Hockey at Paris 2024: Men’s Pool A Preview

    23 Jul, 2024 The 12 best teams (men’s and women’s) from around the world are converging in Paris as we countdown to the final few days till the start of the Hockey competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024! Each team comes with the aim of standing on the Olympic podium, while only one can claim the gold medal at the end of the Games. The first obstacle for all teams in the event come in the form of their pool opponents. The 12 teams have been split into two pools of 6 teams each, with the top four teams from each pool qualifying for the quarterfinals. In today’s preview, meet the teams in Pool A of the men’s competition, and find out the unique playing styles they will bring to Paris. Netherlands The Netherlands boasts an impressive Olympic track record, having secured gold at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Games, along with four silver and three bronze medals. However, after finishing sixth at the postponed Tokyo 2020 Games – their worst Olympic performance since Los Angeles 1984, where they also placed sixth – the team is determined to remind everyone of their exceptional abilities. Under the guidance of head coach Jeroen Delmee, the celebrated Dutch defender and two-time Olympic gold medallist, the Netherlands have achieved a remarkable consistency in their performance. Since taking charge in late 2021, Delmee has infused the Oranje squad with fresh talent, a bold move that has yielded significant rewards. The team has secured two first-place finishes and one second-place finish in the last three FIH Hockey Pro League seasons, won a World Cup bronze medal in India in early 2023, and claimed their seventh European title by triumphing in the EuroHockey Championships 2023 in Mönchengladbach, Germany, securing their ticket to Paris 2024 in the process. The Netherlands squad selected by Delmee for Paris 2024 has all the attributes needed to be considered serious title contenders. Pirmin Blaak, the FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year for 2023, is without question one of the finest shotstoppers in world hockey, while the skill and creativity of Thierry Brinkman, Jorrit Croon and Seve Van Ass will be potent weapons. Having registered 15 goals in 15 FIH Hockey Pro League matches this season, penalty corner expert Jip Janssen is a prized asset capable of producing match winning moments. Head Coach Jeroen Delmee: “As the reigning European champions, we are of course one of the contenders for an Olympic medal. The field of participants is extremely strong. We have done everything we can to compete for the prizes. We can’t wait to show the world what we are capable of.” Germany With four Olympic gold medals, three World Cup wins and eight European titles, Germany are one of hockey’s true powerhouse nations. Tactically astute and technically superb, Die Honamas have a habit of hitting form ahead of Olympic Games and World Cups, a fact proven by their sensational triumph at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, played on Indian soil in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. Their performances in India were hugely impressive, with the team coached by master tactician André Henning – named Coach of the Year in the 2023 FIH Hockey Stars Awards – emerging unbeaten from a pool containing 2018 world champions and reigning Olympic gold medallists Belgium as well as Japan and Korea before producing a string of brilliant performances in the knock-out stages. Their semi-final clash against Oceania giants Australia will live long in the memory, as penalty corner weapon Gonzalo Peillat and rapid attacker Niklas Wellen scored twice in the final 90 seconds give Germany a stunning 4-3 triumph. Wellen and Peillat – the man who fired Argentina to Olympic gold at Rio 2016 – were again on target in the gold medal match against Belgium, as the two European giants played out a wonderful 3-3 draw before Germany snatched their third World Cup crown in a drama-filled shoot-out. Wellen and Peillat are far from being the only superstars in the Germany squad, with brilliant attacker Christopher Rühr, captain Mats Grambusch and Jean-Paul Danneberg – shortlisted for the FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year 2023 award –just some of the many world class players they have at their disposal. At the delayed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, a narrow defeat at the hands of India in the bronze medal match saw Germany miss out on a podium finish for the first time since Sydney 2000, something they will be keen to rectify at Paris 2024. Head Coach André Henning: “This could be the closest men’s hockey competition at the Olympic Games ever. Among the top 6 teams in the world, pretty much every team has beaten the others recently. So from the quarter-finals onwards, there will be completely open duels at eye level. We know our strengths and know that on a good day we can beat all our rivals. A medal is definitely within our reach – even gold. As you know, I prefer to focus on action goals. If we want to finish on the podium, we have to take control of what we can control so that we can deliver the best performance under the greatest pressure.” Great Britain It has been 36 years since Great Britain’s men last medalled at an Olympic Games, but there is a genuine sense of optimism that their barren run since winning gold at Seoul 1988 could finally end in Paris this year. Team GB have secured podium finishes in the last two editions of the elite FIH Hockey Pro League, being runners up on 2022-23 and finishing third in 2023-24, while four successive wins at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, played in Muscat (OMA) in January, sealed their ticket to Paris before suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Germany in the competition final. Ace striker Sam Ward netted eight times in Muscat to finish as the tournament’s top scorer, his tally being twice as many as his nearest rivals

