Indian hockey great Ashok Kumar, son of the legendary Dhyan Chand, carved his own niche in the annals of the sport by becoming the first Indian to appear in four consecutive Hockey World Cups—a feat achieved between 1971 and 1978.
1971 (Barcelona) – Bronze
1973 (Amstelveen) – Silver
1975 (Kuala Lumpur) – Gold (India’s only World Cup win to date)
1978 (Buenos Aires) – Fourth place
His skillful play as a forward, coupled with exceptional vision and game sense, made him a vital cog in India’s attacking line-up across all editions.
Ashok Kumar is best remembered for scoring the winning goal in the 1975 World Cup final against Pakistan, a moment that sealed India’s historic triumph. His calm under pressure and precision in execution in that crucial match remain iconic.
While comparisons with his father were inevitable, Ashok Kumar earned recognition on his own merit, contributing significantly to Indian hockey’s golden chapters. His record of four World Cup appearances stood as a testament to his consistency, endurance, and excellence at the highest level.
Ashok Kumar’s enduring World Cup legacy (1971–1978) is a remarkable tale of individual brilliance and team success—highlighting an era when Indian hockey stood tall on the global stage.
