Yves-du-Manoir Stadium: A century long legacy of Olympic excellence

    Lausanne, Switzerland: In the heart of Colombes, a serene suburb of Paris, stands the majestic Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, a beacon of sporting heritage and excellence. As the countdown to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris gains momentum, this historic arena prepares to once again witness the electrifying spectacle of hockey, echoing the spirit of its illustrious past. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium boasts a legacy that transcends time. Back in 1924, it stood as the proud host of the VIII Olympiad, welcoming athletes and spectators from across the globe to celebrate the pinnacle of sporting prowess. Among the events that captivated the world was hockey. Fast forward a century, and the echoes of history reverberate once more as the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium gears up to reclaim its place on the Olympic stage. The anticipation continues to rise as players, coaches, and fans alike eagerly await the chance to etch their names alongside the legends who once graced these hallowed grounds. For the athletes, competing at Yves-du-Manoir will be more than just a quest for gold; it’ll be a homage to those who paved the way before them. When they step onto the pristine turf, they will feel the presence of past champions, their spirits fueling the determination to strive for greatness. But it’s not just the athletes who will feel the weight of history; it’s the spectators too. When they fill the stands, they will become part of a tradition that goes back a century, bound together by a shared love for the game and a reverence for the venue that has borne witness to triumphs and defeats alike. When the first whistle blows and the game begins, the air will crackle with excitement, and the stadium will come alive once more. Every pass, every tackle, every goal will be greeted with roars of approval, which will be a testament to the enduring passion for hockey that transcends generations. Test Event   On 4 and 5 May, a test event was held to conduct all the operational checks of the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Various junior and senior teams were in action and the athletes were buzzing as they spoke to us after their matches and shared their excitement about hockey at the upcoming games. Nike Lorenz, captain of the German women’s hockey team said, “It is a beautiful stadium and I can’t wait to see it once it is branded fully and filled with fans for the Olympics. The whole team is excited and we are thrilled to be involved in the test event.” Victor Lockwood, who will be among the most crucial players for the men’s team from France added, “It’s an amazing feeling playing here and we are getting impatient to play in the Olympics. We have been playing here for three weeks now and we are growing together as a team.” Niklas Wellen, player of the tournament and gold medal winner at the recent FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, said, “We can already feel that the atmosphere in the main stands will be absolutely electric. It’s been a good experience for us to get to know the stadium and I really like it.” Tony Estanguet, President of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Organising Committee, was in attendance at the test event in the Yves-du-Manoir stadium. Speaking about the significant history of the stadium he remarked, “The Yves-du-Manoir stadium has been a very important part of the French sports movement and we are excited to be back here. 100 years after we had the opening ceremony and many other events in the stadium during the 1924 Paris Olympics, we are proud to have hockey played here in this historic venue.” He also extended a warm welcome to the global hockey fans and said, “We are looking forward to the fans filling up the stadium and bringing an amazing atmosphere. The entire country is ready and excited for Paris 2024, we just need you fans here and we look forward to having you!” For more details about Hockey at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, 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.

    Indoor Africa Cup [IAC] 2024 (M&W) Logo revealed

      The IAC2024 (M/W) takes place in Swakopmund, Namibia during the period 23-26 May 2024 and is the Qualifier for the FIH Indoor World Cup 2025. 4 Participating Teams (M/W) from: Botswana Namibia South Africa Zimbabwe #IAC2024 #HockeyInvites International Hockey Federation (FIH) SAHA – South African Hockey Association Namibia Hockey Hockey Association of Zimbabwe Botswana Hockey Association

      Join and play, on first ever “International Hockey Day”!

        Lausanne, Switzerland: As part of its 100-year anniversary celebrations, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) will launch the first ever “International Hockey Day” on 13-14 April 2024. This year, dates have been chosen to coincide with the week of the “100 days to go” milestone (happening on 17 April) until the start of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. However, the International Hockey Day is not a “one-off” event. It is here to stay and will be celebrated every year in the future (at a date which remains open)! For this first edition, FIH has invited all National Associations (NAs) to make a pledge to grow hockey in their respective nations by getting at least 100 new young players into the sport and increasing their fanbase on social media until the start of the upcoming Olympics. Concretely, NAs are urged to identify a project or series of projects that may be implemented until the start of Paris 2024 to reach these objectives. “The International Hockey Day shall offer an additional opportunity to the global hockey community for boosting the promotion of our sport. In particular, it should aim at bringing and exposing more people to hockey. Growing the number of athletes worldwide and growing our fanbase are two essential pillars of our mission. This Day, that will be a very special date in hockey’s international calendar every year, shall contribute to fulfilling this mission. I therefore appeal to each and every member of our community worldwide to play a part in this quest for growth”, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said. The International Hockey Federation was created on 7 January 2024 in Paris, France. Throughout the year, various activities will be organised to celebrate this milestone, culminating at the FIH Congress in November. #Since1924 #Hockey100Pledge #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.