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    Hockey at Paris 2024: Women’s Pool A Preview

      22 Jul, 2024 The 12 best teams (men’s and women’s) from around the world are converging in Paris as we countdown to the final few days till the start of the Hockey competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024! Each team comes with the aim of standing on the Olympic podium, while only one can claim the gold medal at the end of the Games. The first obstacle for all teams in the event come in the form of their pool opponents. The 12 teams have been split into two pools of 6 teams each, with the top four teams from each pool qualifying for the quarterfinals. In today’s preview, meet the teams in Pool A of the women’s competition, and find out the unique playing styles they will bring to Paris. Netherlands As the reigning Olympic, World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions, it comes as little surprise that the Netherlands will be considered as hot favourites to successfully defend the gold medal they won in 2021 at the delayed Tokyo Olympiad. The Oranje were in sparkling form at the 2023 EuroHockey Championships in Mönchengladbach, Germany, claiming five wins out of five – including an emphatic 7-0 thrashing of England in the semi-finals – to seal their record extending 12th European title and guarantee their participation at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The mighty Dutch followed it up with their fourth FIH Hockey Pro League title, winning 15 out of 16 matches with Yibbi Jansen claiming an impressive 19 goal haul, eight clear of Argentina’s Agustina Gorzelany at the top of the scorer’s chart. Jansen will be a huge penalty corner threat for the Netherlands in Paris, one of numerous world class players head coach Paul van Ass has at his disposal. In striker Felice Albers and team captain Xan de Waard the Netherlands have the two most recent winners of the FIH Hockey Stars Player of the Year award, while Frederique Matla, Freeke Moes, Pien Dicke, Maria Verschoor and goalkeeper Anne Veenendaal are all extraordinary talents. Having finished on the podium at every Olympic Games since Atlanta 1996 and contested the last five finals, the Netherlands will take some stopping. Head Coach Paul van Ass: “The Dutch women’s hockey team has been at the top for many years. But we also realise that staying at the top is very difficult. But be assured we still work very hard to present ourselves in the best possible way. And yes, hopefully we can be an inspiration for a new generation with the prolongation of an Olympic medal.” Belgium Over the past six years, Belgium’s women have established themselves as a genuine European powerhouse, claiming silver medals at the EuroHockey Championships in both 2017 and the 2023 event in Mönchengladbach, Germany. At the 2023 competition the Red Panthers defeated Italy, Spain and Germany en route to the final, eventually losing 3-1 to the Netherlands in the gold medal match. Despite that painful loss, it was another milestone moment in the development of a gifted group of players, with young talents such as gifted teenager Emily White and ace midfielder Charlotte Englebert producing performances to match those of established performers like Barbara Nelen, Alix Gerniers and Stephanie Vanden Borre. Belgium sealed their place at Paris 2024 with a string of fine performances at January’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier in Valencia, bouncing back from 0-0 draw against Ireland to record crushing wins against Korea (10-1) and Ukraine (13-0) to set up a semi-final against Great Britain. Goals from Nelen, Vanden Borre and Justine Rasir earned a 3-2 triumph over the Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallists to confirm their ticket to Paris before winning the qualifying tournament outright by beating hosts Spain 2-1 in the final. The team recently claimed their second successive fourth place finish in the FIH Hockey Pro League, the highlight of which was a sensational 2-1 win over the Netherlands on Dutch soil in Amsterdam. Englebert and Vanden Borre scored the crucial goals, giving Belgium a remarkable victory against a team that ended up winning 15 of their 16 Pro League matches. The team is coached by Raoul Ehren, who guided Den Bosch women to unprecedented club success both in the Netherlands and Europe and is clearly working his magic at international level. With talent in abundance and a fantastic, ambitious coach with big ideas, this team can mix it with the very best. Head Coach Raoul Ehren: “We are so excited to join Paris 2024. Three of our players were already in London 2012, but for the rest it will be a new experience to play at the Olympics. From our results in the last years, we have the confidence that we have a strong and very competitive team. We want to go for a spot in the quarter finals. We will take it game by game for a maximum result”. Germany  Having won every major title on offer and always genuine contenders for a place on the podium, 2004 Olympic gold medallists Germany have an international record to be proud of. The team coached by Valentin Altenburg – who guided Germany men to Olympic bronze at Rio 2016 – proved their class once again in August 2023, taking the bronze medal at the EuroHockey Championships, which were played on home turf in Mönchengladbach. Remarkably, Die Danas conceded only once during that competition, with that solitary goal condemning them to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Belgium in the semi-final. However, the host nation finished on a high, with goals from penalty corner star and 2023 FIH Hockey Stars Player of the Year award nominee Sonja Zimmermann, Charlotte Stapenhorst and Jette Fleschütz sealing a superb 3-0 win over England to bag the bronze medal. Germany’s place at Paris was confirmed at the qualification tournament in Ranchi (IND), where an Olympic ticket was on offer for the top three finishers. Wins against Chile (3-0) and Czech Republic (10-0) came either side of a 1-1 draw against Japan, setting up

