Established in 1932, India Field Hockey Club (IFHC) celebrates over 75 years of quality field hockey today. The founders, Lushman Gill and Sardara Singh Gill, were rewarded for their pride and determination by capturing three consecutive championships (1934-1937) after only two years in the Vancouver Field Hockey League. With four championships in the fifties (1950-1954) IFHC became one of the only teams to win four consecutive titles. But later, IFHC boasted 18 of the 22 championships that have been awarded from 1980 to 2001 and in that time frame an impervious record of 16 consecutive championships (1981- 1996). In the last 30 years IFHC has dominated the league with a passion that has been unmatched and definitely untouched. While other clubs claim to play the game as a recreation sport, IFHC sees the game as a measure of their character and pride. IFHC has also been able to capture the major North American tournaments such as, California Cup, Canadian Club Championships, Montreal Cup, and the Victoria Day Tournament held in Vancouver. Some claim that the dominance can be attributed to the individual achievements of the players and the argument may be a good one. With Pundit Rai first making the Canadian National Team in 1963 (becoming the first Canadian to score an international goal), thirteen players have followed the path; 1) Parmjit Bahia, 2) Sarbjit Dusangh, 3) Pritpal Kullar, 4) Paul (Bubli) Chohan, 5) Hargurnek (Nick) Sandhu, 6) Hargurpreet (Bill) Sandhu, 7) Harbhajan Rai, 8) Ranjit (Junior) Rai, 9) Minder Gill, 10) Kinder Gill, 11) Bindi Kullar 12) Ravi Khalon 13) Ranjeev Deol. This club has also produced many players for the Canadian Junior National Team and has sent numerous players to represent the BC Provincial Team. From these totals it is easy to assume that the club succeeds on talent alone, but this is not the case. The success of the club is ultimately based on its pride and determination to succeed. Individual talent can only carry a team so far and in a team sport it is communication, group effort, and self-sacrifice that determine its eventual success. India Field Hockey Club etches this team effort concept into all of its players to form a cohesive bond both on and off the pitch. India Field Hockey Club’s close connection with the community is greatly exemplified by their Junior Program. Under the previous leadership of Piara Sumra and Shami Chohan, who formed the backbone on IFHC for the past five decades, a Junior Program was devised to develop young players in our community and give them a chance to affiliate with one another. Parental and financial support has been the keys to the success of this program. The pride on IFHC had definitely made an impact on these young as they also play with pride, determination, and most importantly, the knowledge that they are not only representing a India Field Hockey Club, but also the community as a whole. In the year 2000 India Field Hockey Club started another chapter in their long history. IFHC added girls to their junior program and response from the community has been overwhelming. As of result, Poonam Sandhu became the first Indian women to play for Canadian National team. She has set the stepping stone for other young girls to follow. India Field Hockey Club is unwavering to continue with their success and is hopeful that the community, which it proudly represents, will support it in any way possible.
