The third Hockey World Cup took place in the year 1975 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. India didn’t really witness any bad performances in the previous edition in 1971 and 1973 but tasted the real success in the third attempt. In the first edition, India stood third and in the second had to settle as runners-up after facing defeat at the hands of Netherlands in the penalty shoot-out.
After beating hosts Malaysia 3-2 in the semi-final, India faced their traditional rivals Pakistan in the final. They then met arch rivals Pakistan and made this win more special to beat the Pakistan captain.
Surjit opened the scoring for India and Ashok Kumar did the all important work at the office as he netted the second and match-winning goal of the match for India.
The team led by Ajit Pal Singh left no stone unturned to bring the cup home as they were pretty rigorous and efficient in their efforts on the field. The player of the final match Ashok Kumar, son of legendary Late Major Dhyan Chand who scripted the ultimate title win for India is the first of two Indians who represented India for 4 World Cup tournaments which included Barcelona 1971 (Bronze), 1973 Amsterdam (Silver), Kuala Lumpur 1975 (Gold) and Buenos Aires 1978.
He was also instrumental in scoring the winning goal for India against Pakistan in the finale of the 1975 World Cup. Mr. Ashok Kumar also participated in the two Olympic Games in Munich 1972 (Bronze) and Montreal 1976.