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      Olympic Games Paris 2024: Hockey competition squads confirmed

        Lausanne, Switzerland: With the countdown to Hockey at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 reaching single digits, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to confirm the squads that will compete in the Hockey competition at the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad. At the hockey competition in Paris 2024, each squad is made up of a maximum of 16 players, with an additional 3 players travelling as alternates. The squad is composed of 11 starting players on the field and 5 substitutes. The alternate players can only be brought into the squad as per the conditions outlined in the ‘Late Athlete Replacement policy’. Additionally, one of the three alternate player positions has to be used for the reserve goalkeeper position. The complete squad lists for the competing men’s and women’s teams can be found here.  The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will take place from 27 July to 9 August 2024. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey. #Paris2024 #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website.

        FIH President: “Everything is ready for the hockey stars to shine!”

          Paris, France: With the Paris Olympics less than a week away, FIH President Tayyab Ikram shares his thoughts on the upcoming Olympiad, his expectations for the sport and the position of hockey within the Olympic movement. A few days before the start of the Olympic hockey tournaments, what feeling is prevailing? It’s a mix of huge excitement and responsibility. I have multiplied the contacts with the teams, the athletes, the officials, the International Olympic Committee, the Local Organising Committee, and it is clear that the fervour is rising! At the same time, for us, as an International Federation, our responsibility is to make sure that the athletes will be able to express themselves in the best possible conditions. Nevertheless, in view of the Test event organised in May at the Yves-du-Manoir stadium and the regular exchanges we have had with the organisers, I can assure you that all the lights are green! What do you expect from these Games? First and foremost, I expect the Olympic spirit to prevail throughout the Games. In today’s troubled world, I am convinced that sport – especially mega-events such as the Olympic Games – can soften morals and bring people together. The Olympic Truce is a strong symbol that unites people. And in terms of hockey? Frankly, I’m expecting a festival! Thanks to the efforts devoted to coaching, the professionalization of all hockey structures, the physical, technical, tactical and mental preparation of athletes, the hockey quality keeps on raising. You only have to look at the last two World Cups – women and men –, the FIH Hockey Pro League, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup or the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups to see for yourself. It’s striking! What would you say to sports fans who will be following the Games but are not yet familiar with hockey? Come and discover our sport! Witness its skilfulness, its velocity and its dynamism! Its fair play, too. I am convinced that these Games will be a great showcase for hockey and an ideal springboard for its development, especially in the host country, which will also inherit a very high-level working tool with this brand-new infrastructure! What message would you like to send to the athletes? First of all, I wish them to do everything possible to live this experience to the fullest! For some, it may be their only Olympic Games. Can you imagine that? The experience of a lifetime! Then, I would tell them to do everything possible on the sporting level so as not to regret anything. Don’t be inhibited by the stakes! Be convinced of your strength and talent. Express them! Finally, I invite them to share their Olympic experience with their families, friends and fans. Social media are a great help for that! It’s so important, not only for them but also for the promotion of our sport. How does hockey fit into the Olympic movement? We are very proud to be part of the Olympic movement. We are an active, recognized member, always willing to listen but also to share. Let’s not forget that hockey made its first appearance in the Olympic Games programme in 1908. This longevity is not insignificant. The Summer Games are back in Paris, 100 years after the last edition in France. The FIH was born in Paris … exactly 100 years ago. What does all this inspire you? A wonderful symbol! Frankly, we couldn’t have dreamed of better! I have no doubt that these Games will be a huge success for us, for the entire Olympic world and for fans around the world! For this, I would like to express the sincerest gratitude of FIH and the entire international hockey community to the International Olympic Committee, the Local Organising Committee and the French authorities for their tireless efforts, professionalism and enthusiasm! #Hockey #Paris2024 #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website.

