Indian hockey prides itself as the institution that produced players like Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Sr. and Sardar Singh. It celebrates the fact that the Indian hockey team has won eight Olympic golds, one even in Adolf Hitler's backyard. 

Having said all of that, Hockey India can add another achievement to their illustrious resume, the shameful fight between the teams of Punjab Police and the Punjab National Bank (PNB) during the Nehru Cup final in New Delhi. 

On Monday, the match was at an exciting juncture as the two teams were tied 3-3. However, just when the PNB offense charged to score yet another goal late in the game, one of the Punjab Police players picked his hockey stick up and slammed the player he was defending, in the thigh. In reflex, the PNB player swung his hockey stick at his opponent's face and the fight was on. 

#WATCH Delhi: Scuffle broke out between Punjab Police Hockey & Punjab National Bank Hockey teams during Nehru Cup finals. Elena Norman, Hockey India CEO says, "We're awaiting official report from Tournament officials, based on which Hockey India will take necessary action." pic.twitter.com/Yz3LAtGPl7

As you could have imagined, the brawl did not end on a nice note as one of the PNJ players could be seen crashing on the ground, crying out loud in pain with multiple wounds thanks to the highly weaponisable hockey sticks. 

Eventually the fight was cooled off and the match referees showed red cards to three players from either teams following a red card to the Punjab Police manager for instigating his players and leading on the fight. 

Hockey India should first ban the team and put life ban on the players involved in the scuffle. #indiscipline should not be tolerated. Repeat of Aga khan cup in Mumbai a few years back.

PNB went on to win the match 6-3 and lifted the Nehru cup, however, strict actions had to be taken against the two sides and they were. According to the Times of India, the managing committee of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament Society announced a four-year ban on Punjab Police and a two-year ban on PNB. 

"We are waiting for the official report from the tournament officials and on its basis, Hockey India will take necessary action," Hockey India CEO Elena Norman said.

Delhi: Scuffle broke out between Punjab Police Hockey & Punjab National Bank Hockey teams during Nehru Cup finals. Elena Norman, Hockey India CEO says, "We're awaiting official report from Tournament officials, based on which Hockey India will take necessary action pic.twitter.com/caqLTOwbUs

"Such irresponsible teams and their careless and uncensored managements, such players and weak and spineless organizing committees spoil the name of the game and bring bad reputation to the sport," said Indian Olympic Association President Narinder Batra.

"I urge Hockey India to take maximum strict action," he added.

We have heard a lot of fights take place on the hockey field. The fact that you have one of the highly used melee weapons at your disposal at all times, especially in the hands of angry players, doesn't make it any easier.

But when an athlete grows higher in the pyramid of his sport's hierarchy, he must become more aware of his actions and the consequences that would follow and affect his team and himself. This was a highly disappointing moment in the history of the Indian hockey fraternity. A sad day. 

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