1971 Barcelona

The inaugural Men's Hockey World Cup tournament was held at Barcelona in 1971 at Real Polo grounds. The tournament commenced on October 15 and was over on October 24. After 30 matches and beating 9 other countries, including the host, Pakistan claimed the trophy.

Winner - Pakistan
Runner's Up - Spain
Second Runner's Up - India



1973 Amstelveen

The second instalment of Men's Hockey World Cup was held at Netherlands in 1973 at the Wagener Stadium, Amstelveen. This is one of the few tournaments where the host country won the trophy on its own grounds after drawing 1-1 against India and then 4-2 through penalties.

Winner - Netherlands
Runner's Up - India
Second Runner's Up - West Germany


1975 Kuala Lumpur

The Men's Hockey World Cup of 1975 was held at Merdeka Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This was the first time a Hockey World Cup was hosted at an Asian country and also the first time that India won 2-1 against Pakistan.

Winner - India
Runner's Up - Pakistan
Second Runner's Up - West Germany


1978 Buenos Aires

Held at Campo del Polo, Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Men's Hockey World Cup of 1978 was yet again dominated by Pakistan with a 3-2 win against the Netherlands.

Winner - Pakistan
Runner's Up - Netherlands
Second Runner's Up - Australia