          Fixtures for the “Central-South Africa Qualifier for ACN 2025 (M/W)” | 17 – 21 August 2024 (Harare, Zimbabwe) – UPDATED

            Final list of confirmed participating teams (8 Teams): 4 Men Teams: Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 Zambia 🇿🇲 Namibia 🇳🇦 Eswatini 🇸🇿 4 Women Teams: Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 Zambia 🇿🇲 Namibia 🇳🇦 Eswatini 🇸🇿 REMARKS:  The top 2 Men’s teams and top 3 Women’s teams would qualify from the Central-South Africa region to the Africa Cup of Nations [ACN] 2025  

            Unsung Heroes of Olympic Hockey: the Umpires

              15 Jul, 2024 The Olympics are a grand spectacle, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Yet, behind every stunning goal and breathtaking save lies the tireless work of hockey umpires, a key part of the officiating team, ensuring the smooth operation and fairness of the matches. This officiating team, all of whom are volunteers, includes the Technical Delegates, Technical Officials, Umpire Managers, Umpires and Medical Officers, who act together as crucial cogs in creating the global spectacle that is Olympic Hockey. In today’s story, we delve into the crucial roles that umpires play, enriched with insights from Xiaoying Liu from China and Martin Madden from Scotland, two esteemed umpires with decades of experience umpiring at the top level. The Journey to Becoming an Umpire The path to becoming a hockey umpire often begins with a deep-rooted love for the sport. Xiaoying Liu’s story is a testament to this passion. “I played hockey for 12 years and after I retired, I didn’t want to leave this group. I chose to be an umpire because I can stay connected with the people and the sport and give back to it,” Xiaoying shared. Her transition from player to umpire highlights a common trajectory where former athletes find a new way to stay connected to the game they love. Similarly, Martin Madden’s journey was influenced by family and opportunity. “I started umpiring when I was 15. My dad, an international hockey umpire, suggested I give it a try, and it turned out I had a natural ability for it,” Martin recalled. His early start and familial encouragement were pivotal in his umpiring career, underscoring the diverse routes individuals take towards becoming an international umpire. Balancing Life and Officiating: The Second Family Being an umpire is a commitment that requires balancing personal life with professional responsibilities. Xiaoying articulated this challenge: “We need to balance family, our professional careers and hockey careers. As a female umpire with a family and two children, it’s difficult to leave them for long periods. But we want to continue following our passion and perform at a high level to set an example for our kids.” For Martin, the camaraderie among umpires helps alleviate some of these challenges. “It’s all the shared experience. We spend a lot of time together at tournaments, helping each other through tough days and celebrating good ones. It’s unique because it’s not just feedback before and after matches. During the matches, the level of conversations between the two umpires on field and the feedback we share with each other in the immediate moment is not something I think we see in other sports. This creates a strong bond, making us feel like a family,” he explained. This sense of family among officials is a distinctive aspect of the hockey umpiring community, fostering a supportive environment both on and off the field. The Olympic Experience Umpiring at the Olympics is a dream come true for many umpires, but it also presents unique challenges and experiences. Xiaoying’s first Olympic experience in Tokyo was marked by strict COVID-19 protocols. “It was very special but also very different because of the restrictions. We couldn’t go out or watch other sports, and it was totally different from every other tournament,” she reflected. Without these limitations, and with sell out crowds, Xiaoying is looking forward to Paris 2024 with optimism, hoping to showcase her true abilities. Martin, who has umpired at many high-profile events including multiple World Cups and Olympic Games, mentions the stark contrast in the scale of the overall event. “The absolute size and scale of the Olympics compared to any other event is phenomenal. You realize you’re a small part of a massive movement,” he noted. As he approaches his final Olympic tournament before retirement, Martin aims to leave on a high note, cherishing the time spent with fellow umpires and striving to perform his best. The collaborative environment among umpires enhances the quality of umpiring at all levels. This is especially relevant at an event of the Olympic scale which comes with its unique challenges as the eyes of the world are set firmly on every minute of the action. “We develop strong relationships and bonds through feedback and support. This helps us manage the pressures, improve our skills and ensures the best for the sport,” Martin emphasized. The honesty and mutual respect within the umpiring community contribute significantly to the high standards expected at the Olympics. Team Building and Preparation for Paris 2024 To ensure optimal performance at the Olympic Game Paris 2024, the umpires will arrive early for a pre-Games training camp. Having taken the initiative, 28 umpires and 4 umpire managers will gather in Cergy, north-west of Paris, from 21-24 July and participate in the camp designed for team-building activities and final preparations. This will help them acclimate to the conditions and get over their travel and jet lag, which will contribute towards better performances during the matches. Such initiatives enhance their readiness and are a direct result of the familial bonds built over the years. The dedication and hard work of hockey umpires and officials are pivotal to the success of the Olympic Games. Through their stories, we gain insight into their journeys, challenges, and the camaraderie that defines their community. As they prepare for Paris 2024, their commitment to excellence and their roles as unsung heroes of the sport will undoubtedly contribute to another memorable Olympic Games. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be played from 27 July to 9 August. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey. The view the complete list of officials for Hockey at Paris 2024, click here. Source: FIH.hockey

