Everyone loves soccer. It is a sport that moves masses and resources worldwide in a way that no other does. World Cups, professional leagues, fan clubs, international events. All this attention on the same sport makes us think that, perhaps, it could be the oldest of humanity.
However, this is not so. Contrary to what it seems, football is not as old as other sports. A clear example is men’s hockey, whose age is recognized to be at least 4,000 years old. Surprising, right?
THE FIRST BACKGROUND
There is evidence, recorded in the archives of the pharaonic tombs, that shows us people from the Nile Valley practicing a sport similar to what we know today as hockey.
However, its oldest official record dates back to the 19th century. As with many other sports of Anglo-Saxon origin, it was the British Army during its mobilizations who introduced the game to India and other colonies xnxx. Little time was necessary until it became popular, thus allowing the organization of the first international competition in 1895.
The 20th century began with the arrival of this sport on the American continent, once again, thanks to the English colonizers. It had a great reception, especially in the United States and in some Latin American countries, such as Argentina.
Initially, his practice was limited to private clubs in British communities. However, over time, this began to change.
In 1908, Argentina served as the setting for the first matches between Belgrano Athletic, San Isidro Club and Pacific Railways (today San Martín). Just one year later, with all the excitement surrounding this sport on the part of the Argentine communities, the Argentine Hockey Association was formed. The first presidential position was assumed by the ex-British athlete Thomas Bell.
The foundation of this organization in the country marked a before and after in the history of this sport, which acquired unprecedented relevance. Just one year later, the first women’s team affiliations began in the Association.
The 60’s came better than ever for this sport at the national level, with three large entities as regents: the Cordoba Federation, the Coastal Association and the Argentine Association. Thus, finally in 1968 the first Argentine Hockey Congress was organized, which began to lay the foundations for its next big step.
THE WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY
By the early 1970s, hockey was at its best in Argentina. The rise of talent in this sport, as well as the participation of the national team at the world level, earned the country a place in the Men’s Hockey World Cup, organized in 1971 by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Three years later, the Women’s Hockey World Cup also became a reality.
Although Argentina has never been crowned champion, it has a Bronze medal in the men’s division, in addition to several notable participations.
And you, are you a fan of this sport?