FIH creates dedicated website page for athletes

FIH creates dedicated website page for athletes

    30 Jan, 2025 Lausanne, Switzerland: As part of its Empowerment and Engagement Strategy, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is glad to inform all hockey athletes around the world that a page specifically dedicated to them is now available on its website, FIH.hockey. The Athletes’ Corner includes a wide range of useful information for athletes on topics such as athlete welfare, mental health, career development, safeguarding, anti-doping, prevention of match manipulation, statistics, access to photos and a link to Athlete365, the official community for elite Athletes and Olympians. An introduction to the FIH Athletes Committee is also available. It reflects FIH’s ongoing commitment to supporting athletes, ensuring they have the tools needed to succeed and thrive. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Athletes are at the centre of everything FIH does. Not only do we have to provide them with the best playing field for them to excel on the pitch, but we also have a duty to support them off the pitch and listen to their challenges, concerns and ideas. The Athletes’ Corner portal has been tailored for this, precisely. I can only encourage all athletes to make full use of this relevant resource and to initiate constructive feedback and debate that will help us in our permanent quest to grow the game.” The portal will be continuously enriched with new content and will urge athletes to express their opinions in order to make it a very interactive platform. It is a major tool to empower and engage with athletes the way forward. #MadeForHockey

    SA Indoor Hockey Teams Set for Indoor World Cup Challenge

      South African Hockey proudly bid farewell to the SA Indoor Men’s and Women’s teams as they embark on their journey to the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. The official send-off event took place at Southern Sun, marking the final step before the teams take on the world’s best in their quest for glory. The event was attended by key figures in South African sport, including SASCOC President Barry Hendricks, who extended his well wishes to the teams. “Competing at a World Cup is a great honour, and we have full confidence that these players will make South Africa proud,” said Hendricks. SA Hockey Vice President Lwandi Simelane expressed gratitude to the sponsors who have made this campaign possible and encouraged the teams to embrace the opportunity ahead. “Our teams stand on the shoulders of those who believe in South African hockey, and we thank our partners for ensuring our players can compete on the global stage. Now, it’s time for the teams to embrace the moment and make history,” said Simelane. With the tournament fast approaching, team captains Dayaan Cassiem (Men) and Jamie Southgate (Women) reaffirmed their commitment to giving their all for their country. “We are ready to shine, to compete with pride, and to showcase the best of South African indoor hockey,” said Cassiem. Southgate echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the unity and determination within both squads. South African Hockey extends its appreciation to PSI Franchise Quaggas for their generous support in making the send-off event a success. The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup presents an opportunity for South Africa’s best to showcase their talent, compete against the world’s elite, and continue the proud tradition of excellence in the sport. With the nation behind them, the SA Indoor teams are ready to take on the challenge. Pictures – Karl Seebach Source: sahockey.co.za | Date: January 29, 2025

      Western Jaguars player Collins Odongo (left) and Sheldon Kimtai (right) vie for the ball with Sikh Union’s Cliff Omari during their Kenya Hockey Union men’s Premier League match at the Sikh Union Club in Nairobi on Sunday

      Kenyan sides chase elusive African hockey title

        Kenya’s representatives at this year’s Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC), set to take place at the Youth City Hockey Stadium in Port Said, Egypt, will have to be at their best if they are to claim the elusive men’s and women’s titles. The last time a Kenyan team won the women’s title was in 2018 when Blazers (formerly Telkom) triumphed in Abuja, Nigeria. For the men, the last Kenyan champions were the now-defunct Armed Forces, who secured the trophy in 1988 in Namibia. The 2025 edition, running from January 30 to February 7, will feature 11 men’s teams and 10 women’s teams. Sharkia (men) of Egypt and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) are favourites to retain their men and women’s titles they won at the last year’s edition in Blantyre, Malawi. Sharkia and GRA had also won in 2022 in Nairobi. Kenya will be represented by the KHU Premier League champions and last year’s ACCC silver medallists, Western Jaguars, along with United States International University Africa (USIU- A) and Sikh Union in the men’s category. In the women’s competition, Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) and USIU A will fly the country’s flag. Sikh Union, USIU men and women, and Jaguars were due to fly out to Egypt Tuesday night. Jaguars, who were runners-up in the 2024 ACCC, will be looking to go one better this year. They came close to upsetting defending champions Sharkia in the final, but lost 4-2. With the league title under their belt, they are confident and will draw on their experience from previous ACCC campaigns. USIU men, making their debut in the competition, could be the surprise package, with their strong team cohesion from the league season. Sikh Union, however, may face challenges with their more individualistic style of play. In the women’s category, MSC could face an uphill battle as newcomers to the tournament, possibly succumbing to stage fright. However, USIU A, like their male counterparts, might defy expectations, given their solid team unity and prior participation in the 2018 edition in Nigeria. In the men’s category, Egypt will field four teams: Sharkia, Aircraft Factory Club, Port Fouad, and Zamalek. Nigeria will have Niger Flickers, Police Machine, and Kada Stars. Source: Nation.Africa | Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 

        Match Schedule for the ACCC 35th Men & 26th Women Editions

          Match Schedule for the ACCC 35th Men & 26th Women Editions. The tournaments feature 10 Men and 10 Women clubs from Egypt 🇪🇬 Ghana 🇬🇭 Kenya 🇰🇪 Nigeria 🇳🇬 Uganda 🇺🇬 [Please click on image below to enlarge] #ACCC #AfricaHockeyNews #HockeyInvites

          FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025: One Month to Go!