              FIH President: “We must look very carefully at the expectations of the youth”

                July 10, 2024 As he was in Amsterdam, Netherlands, recently to attend the last matches of the fifth edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League, FIH President Tayyab Ikram participated in the General Assembly of the Dutch Hockey Federation (KNHB) clubs. In his address to the more than 300 clubs belonging to KNHB’s club structure, the FIH President touched upon a wide range of key strategic topics for hockey and its development, and thanked the clubs for the invaluable support that, through their remarkable efforts and dedication, they’re providing to their communities. One of his major focus points was about the way the hockey community presents the sport and its ability to be even more appealing for future generations. “We must look very carefully at the expectations of the youth towards sports. This is fundamental for the future of hockey. Clubs have a major role to play in this regard,” President Ikram said. “Providing a safe environment for children, ensuring to spend enough time with them to socialize, taking appropriate measures to protect mental health are absolute ‘must-do’ for clubs. It’s a matter of respect for the kids in the first place, and crucial to maintain our appeal as a sport too,” he continued. President Ikram emphasized that mental health should be taken into consideration with a more professional approach. Creating a secure and positive environment helps address the challenges our youth face today. The FIH President went on by requesting from club leaders to ensure that young athletes always feel well whenever they’re playing hockey, as this will help them grow not only as players but also as individuals. This, in turn, is beneficial for everyone, including the clubs themselves. He expressly tasked KNHB to embrace this as a major project. Another crucial topic mentioned by the FIH President was inclusion and diversity. He encouraged all clubs to have a more diversified approach: “Please engage with less privileged people, children, or communities. KNHB is already doing a great job with its Foundation; clubs should also start individual initiatives.” President Ikram also highlighted the importance of sustainability within the hockey community. He noted that clubs should leverage the involvement of parents to provide a positive impact on the kids. This involvement is beneficial for the children’s development. Engaging parents in club activities creates opportunities for discussions on club values and community mental health. He further stressed that training is more important than traditional education in the context of sports. “Don’t teach; they learn. Our priority should be to make individuals ready for the future. Whatever is required, clubs should be able to cater to those needs.” With less than a month to go to the next Olympiad, the General Assembly took place, quite symbolically, in the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium that was built for the 1928 Olympic Games. The legacy of the Olympics and recent events serve as reminders of the ongoing commitment to sports excellence and the need to continuously support our athletes. In conclusion, President Ikram reiterated the importance of the club’s role in promoting mental health awareness, sustainability, and the rights of athletes as we look forward to events like the FIH Hockey World Cup in 2026. The focus remains on creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all athletes. Source: FIH.hockey