        Hockey, a global force for social change, development and inclusion

          Lausanne, Switzerland: Every year, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is very proud to support the promotion of the UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace – taking place on 6 April -which is an annual celebration of the power of sport to drive social change, community development and to foster peace and understanding. “Sport in general – and hockey in particular – has a fantastic potential to be a catalyst for positive social change and to connect people. In the challenging world we’re living in, sport is more needed than ever. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace comes at a very timely moment, and I can only encourage all members of the global hockey community to actively engage, through hockey, through their communities or also individually, in any activity supporting social development, inclusion and peace. Together, and united, we can make a difference”, FIH President Tayyab Ikram commented on the eve of the 2024 International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Throughout the week, FIH has focussed, through its digital platforms, on giving a global echo to stories from all over the world outlining activities from hockey’s global community to promote social change, development and inclusion. In the heart of Asia, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant communities of Attock, Pakistan, a beacon of hope shines bright through the Attock Hockey Development Project. For the past three to four years, this initiative has been more than just a sports program; it’s a catalyst for change, a vehicle for empowerment, and a symbol of unity. At the core of this project lies a noble purpose: to provide training and opportunities for the underprivileged segments of society, particularly orphan children and refugees. Led by dedicated coaches adhering to international standards set by FIH, these young learners are not just taught the nuances of the game but are also nurtured to become skilled players capable of showcasing their talents on a global stage. However, the impact of the Attock Hockey Development Project extends far beyond the hockey field. Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, the project ensures that participants receive more than just athletic training. School books, uniforms, and other essentials are provided, ensuring that these aspiring athletes can pursue their academic aspirations without any hindrance. Moreover, the project serves as a beacon of awareness in the community, advocating against the use of drugs. Through ongoing campaigns and initiatives, it aims to steer young minds away from negative influences and towards a path of positivity and growth. From Oceania, we hear how the “Hook in4 Health” program makes an impact in Pacific communities. The Oceania Hockey Federation is the lead partner in this collaborative Sport for Development program, currently shared across three countries – Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu – primarily funded by the Australian Government under their umbrella organisation “Team Up”. Team Up’s overall goal is that all people realise their full potential through sport. It involves 13 sports and has five focus areas: gender, disability, leadership, governance, and knowledge. The key objective is for Hook in4 Health’s engaged communities to Live Well, Learn Well, Lead Well, through Hockey. While the activities are inclusive, there is an emphasis on providing innovative approaches resulting in more opportunities for girls and women and those with a disability. The intention is to increase knowledge and skills to make informed choices about health and wellbeing, focusing on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), self-efficacy, and nutrition. Hockey community engagement, including boys and men, covers ways of working within local culture, fostering, and supporting gender equity, safety, inclusion, active lifestyle, health, nutrition, wellbeing, community development and sustaining healthy relationships. From the Panamerican continent, the focus this year was put on the Salvadoran Hockey Federation (FESAHOCKEY) where, under the Presidency of Gerson Suárez, the number of hockey schools in the Central American nation increased from one to 16 in the last two years, providing more boys, girls, and young people with the opportunity to learn and enjoy the sport. The implementation of the “Student Hockey League Project” in 2023 attracted the participation of 7 schools, 5 categories, and approximately 175 participants throughout the year. In 2024, this initiative continues with the participation of 15 schools and more than 300 boys and girls in 8 different categories. Gerson highlights that these actions seek to be factors of change and peace in the childhood and youth of El Salvador through hockey and sports. FESAHOCKEY appreciates the support of INDES, COES, the Municipal Institute, and Educational Centers, and is committed to continue working to expand hockey and provide more opportunities for Salvadoran youth. In Africa, we learn from the work done to revive hockey in the state schools of Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, Bulawayo. Indeed, hockey’s resurgence was crucial in a city where it has traditionally enjoyed immense popularity. Therefore, Zimbabwe’s Excel Academy embarked on a mission in state schools, with Hillside Primary being their prime target. The school’s rich history of nurturing provincial and national hockey players made it an ideal candidate for this initiative. The event which took place on 24 November 2023 witnessed an amazing display of enthusiasm and engagement from the children. A staggering 200 eager first-timers participated in the coaching clinic, ranging from 7 to 11 years old. Cliff Kaseke, the Director of Hockey at Excel Academy and the brainchild behind this initiative, expressed his motivation: “It’s the human spirit that compels us to share this incredible sport with all communities. Witnessing the smiles on these children’s faces and their eagerness for the next session is truly heartwarming.” In Europe, during the Euro Hockey League last weekend, a sustainability meeting was held, bringing together key stakeholders with a view to finding important ways to improve sustainability in hockey. The meeting was attended by tournament organisers, sponsors, players, interested stakeholders, EuroHockey staff and EuroHockey President Marcos Hofmann to share their knowledge and showcase sustainability initiatives. Oliver van Nieuwenhuizen was among the speakers and