            Lausanne, Switzerland – With just one month to go until the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025, excitement is reaching fever pitch in the hockey world. From February 17 to 23, Muscat, Oman, will play host to this groundbreaking tournament, marking a significant milestone for emerging hockey nations. A New Chapter for International Hockey The FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 represents a fresh opportunity for eight ambitious teams, ranked below the teams playing in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to make their mark on the international stage. The tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a pathway for these teams to ascend to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and through it ultimately to the FIH Hockey Pro League, offering them a chance to test their mettle against some of the best in the sport.   The Teams Set to Compete This inaugural event will see eight teams battling it out for the title and promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026.  Pool A: Egypt, Chile, China, Poland Pool B: Austria, Oman, Scotland, United States The Teams Set to Compete This inaugural event will see eight teams battling it out for the title and promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026.  Pool A: Egypt, Chile, China, Poland Pool B: Austria, Oman, Scotland, United States These teams, hailing from diverse hockey regions, will bring their unique styles and strategies to the field, promising an exhilarating display of hockey. Tournament Format The competition kicks off with pool matches, where teams are divided into two groups of four. Each team will play against every other team in their pool, striving to secure a spot in the semi-finals. From there, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the grand final on February 23, where the first-ever FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 champion will be crowned. Oman: A Perfect Host Oman’s vibrant capital, Muscat, is gearing up to welcome athletes, officials, and fans from around the globe. The nation has been investing in hockey infrastructure and development, having hosted the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers and the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in 2024, making it an ideal venue for such a prestigious event. The local organizing committee, alongside the Oman Hockey Association, has been working tirelessly to ensure a world-class experience for all participants. FIH President Tayyab Ikram, speaking about the upcoming inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2, said: “The FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 offers a unique opportunity for teams ranked just below the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to showcase their talent in a global competition. This new event enables us to further promote growth and competitiveness within the sport as we bring international exposure to more and more countries around the world. I am sure their performances will not only highlight the skill and talent they possess, but also set a new benchmark for future editions of the competition.  On behalf of FIH, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman and in particular His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, as well the Local Organising Committee led by the Oman Hockey Federation Chairman, Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma, for welcoming us once more in their beautiful country.” Rashad Al Fazari of the Oman national team said: “Participating in the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 in Oman is a significant moment for us, particularly as we encounter some teams for the first time. Hosting this tournament & Competing before our home crowd fills us with immense pride and motivation.” For more details on the event, including the complete match schedule, click here. #MadeForHockey #FIHNationsCup2  Keep up to date with all the latest hockey news on the FIH website and through the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  Source: FIH.hockey

            FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025: One month to go!

              03 Jan, 2025 The thrill, excitement, and fast-paced action of indoor hockey is just one month away as the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025 approaches! Taking place in Poreč, Croatia, with the country hosting its first FIH World Cup, from 3-9 February, the tournament promises to bring together the world’s best teams in a spectacular showcase of skill, strategy, and passion. The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, where agility, precision, and teamwork take center stage. Played on a smaller field with boards lining the boundaries, the indoor format elevates the intensity and makes for edge-of-the-seat action that captivates fans worldwide. The 2025 edition will feature 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams, each vying for the coveted title. Powerhouses like Austria and Germany will look to defend their legacies, while rising stars and underdogs aim to make history. Hockey is more than just a game—it’s a unifier. The Indoor World Cup will once again celebrate the diversity and global appeal of hockey, with athletes and fans from all corners of the world coming together to share their love for the sport. The 2025 edition also welcomes two men’s and two women’s teams that will make their debut on the big stage with Croatia and Malaysia debuting in the men’s competition, while it will be Croatia and Thailand marking their first appearance in the women’s side. Participating teams in the men’s competition include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Iran, Malaysia, Namibia, Poland, South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago. In the women’s competition, it will be Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Namibia, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Thailand and the United States competing for the top prize. What to Expect World-Class Hockey: From dazzling dribbles to stunning saves, the competition will feature the sport’s elite players showcasing their finest skills. Fan Engagement: Fans from all around the world can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere in the picturesque city of Poreč, and the opportunity to support their teams right from the sidelines, inches away from the action! Unforgettable Moments: The tournament is sure to deliver drama, excitement, and memories that will last a lifetime. Mark Your Calendars! With just one month to go, the anticipation is palpable. Whether you’re planning to watch live in Poreč, or follow the action from home, don’t miss a moment of this iconic event. For more details on the event including the information on the complete match schedule and the platform to purchase tickets, click here. Let the countdown to the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 begin! Source: FIH.hockey

