1886day.year
Modern field hockey is born with the formation of The Hockey Association in England.
Modern field hockey began in England in 1886 with the formation of The Hockey Association, standardizing rules and promoting the sport.
In January 1886, a group of English clubs united to form The Hockey Association, laying down the first standardized rules for field hockey.
This organization separated field hockey from its informal roots in public schools and codified playing positions, equipment, and match regulations.
The new rules facilitated organized competitions and encouraged the sport’s spread across the British Empire.
Field hockey clubs quickly formed in India, Australia, and other colonies, leading to international tournaments.
This founding moment remains celebrated as the official birth of modern field hockey.
1886
field hockey
1958day.year
Willie O'Ree, the first Black Canadian National Hockey League player, makes his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins.
Willie O'Ree breaks the NHL color barrier as the first Black Canadian player when he debuts with the Boston Bruins.
On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree took the ice for the Boston Bruins, becoming the first Black Canadian to play in the National Hockey League. Despite a vision impairment caused by a childhood injury, O'Ree's speed and skill earned him a roster spot. He faced racial slurs and discrimination from opponents and some fans, yet remained focused on his performance. O'Ree recorded two assists during his rookie season and appeared in 45 NHL games over two years. His historic debut paved the way for increased diversity in professional hockey. In recognition of his contributions, the NHL later honored him as a pioneer and advocate for inclusion.
1958
Willie O'Ree
Black Canadian
National Hockey League
Boston Bruins
1981day.year
Phil Smith and Phil Mayfield parachute off a Houston skyscraper, becoming the first two people to BASE jump from objects in all four categories: buildings, antennae, spans (bridges), and earth (cliffs).
Phil Smith and Phil Mayfield became the first people to complete BASE jumps from buildings, antennae, bridges, and cliffs.
On January 18, 1981, adventurers Phil Smith and Phil Mayfield parachuted off a Houston skyscraper in an audacious BASE jump.
Their successful descent marked completion of jumps from the four categories of objects: buildings, antennae, spans, and earth.
BASE jumping, an extreme sport challenging gravity and human limits, was still in its infancy at the time.
Smith and Mayfield’s feats drew widespread attention to parachuting safety and stunt regulations.
Their pioneering spirit inspired generations of extreme sports athletes worldwide.
The record remains a milestone in the history of adventure sports.
1981
BASE jump
1983day.year
The International Olympic Committee restores Jim Thorpe's Olympic medals to his family.
The International Olympic Committee posthumously restored Jim Thorpe’s Olympic medals to his family in 1983.
On January 18, 1983, the IOC officially reinstated the Olympic medals of Jim Thorpe, removed decades earlier.
Thorpe, a Native American athlete, had been stripped of his 1912 pentathlon and decathlon titles for alleged professional baseball play.
The decision came after sustained advocacy by his family and sports historians.
Reversal of the earlier ruling acknowledged past discrimination and honoured Thorpe’s legacy.
Thorpe is still celebrated as one of the greatest athletes in modern Olympic history.
His medals now symbolize both athletic excellence and the pursuit of justice in sports.
1983
International Olympic Committee
Jim Thorpe