Book ‘March of Glory’ Released to Celebrate India’s 1975 Hockey World Cup Victory

To commemorate the Golden Jubilee of India’s maiden Hockey World Cup victory in 1975, a book titled ‘March of Glory’ was officially launched on March 18, 2025, at Shivaji Stadium, New Delhi. The book, co-authored by hockey historian K. Arumugam and journalist Errol D’Cruz, captures the dramatic journey of the Indian team to World Cup glory in Kuala Lumpur on March 15, 1975.

The book includes key match details, player quotes, and over 250 rare photographs, offering deep insights into India’s fightbacks, a shocking loss to Argentina, and the tense semifinal and final victories. The event was attended by Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, 1975 World Cup-winning players H. J. S. Chimni and Ashok Kumar, along with Olympians Harbinder Singh, Zafar Iqbal, Vineet Kumar, and 300 young hockey enthusiasts from One Thousand Hockey Legs (OTHL). Dilip Tirkey praised the book, emphasizing its importance in documenting Indian hockey’s rich history.

Key Points

• Event: Book launch of ‘March of Glory’
• Occasion: Golden Jubilee of India’s 1975 Hockey World Cup victory
• Date of Launch: March 18, 2025
• Venue: Shivaji Stadium, New Delhi

Book Authors

• K. Arumugam (Hockey historian, founder of OTHL)
• Errol D’Cruz (Journalist)

Focus of the Book

• Chronicles India’s 1975 Hockey World Cup win
• Features key matches, statistics, player quotes, and rare photographs
• Covers India’s loss to Argentina, comeback, and final victory over Pakistan

Special Guests at the Launch

• Dilip Tirkey (Hockey India President)
• Ashok Kumar (Scorer of the winning goal in 1975 final)
• H. J. S. Chimni (1975 World Cup-winning player)
• Harbinder Singh, Zafar Iqbal, Vineet Kumar (Olympians)
• 300 young players from OTHL

Dilip Tirkey’s Remarks

• Highlighted the lack of literature on Indian hockey
• Praised the book for preserving history and inspiring future generations