Hockey made its first appearance at the modern Olympic Games in London in 1908, where hosts Great Britain won the inaugural men's tournament. In the 116 years since then, hockey has been included in every Olympic Games except 1912 and 1924, appearing in 24 of the 26 editions, and in every edition since Amsterdam 1928. 

Amsterdam 1928 marked the beginning of a new era in Olympic hockey, dominated by India, after Great Britain had won gold in the first two editions. Led by legends such as Dhyan Chand and Balbir Singh Sr, India won six consecutive gold medals from 1928 to 1956, demonstrating their incredible skill and technique. 

Their dominance was interrupted in 1960 by Pakistan, who won their first gold medal in Rome and two more over the next two decades. This intense rivalry between India and Pakistan took the sport to new heights with its fierce competition and remarkable players, as the two nations won 11 of the 13 gold medals between 1928 and 1984. 

Regarding women's Olympic hockey, it made its Olympic debut much later, at Moscow 1980, when Zimbabwe won the inaugural tournament. Since then, women's hockey has grown considerably, with more and more nations investing in the sport and winning medals at the Games, including the Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain and Spain in Europe, Argentina and the USA in the Americas, Australia in Oceania, and South Korea and China in Asia. 

The 1980s also saw a diversification of Olympic medal winners in men's hockey. European teams such as the Netherlands and Germany began to assert their dominance in both men's and women's hockey. The introduction of artificial surfaces in the 1970s revolutionised the game, making it faster and more dynamic. 

The competition became more unpredictable in the late 20th century, with Australia and New Zealand consistently performing well. Argentina, known for their passionate and skilful play, won the men's gold medal at Rio 2016 and a third women's silver medal at Tokyo 2020. Belgium, France, South Africa and Chile have continued to thrive, while the likes of India and Great Britain have also begun to return to the heights they reached in the 20th century. 

Olympic hockey continues to evolve, with technological innovations in sporting equipment and increasingly sustainable facilities promising to keep the sport fresh and exciting. Even as multiple formats, including Indoor Hockey and Hockey5s, grow in popularity, the Olympic stage remains the pinnacle of achievement for hockey players. 

Hockey's journey through the Olympic Games is a testament to the sport's enduring appeal and global reach. From its earliest days to the modern era, it has captured the hearts of millions and provided some unforgettable moments. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is committed to ensuring that the spirit and excitement of Olympic hockey continues to inspire and excite fans around the world.