25 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 B of the men’s competition, and find out the unique playing styles they will bring to Paris. Belgium With masses of experience, quality and self-belief, reigning Olympic champions Belgium will be considered amongst the favourites for the men’s gold medal at Paris 2024. Belgium’s rise from European also-rans to the summit of global hockey has been one of the standout hockey stories of the past two decades. Between 2018 and 2022, the Red Lions won every major title on offer, including the World Cup (2018), Olympic Games (2021), European Championship (2019) and FIH Hockey Pro League (2020-21). They came within a shoot-out of successfully defending their World title at the FIH Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023, with Germany winning the one-on-ones 5-4 after a thrilling final finished 3-3. Striker Tom Boon excelled at that event, netting eight times including in the quarter final, semi-final and a 59th minute equaliser in the gold medal game to force the shoot-out. A small measure of revenge was achieved in August 2023 when Belgium defeated Germany to seal bronze at the EuroHockey Championships 2023, with Nelson Onana and Florent van Aubel helping the team to a 2-0 win over the hosts nation in Mönchengladbach. In Vincent Vanasch and Loic Van Doren they have two world class goalkeepers, while Arthur Van Doren, Victor Wegnez, Felix Denayer, Van Aubel, Arthur de Sloover, penalty corner goal machine Alexander Hendrickx and legendary midfielder John-John Dohmen – a man with a world record 475 international caps having surpassed Netherlands icon Teun de Nooijer’s mark of 453 in 2023 – are all extraordinary talents. The team is coached by Dutchman Michel van den Heuvel, who stepped up from assistant coach in 2021 following New Zealander Shane McLeod’s decision to step away after guiding the team to the Olympic gold at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games. McLeod will be part of van den Heuvel’s team at Paris 2024, being one of three assistant coaches. The team secured their place at Paris 2024 with first place finish at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier event in Valencia (ESP), winning all five of their matches. Tom Boon was instrumental in that success, finishing as competition top scorer (7) and being named player of the tournament. Head Coach Michel van de Heuvel: “We are looking forward to defending our title as Olympic Champions in Paris. It’s an incredibly close competition this time around and whilst we have the experience and quality to be successful, I believe these Olympics will be one of the most competitive tournaments we have ever seen.” India After years of sliding down the FIH World Rankings which culminated in failure to qualify for the Olympic Games Beijing 2008 – a competition that they had won a record eight times – India’s men are back at the top table of the global game. A bronze medal at the delayed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 was a landmark moment for the team, following it with a third-place finish in the 2021-22 edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League. While a ninth-place finish on home soil at the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 was certainly far below expectations, India bounced back by taking fourth place in the 2022-23 FIH Hockey Pro League season before storming to glory at last year’s Asian Games competition in Hangzhou (CHN), guaranteeing their participation in the Olympic Games Paris 2024. India were 5-1 winners in the competition final against Japan, with team captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring twice. Harmanpreet is very much India’s star man, being a fabulous defender and one of the best drag flickers in the game. However, he is far from being their only exceptional talent, with two-time FIH Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year PR Sreejesh, classy midfielder Manpreet Singh, striker Mandeep Singh and dazzling midfielder Hardik Singh, the current FIH Hockey Stars men’s Player of the Year all capable of producing magical moments. The team is coached by former South Africa international and triple Olympian Craig Fulton, who has held coaching roles with the national teams of Ireland, Belgium and his home nation. Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh: “After 44 long years, the Indian Hockey Team is travelling to the Olympic Games as a reigning medallist, and I am happy to lead this unit. I know there are a lot of expectations of us from back home, and we are ready to deliver on our promises. Our team has shown tremendous growth and resilience in recent years. As we gear up for Paris 2024, we’re focused on doing our best to change the color of the medal, and represent India with pride. We’re hungry for success and determined to bring glory to our nation on the Olympic stage.” Australia After suffering a heartbreaking shoot-out defeat at the hands of Belgium in the Tokyo 2020 gold medal match three years ago, Australia will be determined to stand atop of the podium at Paris 2024. Judging by their excellent recent form in the FIH Hockey Pro League, they have every chance of adding a second Olympic gold medal to that won so famously by Jamie Dwyer and co. at Athens 2004 some 20 years ago. In June the mighty Kookaburras, coached by legendary Australia striker Colin Batch, claimed their first Pro League title since 2019 by winning ten of their 16

