Field Hockey: Who has enjoyed most success at the Olympics?

Field hockey is one of the oldest team sports in the Olympic roster. The men's hockey event was included as a part of the Olympic programme at the London 1908 Games. However, it was not a part of the programme, in 1912 and 1924.

The women's event was added to the Olympic programme from the Moscow 1980 Games.

At Tokyo 2020, slated to get underway from July 23, twelve teams, each in men's and women's events - will be a part of the competition.

Who has won the most Olympic hockey medals in men's event?

India men's hockey team were a force to reckon with between 1928 to 1980. In this period of time, the team accumulated eight gold medals, one silver and two bronze at the Olympics, to take their tally to 11 medals overall. It was also considered as a golden period for the India men's hockey team.

Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Senior, Mohamamd Shahid and Dhanraj Pillay were among the finest hockey players to represent India at the Olympics.

The Netherlands men's hockey team have also been highly successful at the Olympics with nine medals (two gold, four silver and three bronze) under their belt.

The country have produced some of the finest players in the history of the game. Double Olympic gold medallist Teun de Nooijer, who also won two silver medals at the Olympics, has been one of the stand-out players for the Netherlands over the years. Billy Bakker and Bob de Voogd, members of the London 2012 silver medal-winning men's squad, are also stars in their own right.

Similarly, the Germany men's hockey team have been a dominant force, evidenced by the record of seven medals which includes three gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Interestingly, the Germans earned a podium spot each in the last three Olympic editions -- Beijing 2008 (gold), London 2012 (gold) and Rio 2016 (bronze) -- and will be looking to maintain their fine run at Tokyo 2020.

Florian Fuchs, a member of the 2012 and 2016 squads for the Olympics, is among the finest German men's hockey players. Besides him, Christopher Ruhr who was also a part of the Rio 2016 squad and will carry the onus for the side at Tokyo 2020 has been a fine talent.

Who has won the most Olympic hockey medals in women's event?

The Netherlands women's team have been the most decorated side in women's hockey with a record-eight medals (three gold, two silver and three bronze) at the Olympics. The Dutch women will also head to Tokyo 2020 as the No.1 side.

Caia van Maasakker and Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel from the women's gold medal winning squad at London 2012 are also among the finest players to have represented the country. Heuvel was a vital member of the Dutch women team which won the silver medal at Rio 2016.

Australia women's hockey team, nicknamed Hockeyroos, are also one of the most prominent teams having won the Olympic gold medal thrice - 1988, 1996 and 2000. However, since then, there has been a medal drought for them at the Olympics with their last major campaign coming at the 2014 World Cup where they earned a silver medal.

Casey Sablowski, has been regarded as one of the finest players, in Australian women's hockey history along with Anna Flanagan, a member of 2008 and 2016 squads for the Olympics.

Germany women's team, meanwhile, have accumulated one medal of each colour to take their tally to three. At Rio 2016, they had clinched the bronze medal and will look to carry the momentum into Tokyo 2020.

Natascha Keller, a member of the gold medal-winning squad at 2004 Athens Games, who represented her country at the Olympics four time is one of the finest players from the country. Charlotte Stapenhorst and Franzisca Hauke, meanwhile, were also crucial for their side at Rio 2016.

Who has the most Olympic medals for India?

Former India half-back Leslie Walter Claudius and center forward Udham Singh Kullar share the distinction of clinching an Olympic medal four times.

Claudius was a part of the gold medal-winning squads in 1948, 1952 and 1956 before he captained the side to a silver medal at the 1960 Games. Interestingly, he was also the first player ever to feature in four Olympics besides earning 100 caps for his national team.

Udham, meanwhile, was a part of the Indian squad which won the gold medals in 1952, 1956 and 1964 besides adding a silver at the 1960 Games. He was also the leading goal-scorer at the 1956 Olympics with 14 goals.

How many medals did Dhyan Chand earn for India?

Legend Dhyan Chand has been considered as the best player to have donned the Indian hockey team jersey. His brilliant ball control not only made him one of the finest players in hockey history but also earned him the nicknames like the 'Hockey Wizard' and 'The Magician'.

Making his debut for the national team in 1926, the centre forward played a crucial role in India's hat-trick of gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936.

Who are India playing at Tokyo 2020?

Both India men's and women's hockey teams have qualified for Tokyo 2020.

The Manpreet Singh-led men's side are in Pool A along with reigning Olympic Champions Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and hosts Japan.

The Rani Rampal-led women's side, meanwhile, are in Pool A along with defending champions Great Britain, World No.1 side the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland and South Africa.

The hockey event at Tokyo 2020 will run from 25 July to 7 August at the brand-new Oi Hockey Stadium.