                Zimbabwe’s Golden Girls: The first Olympic Gold Medalists in Women’s Hockey

                  Lausanne, Switzerland: In the annals of Olympic history, few stories are as inspiring as that of the Zimbabwe women’s hockey team, affectionately known as the “Golden Girls.” Their triumph at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games is a testament to the power of determination, unity, and passion for the sport. In an exclusive interview with Ann Grant, the captain of the team, we delve into the incredible journey of these pioneering women. The Road to Moscow In late June 1980, an air of excitement enveloped the newly formed nation of Zimbabwe. The women’s hockey team had been invited to participate in the XXII Olympic Games, marking the first time women’s hockey was included as an Olympic discipline. For Zimbabwe, which had just gained independence in April of that year, this was more than just a sporting competition; it was a chance to put their fledgling nation on the world map. Ann Grant recalls the moment they received the invitation: “Our team was extremely excited to be invited to the XXII Olympic Games, especially as it was the first time women’s hockey was an Olympic discipline and our new nation of Zimbabwe was only formally confirmed in April 1980.” Initially, the team’s destination was South Africa for an annual interprovincial tournament. However, in a surprising turn of events, they were instead invited to the Moscow Olympics. With just a month to prepare, the team had to hastily organize passports, uniforms, and a multitude of administrative details, all while securing a month’s leave from their employers. The Zimbabwe National Olympic Committee worked tirelessly to ensure everything was in order, while the players juggled their full-time jobs with increased hockey practices and matches against men’s teams to prepare for the games. Arrival in Moscow Arriving in Moscow ten days before the start of the Olympics, the team faced the challenge of adapting to artificial turf, something none of the players had ever experienced. Daily practices at local stadiums were invaluable in getting accustomed to this new surface. Despite the logistical hurdles and the unfamiliar environment, the team’s spirit remained unbroken. Ann vividly remembers their initial days in Moscow: “We were taken to the super new Olympic Village with amenities open 24 hours and then rushed off to get new hockey shoes as not one of us had ever played on artificial turf, including our coach!” The Olympic Experience Walking into Lenin Stadium for the opening ceremony was a moment of awe and pride for the Zimbabwe team. Dressed in their bright blue uniforms, they marched with their new national flag flying high. The atmosphere in the Olympic Village was electric, and the team had the chance to meet other Olympic champions like Daley Thompson and Sir Sebastian Coe. Ann describes the opening ceremony: “The aura from the beautiful stadium, the magnitude of the many spectators, and the sheer joy of being a part of this momentous occasion was a mind-blowing experience.” The Zimbabwe women’s hockey team was an enthusiastic and determined group, resolute in their mission to give their best on the field. Under the expert guidance of coach Anthea Stewart, they adapted their tactics to face unknown opponents and displayed remarkable tenacity and skill. The Golden Moment The women’s hockey tournament was conducted on a round-robin basis, featuring teams from Russia, Czechoslovakia, Poland, India, Austria, and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe remained unbeaten heading into their final match against Austria. The victory secured them the gold medal, making history as the first winners in Olympic women’s hockey and earning Zimbabwe its first-ever Olympic gold! Ann recalls the moment of victory: “It is difficult to express our feelings of sheer joy and excitement of our achievement! We stood on that red carpet to receive our gold medals from Mr. Reg Alexander, IOC member from Kenya, and Mr. Renee Frank, the President of the International Hockey Federation. The unforgettable moment our flag was raised with the beautiful Olympic hymn playing in the background.” Celebrations and Legacy The reception back home in Zimbabwe was nothing short of spectacular. The team was welcomed with a guard of honor by school drum majorettes and a huge crowd of fans and their families. Several functions were organized to celebrate their achievement, ensuring that all Zimbabweans could share in this historic moment. The legacy of the Golden Girls continues to inspire future generations of hockey players in Zimbabwe. The annual Golden Girls Hockey Tournament, held every July, keeps the spirit of their victory alive. Many of the team members have gone on to coach at various levels, giving back to the sport that brought them together. A Fairytale to Remember The team’s journey was meticulously documented in a handwritten diary, capturing every moment of their Olympic adventure. Ann recounts how it all came about: “Our coach, Anthea Stewart, made a team rule of writing the day’s events and happenings in a handwritten diary to document, from beginning to end, the story of our own Olympic journey – this was written in the same order as your team number. What incredible memoirs “Dear Diary” has safely tucked inside, with many laughs as we read through the various stories but also tears, as we remember our dear vice-captain and wonderful leader Liz Chase who has sadly passed on.” These memoirs, filled with laughter and tears, are a cherished testament to their incredible story. Despite being scattered around the globe, the remaining members of the Golden Girls maintain close contact, bonded by their shared history and the lifelong friendships forged during their golden moment. Their story, as recounted by Ann Grant, is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination, unity, and a love for the game. The Golden Girls’ victory at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games remains one of the most inspirational chapters in the history of women’s hockey and Zimbabwean sport. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be played from 27 July to 9 August. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey. #Paris2024 #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH

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                  Join the next online conference of the FIH Empower & Engage Series!