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24 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 B of the women’s competition, and find out the unique playing styles they will bring to Paris. Australia Between 1994 and 2000, Australia were by far and away the best team on the planet, claiming two Olympic gold medals and two World Cups as the team coached by Ric Charlesworth and inspired by the attacking brilliance of Katrina Powell, the current head coach, and Alyson Annan, now in charge of Olympic rivals China – ruled the hockey world. With three Olympic titles and top six finishes at every Games since debuting at Los Angeles 1984, the Hockeyroos are always a dangerous side on this greatest of sporting stages. Having achieved a bronze medal at the 2022 FIH Women’s World Cup and booked their Olympic ticket by winning the Oceania Cup 2023, Powell’s Australia will believe that they can achieve big things at Paris 2024. The team recorded some notable results in the lead up to the Games, including FIH Hockey Pro League victories over Argentina and Great Britain, the respective silver and bronze medallists at the delayed Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. The co-captaincy team of Brooke Peris, Kaitlin Nobbs, Jane Claxton, and Grace Stewart are all outstanding performers for the Aussies, with Mariah Williams, rising star Amy Lawton and goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram all capable of producing match-winning contributions to the cause. Head Coach Katrina Powell: “Our squad is in a really good space at the moment. They’re unified and excited to go. We talk about the history and legacy and how much that intensifies once you get to an Olympics and they’re super proud to be representing the Hockeyroos. We tested ourselves with high-quality matches in Australia against Australia A. They are always tough and I’m impressed with the consistency in our performances leading into these Games. The combination of this group and the strengths within it are our biggest advantage heading into Paris. There are different strengths with each of the players and they offset and balance each other out nicely.” Argentina ‘Las Leonas’ (The Lionesses) have long been considered as one of the world’s most fearsome attacking teams and are undisputedly a true powerhouse of the game. The 14 times Pan American continental champions have achieved remarkable things on the global stage, winning two World Cups, seven Champions Trophy titles and one FIH Hockey Pro League. Despite all this success, their quest for Olympic gold is still ongoing. While the big prize has so far eluded them, their Olympic record is still hugely impressive, claiming three silver and two bronze medals from their eight Olympic campaigns. They confirmed a place at a ninth Olympic Games thanks to a gold medal at the Pan American Games 2023 in Santiago (CHI), defeating Uruguay, Trinidad & Tobago, Canada and USA twice, both in the pool phase and gold medal match. Drag-flicking defender Agustina Gorzelany scored 11 times in five matches, including the opener in the title match against the Americans before Eugenia Trinchinetti’s field goal sealed a 2-1 victory. Argentina arrive at Paris 2024 in excellent form, finishing third in the 2023-24 edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League. The team recorded seven wins and a drawing in last eight matches, results which will have delighted head coach Fernando Ferrara – who represented Argentina’s men at the Seoul 1988, Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games – ahead of his team’s shot at Olympic glory. With a squad blessed with masses of talent such as livewire attacker Maria Granatto, vastly experienced team captain Rocio Sanchez, rising defensive star Valentina Raposo and prolific penalty corner ace Gorzelany, Argentina are genuine title contenders. Head Coach Fernando Ferrara: “We are going to try to transfer everything we trained and everything we did in this process to the field, with calm and confidence, and from there we hope to get the results.  The girls are close and support each other a lot, that is the most important plus of all, beyond the technical and tactical part and the quality of play that they have, that is what can make the difference. What we are sure of is that we will give our 110 percent to try to return to Argentina with the best.” Great Britain Having secured Olympic gold at Rio 2016 and bronze at both London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, Great Britain’s women have an outstanding recent Olympic history and will be targeting a fourth successive podium finish at Paris 2024. Their form ahead of the Games has been somewhat mixed, with a seventh-place finish in the 2023-24 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League being far below their own very high expectations. While GB won just three of their 16 Pro League matches, head coach David Ralph used the competition to look at 28 different players ahead of naming his team for Paris. Thirteen of the squad that secured the Olympic ticket at January’s FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier in Valencia (ESP) – where they defeated Ireland 2-1 in the bronze medal match – have been selected for this year’s Olympiad. These include team captain Hollie Pearne-Webb and Laura Roper (née Unsworth), both Olympic gold medallists from Rio 2016 and two of the finest defenders around. Lily Owsley, who also won gold in Rio, and Hannah French (née Martin) are both huge attacking threats thanks to their electrifying

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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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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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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.

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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Lausanne, Switzerland: Hockey at the Paris 2024 Olympics is set to be a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and athleticism, with the best teams from around the globe competing at the highest level. But the XXXIII Olympiad aims to leave a lasting legacy not just in sporting achievements but also in advancing environmental consciousness within the realm of global sporting events. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has made a strict commitment to make hockey a globally sustainable sport and Paris 2024 will represent another step taken towards achieving that goal. The initial steps were taken with a steady reduction in water usage, showcased by the turf used at the Olympic Games in Tokyo requiring 39% less water for optimal performance than the turf used in Rio only four years earlier. At the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the boundaries will be pushed further, as hockey will be played on the innovative ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’ hockey turf, which is setting new standards for sustainability in sports surfaces. Developed by Sport Group and installed in Paris by Polytan, this advanced turf is the world’s first carbon-zero hockey turf, aligning with the Paris 2024 Games’ commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Carbon zero Poligras Paris GT zero is made from 80% sugarcane and manufactured using green electricity. The production process emphasizes low emissions and energy efficiency, ensuring that the turf’s lifecycle—from creation to disposal—adheres to the highest environmental standards. This eco-friendly turf doesn’t compromise on performance. Athletes can expect the same high-quality playability, ball speed, and consistency that Poligras surfaces are known for, which have been trusted at 8 Olympic Games and many World Cups. The Paris 2024 Olympics Hockey will aim to showcase that sustainability and top-tier athletic performance can go hand-in-hand. Moreover, ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’ is designed to conserve water. It requires significantly less irrigation than traditional synthetic turfs, aligning with global efforts to preserve water resources, particularly relevant as the world grapples with water scarcity issues. The introduction of Polytan’s ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’ at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 marks a significant advancement in sustainable hockey technology. By utilizing renewable resources and focusing on environmental impact, this new turf not only supports elite athletic performance but also sets a precedent for future hockey events to prioritize sustainability, which has long been an aim for the FIH. Poligras hockey turfs are available globally through Polytan in EMEA, Asia Pacific and Australasia, and AstroTurf in North and South America. #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.