The concept for an International hockey competition at the world level originated in a joint proposal made by India and Pakistan at an International Hockey Federation, FIH Council meeting on March 30, 1969. The first world cup was held in Barcelona (Spain) in 1971. From 1978 onwards, the tournament has been held once in four years. The eleventh Hockey World Cup will be held in Germany in 2006. India has won the tournament only once in 1975.