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          African Games: Ghana’s Black Sticks, Egypt clash for gold medal

            Egyptian player Ahmed Elganaini’s solitary strike in the third quarter handed Ghana’s national hockey team, Black Sticks, their first loss in the 13th African Games in Accra. Despite the 0 – 1 loss at the Theodosia Okoh Stadium yesterday, the Ghanaian side will meet their Egyptian rivals in the men’s hockey final tomorrow afternoon (push-off is at 4p.m.), after the two teams won their group games against Nigeria and Kenya to accumulate maximum points before yesterday’s clash. Despite a spirited effort from the Ghanaians in the opening stages, they struggled to keep their shots on target, with Emmanuel Ankomah and Abdellah Addison firing wide. Egyptian dominance However, the experienced Egyptian side looked more likely to score, especially from their penalty corner routines. There were warning signs of the Egyptian goal, which came moments after Ghana’s goalie, Eugene Acheampong, had saved earlier from an Egyptian short corner. A minute later, the Egyptians got their reward, with Elganaini converting from the Egyptian skipper, Amr Sayed’s corner. In the day’s other tie, Nigeria defeated Kenya 2-1. The two teams will meet at 2 p.m. on Saturday before the final. Meanwhile, Ghana will face off with rivals Nigeria in the women’s final on Saturday for the gold medal, with Kenya earning bronze after finishing bottom of the group.   Source: www.graphic.com.gh | March 21, 2024

            Standings and results after 3 days of play | 13th African Games Accra 2023

              Standings and results after 3 days of play | 13th African Games Accra 2023 Country/Team Scores Ghana vs Nigeria (M) (1 – 0) Egypt  vs Kenya (M) (3 – 2) Egypt  vs Nigeria (M) (5 – 4) Kenya vs Ghana (M) (1 – 3) Nigeria vs Kenya (M) (2 – 1) Ghana vs Egypt (M) (0 – 1) Ghana vs Kenya  (4 – 1) Nigeria vs Ghana  (0 – 1) Nigeria vs Kenya  (1 – 0)

              13th African Games Accra 2023 | African hockey chief defends safety of Ghana’s pitch

                The President of the African Hockey Federation (AfHF), Seif El Dine Ahmed, has stepped forward to assure the safety of Theodosia Okoh Hockey Stadium for all participating countries, following the recent withdrawal of South Africa from the 13th African Games amid concerns by South African officials about the safety and readiness of the venue for the competition. Acknowledging the challenges in venue preparation due to delays by the contractor, Mr Ahmed maintained that after meetings, all participating federations had agreed to proceed with the competition. He expressed gratitude to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their dedication to ensuring high-quality hockey in Africa, emphasising the paramount importance of player safety. South Africa’s withdrawal from both the men’s and women’s hockey teams last Monday highlighted concerns over the readiness of Theodosia Okoh Stadium. The South African Olympic governing body, SASOC, cited the unsuitability of the pitches despite repeated assurances of their readiness for international-standard competition. Seif El Dine Ahmed (second from left) addressing the media in the presence of officials of the LOC and Ghana Hockey Federation. While acknowledging international certification rules for qualifying events, Mr Ahmed clarified that the African Games hockey competition did not fall under such qualifications. He pointed out that among the 25 African countries recognised by the Africa Hockey Federation, only South Africa had a certified pitch. However, he expressed optimism that the Theodosia Okoh Hockey pitch would attain certification by October, coinciding with the U-21 African Hockey tournament. “We had challenges to finish the turf in time; it was out of our hands at the African Hockey Federation and LOC. I would like to thank the LOC for trying to bring the best of hockey to Africa, and we consider the safety of all players very important,” Mr Ahmed said at the press briefing in Accra yesterday to address South Africa’s concerns. “With our experience, we can decide whether it was dangerous to play on the turf or not, and already six matches have been played on the turf with no major issues, and the players are enjoying the matches,” he said. For his part, the Executive Chairman of the LOC, Dr Kweku Ofosu-Asare, commended the remaining five participating countries in the hockey tournament for putting up a decent performance so far in hockey. “So far, we are progressing and progressing very well in this tournament (African Games). So far, we have had many medals being handed out and we are looking forward to a successful conclusion of the tournament,” he said.   Source: www.graphic.com.gh | March 20, 2024