Traditionally, the so-called superpowers of the Olympics don’t automatically do well in field hockey; the exception is Germany. They’re mentioned by Bwin as the second most successful track and field nation ever, and they’re the second most successful men’s field hockey nation too. India and Pakistan, not big names in track and field, are top three in men’s field hockey, with the Netherlands also making an impression. The Netherlands has four golds in women’s hockey too, which has only been held since 1980.
In the men’s game, many players have become legends and role models to others. Today’s players are perhaps more athletic than their predecessors in a game dominated by sports science and high performance, but does it put the players at the top of the best-ever list? Or, are there others you consider the best, pioneers of the game still revered today? Either way, there’s a strong case to consider these three as the best Olympic men’s field hockey players of all time.
