Supreme Court dismisses the plea to recognize Hockey as National Game

The Supreme Court of India dismissed public interest litigation (PIL) lodged by lawyer Vishal Tiwari seeking directions to the Union of India (UOI) and other concerned organizations to recognize hockey as the National Sport of India. The decision was taken by the court’s bench headed by Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, chaired by Justice S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi.

Tiwari, in his petition, asked, "If the country can have a national animal, then why can’t the country have its national game." Tiwari, further added, "While India is a superpower in Cricket and produces some of the brightest minds and leaders, it struggles in other areas. In the shadow of Cricket, the game of hockey has lost its popularity in light of lack of initiatives and support from UOI." 

Expressing their disagreement, Justice UU Lalit, said, "There should be a drive within people. Players like Mary Kom rise above all adversities. The court cannot do anything."

Despite of the fact that India being one of the greatest dominators of the game, it was not able to receive any Olympic award for more than 40 years. However, in Tokyo Olympics the Indian hockey contingent won a bronze medal which brought a fresh wave of growth in the world of Indian hockey.