973, 1981 & 1982 and 1983 World Championships, and 1983 European Championships.
His retirement from international field hockey was announced after the London Hockey World Cup.
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5. Teun de Nooijer
The Dutch field hockey player Teun de Nooijer was a pioneer in the HC Bloemendaal team as well. He has won numerous medals and trophies on the national team, being one of the finest players in contemporary hockey in the world.
In addition, Nooijer played for the Hockey India League’s Uttar Pradesh Wizards from 2001. He has been awarded a World Hockey Player of the Year three times in his career and got the Netherland’s 400th cap in a 5-3 win against India in August 2009.
4. Hassan Sardar
Hassan Sardar was one of Pakistan’s renowned hockey players and one of Pakistan’s top hockey players. Sardar now manages Pakistan’s field hockey team’s as a Chief Selector.
He captained the National Team of Men in Pakistan in 1984 as captain, winning the gold medal at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics. He has been one of Pakistan’s leading centres ever.
3. Fergus Kavanagh
The Australian field hockey player Fergus Kavanagh was born on 21 May 1985. Fergus Kavanagh is widely considered one of the greatest field hockey players Of all time. He has gained success rapidly in his career, is one of the current hockey players. He has won a bronze medal with the squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Kavanagh played 191 matches in the National Team, including the 2012 and 2014 Olympics, winning two gold and bronze medals. His successful career at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 is regarded as a major achievement.
2. Ric Charlesworth
Ric Charlesworth has been awarded Western Australian Sportsman of the Year for three successive events. Another gem by the Australian hockey in the field squad. At the 1986 World Hockey Cup in London, he was instrumental in the team’s triumph.
He was honoured with numerous accolades during his career and was even presented in the Australian hockey hall of fame in 1987. In the five Olympics, he represented Australia’s field hockey team twice as captain from 1972 till 1988.
1. Dhyan Chand
Bharat Ratna and the greatest field Hockey player of all time, Dhyan Chand was the Centre forward for the Indian team for many years. He has been one of India’s most versatile and leading hockey players.
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Sir Dhyan Chand, who was very known as the ‘Wizard,’ won three Olympic gold medals and scored more than 1000 goals throughout his lifetime.
The Indian hockey squad, not only this, was regarded the world’s largest hockey team in its presence. Dhyan Chand, the finest player in the history of the Olympics, has never been denied to be a field hockey stick.