              “2025 is going to demonstrate our objective of empowerment and engagement” – FIH President Tayyab Ikram

                23 Dec, 2024 As we bid farewell to 2024, FIH President Tayyab Ikram extends his warmest wishes to the global hockey family. Reflecting on a year of remarkable achievements, he highlights how the global hockey community made significant strides both on and off the field. 2024 has been a particularly special year, marking not only the excitement of the Olympic Games but also the centennial anniversary of the FIH. In the full video below, President Ikram shares his vision for 2025, emphasizing the continued growth of the sport and the many new opportunities on the horizon. As we look ahead to the next Olympic cycle and beyond, let’s come together to build on these historic milestones and make 2025 an even more impactful year for hockey worldwide! Source: FIH.hockey

                FIH releases first-of-a-kind documentary to relive a fascinating 100-year history!

                  23 Dec, 2024 As the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Centenary year draws to a close, don’t miss the latest of our milestone’s celebrations: a unique, historical and emotional 26-minute documentary that has just been released by hockey’s world governing body! Focusing on some of the most significant events in the history of hockey and the FIH over the past century, the documentary is based on a plethora of archive footage as well as testimonials from prominent hockey personalities. Called “FIH: A Century for Hockey”, the captivating film is divided into four chapters: The Birth of Hockey – from ancient origins to a codified, skilful, high speed Olympic sport Game Changer – how the move to artificial turf revolutionised the game The Women of Hockey – celebrating the contribution of women in growing hockey around the world Present to Future – how rule changes, new skills, technological innovation and professionalism are turbo charging the growth and popularity of hockey The documentary was created at the initiative of FIH, which entrusted the production to Level Films, a film company with experience and expertise in sports documentary film making and already active in the world of hockey. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “From seven member associations to a sport played in more than 140 countries today, our journey is a testament to the enduring power of hockey. It has been more than just a game; it has been a force for unity and positive change marking a century of sporting excellence. Throughout 2024, we’ve paid tribute to our athletes, visionary leaders, dedicated volunteers, valued partners, and to all those who have been part of this incredible journey. Our documentary retraces this fascinating odyssey. I can only urge all hockey fans around the world to watch it!» Level Films story Director Matt Crocker added: “We didn’t want to tell the FIH and hockey story as just a sweep through the past century – that would be boring! Instead we framed the film around iconic games, players, teams and actions that progressed the sport in different eras. We wanted to make a film that anyone could enjoy and learn from, often focusing on personal stories and accounts – sometimes moving, sometimes funny, always entertaining. To reflect the speed and skill of the game, the film is fast-paced and visually exciting – combining interviews with famous faces, archive footage, still images and game footage.” Beyond the documentary, the Centenary of FIH was celebrated throughout the year with messages from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, FIH President Tayyab Ikram, a commemorative book, specific branding, and much more. All information about the FIH Centenary, including the documentary, is available here. Source: FIH.hockey

                  Development, engagement, empowerment – The mission continues

                    20 Dec, 2024 While 2024 is drawing to a close, the FIH President mission to engage, empower and develop National Associations does not stop! Indeed, on the sidelines of the FIH World Youth Hockey5s Festival currently taking place in Ipoh, Malaysia, FIH President Tayyab Ikram had a very good interaction with delegates from the Malawi Hockey Association as well as the CEO of the Malawi National Sports Council, Dr Henry Mtupanyama Kamata. Malawi is one of the participating teams of this event, and the Malawi Hockey Association General Secretary, Geoffrey Biya, was delighted with this participation and very thankful to FIH and President Ikram for this opportunity. The Malawi National Sports Council CEO ensured to build a mini-stadium around the FIH-donated hockey pitch. In the future, Malawi also has a plan to build a Hockey5s pitch with the collaboration of FIH and the African Hockey Federation. A youth development programme will start in the country, with the collaboration of FIH, the African Hockey Federation and the Malawi Hockey Association. Additionally, exchange programmes will start for Malawi coaches and officials. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The meeting touched upon a wide range of important topics for the growth of hockey in Malawi. I’d like to thank and congratulate the Malawi Hockey Association and the Malawi National Sports Council for their dedication and great work.” The FIH World Youth Hockey5s Festival runs from 16-21 December 2024 in Ipoh, Malaysia and involves 24 teams from 17 nations. Source: FIH.hockey