India’s men’s hockey team, which hunted 8 golds at the Olympics, largely failed to live up to expectations in the World Cup series. In 1971, the first World Cup, India lost to Pakistan in the semi-finals.
Indian team avenged Pakistan in the semi-final match of the 2nd World Cup. Despite leading 2-0 against the Netherlands in the final match, the Indian team failed to win.
In the 1975 series, led by Ajit Pal Singh, the Indian team defeated West Germany, England and Ghana. After a draw against Australia, they lost against Argentina to top their group.
India defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the semi-final and met Pakistan in the final. Pakistan scored the first goal in the 17th minute and put the pressure on. But Surjit Singh scored from a penalty corner in the 2nd half to level the match at 1-1. However, a 51st minute goal by legendary Dayan Chand’s son Ashok Kumar clinched India’s victory.
With the Pakistan team questioning the legitimacy of the goal, referee G. Vijayanathan was firm in his decision. Thus India won the world champion title for the first time. But since then the Indian team has not been able to come close to the medal podium.