                    04 Jul, 2024 As part of the FIH Empowerment and Engagement strategy and upon an initiative from FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH invites you to join an online conference titled “How can sport and sport events remain relevant for future generations (participants and fans)?” taking place on 10 July at 12noon CEST. Just a few days before the Olympic Games Paris 2024, we will hear from hockey athletes and experts from other International Federations – namely the Badminton World Federation and the Fédération Equestre Internationale – how they engage with the youth, especially on the occasion of the next Olympiad. This conference will provide everyone a perfect opportunity to engage with others and share knowledge. It is also one of the activities organised by FIH to promote its Centennial this year. Free registration is available on the following link: https://academy.fih.hockey/eeseries We look forward to you joining the conversation!

                    2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Netherlands-Belgium: hosting agreement officially signed today in Amsterdam

                      28 Jun, 2024 The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, that will be co-organised by Belgium and the Netherlands, added a new chapter to its history today with the official signing of the hosting agreement at a ceremony involving FIH President Tayyab Ikram, Dutch Hockey Association President Erik Klein Nagelvoort and CEO Erik Gerritsen as well as Belgian Hockey Association President Patrick Keusters and CEO Serge Pilet. The signing took place on the occasion of the FIH Hockey Pro League matches currently being played at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands, one of the two venues of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, together with the stadium of Wavre, in Belgium, that is currently under construction. The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will combine the women’s and the men’s tournaments, and will be played in the host countries’ summertime, from 14 to 30 August 2026. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “I would like to start with a heartfelt thank you to the Belgian and Dutch Hockey Associations and authorities for having committed to organising the next edition of the FIH Hockey World Cup – an event that will unite our best women’s and men’s teams from around the world in one big, fantastic joint event, 12 years after the last joint World Cup in The Hague, which was a spectacular success. The Hockey World Cup holds special significance as the global hallmark event of our sport, where the best hockey athletes show their talent and skill, and taking place every four years and between Olympic Games, it is also a great opportunity to witness the changing of the guard and see up-and-coming new contenders and emerging talents. The Netherlands and Belgium are two countries where hockey is alive and thriving, and will undoubtedly make this World Cup an outstanding spectacle that will be an event to remember, and the renovations planned at the iconic Wagener Stadium and the construction of a brand-new hockey stadium in Wavre ensure a lasting legacy for hockey for years to come. I look forward to working with the two countries’ National Associations, together with the FIH professional staff, and supporting them to make this the best Hockey World Cup ever. So, I am pleased to invite all hockey fans from around the world to join us in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2 years’ time to experience the incredible show that the local organisers will undoubtedly put together and the wonderful hospitality of our hosts, but most importantly of course, to see, to admire and to cheer for your heroes, the amazing athletes at the heart of our sport”. KNHB President Erik Klein Nagelvoort said: “We are delighted to host the combined Men’s and Women’s World Cup together with Belgium. We are looking forward to two weeks of great hockey in a packed Wagener Stadion in Amsterdam/Amstelveen in August 2026. Together with Belgium and FIH we are aiming for reaching millions of existing and new hockey fans both in Netherlands and around the world and to promote hockey better than ever before.” Hockey Belgium President Patrick Keusters is enthusiastic: “I’m really happy the hosting agreement with FIH is signed now. This means we can officially kick off the organisation of the biggest international hockey event ever organised on Belgian soil. Our new stadium in Wavre will be the theatre of world class hockey games, showcasing our sport, but also our event organising know-how to millions of Belgian and international spectators. I’m really looking forward to the collaboration with our friends and colleagues of the Dutch federation. I am convinced that together we will be able to put the “Lowlands” on the top of the world once again!” #HWC2026 #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals