Hockey stadium
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Hockey India Remembers The First Adivasi Icon Of Indian Hockey - Jaipal Singh Munda
The Marang Gomke Hockey Stadium: The enigmatic Jaipal Singh Munda, born as Pramod Pahan, in a Munda (tribal) family in Pahan Toli Village, Kunti sub-division of Ranchi district in the then Bengal Presidency, was the first true hero of Indian hockey, for his team went on to win the first Olympic gold medal in 1928. The Marang Gomke Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, is a befitting tribute to this iconic leader.
He was in England as a student at Oxford University when he was picked to join the squad that would sail out of India. He left the Indian team after playing a few matches and never represented the country that.
Jaipal Singh Munda’s early life was a struggle. He would herd cows until a missionary helped him secure admission in St Paul’s School in Ranchi. It was here that Jaipal Singh Munda’s life took a dramatic turn. He not only became exceptional in academics, but also excelled in sports, particularly in hockey. Like most players from Odisha and Jharkhand today, who are outstanding as defenders, Jaipal was a full-back who often left his teachers awe-struck with his skills in the backline.
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- 05 Feb 2026 11:50
