If you’re passionate about hockey, it’s great to try and learn something about it. Understanding the history of the game is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the tradition of the sport.

Whether you are an active and enthusiastic player or just a supporter, learning history is the key to becoming a true understanding of the game. Moreover, it definitely makes it a lot easier to engage in real conversations with other hockey enthusiasts.

The origin of hockey

Hockey sport was first played in the 19th century. It took a lot of effort and development of several variations, before it became a game like today. Initially it was very rough and physical before some London cricket players changed that aspect while playing in their season.

It took some effort to put the rules together before the pioneers figured it out. The first international competition began in 1895 between Ireland and Wales.

The development of international hockey

Hockey was included in the 1908 Olympic calendar. It was played only by three teams: England, Scotland and Ireland. However, the game was officially included in the 1928 Olympic Games, in Amsterdam. Women’s Hockey first appeared in the 1980 Olympics, in Moscow.

Sports structure

The British army certainly played an important role in spreading this game throughout the British Empire. It was only after the English and Belgian hockey teams competed against each other, the international structure of the sport began. This saw the teams then join the French federation, to form an international hockey federation or Fédération International de Hockey (FIH). Starting only with seven founding members, FIH currently has 127 member countries.

A sport named Hockey, originally starting with a simple stick and a ball, now enjoys a large amount. Although this article does not have much to offer, there are other interesting facts to learn about this sport.