• Home
  • Road to Paris 2024

History of Hockey in France: The Journey to Hosting Paris 2024

    20 Jun, 2024 As France prepares to host the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the spotlight shines brightly on hockey with a storied past and a promising future. Hockey at Paris 2024 will be played at the historic Yves-du-Manoir stadium, which, back in 1924, stood as the proud host of the VIII Olympiad, and hockey action will be played on the same hallowed grounds where every athlete stepped foot during the opening ceremony of the games in 1924. The popularity of hockey has been steadily increasing in France over the past few decades. The Fédération Française de Hockey (FFH) has been instrumental in nurturing the sport’s growth and professionalising its governance, with the growing anticipation for the upcoming Olympics marking a significant milestone in the history of hockey in France. Hockey in France traces its origins back to the early 20th century. The sport was introduced by British expatriates and quickly gained popularity among French athletes. The first official club, Racing Club de France, was established in 1897, marking the beginning of organised hockey in the country. The 1920s and 1930s saw a surge in the sport’s popularity, with more clubs being formed and competitive leagues being established. The French national team made its debut in international competitions during this period, showcasing the nation’s growing talent and passion for the game. The aftermath of World War II brought about a resurgence in French hockey. The FFH, founded in 1920, played a crucial role in revitalising the sport, organising domestic leagues, and promoting hockey at the grassroots level. The establishment of regional clubs and the introduction of youth programs helped in identifying and nurturing young talent. Throughout the 20th century, France were a regular feature at the Olympic Games, making 9 appearances between 1908 and 1972 in the men’s competition! The late 20th century saw a downtick in performance with the men’s team making two World Cup appearances, finishing in 7th on both occasions (1971,1990), while the women’s team qualified for three editions, finishing 7th (1974), 6th (1976) and 9th (1981). The early 21st century saw France return to its position as a regular challenger in international hockey. The French men’s and women’s teams consistently performed well in European championships and World Cup tournaments. Notably, the French men’s team achieved a quarterfinal appearance at the 2018 World Cup, in their first appearance at the event after a gap of 28 years! France’s commitment to excellence is evident in their state-of-the-art training facilities and robust development programs. The FFH’s focus on youth development, coaching education, female participation at grassroots level, and infrastructure investment has laid a strong foundation for the sport’s future. Their progress is especially evident in the junior stage, where the France men’s junior teams have claimed World Cup medals at three of the past four editions with silver in 2013, bronze in 2021 and another silver in 2023! As the host nation for the 2024 Olympics, France is poised to showcase its rich hockey heritage on the world stage. The Stade Yves-du-Manoir has been meticulously renovated to provide a world-class platform for the Olympic hockey events. This iconic venue symbolises the sport’s enduring legacy and its bright future in France. The French national teams, supported by passionate fans, are preparing to make their mark in the Olympics. With a blend of experienced players and emerging stars, Les Bleus aim to capture the hearts of the nation and bring glory to French hockey. Emma Ponthieu, captain of the French women’s team, spoke about the future she hopes to see for hockey in France and said: “I hope that the Olympic Games will allow French hockey to develop, to make itself known and to attract people. It’s a sport that is still too little known in France and I hope that we will take advantage of the ‘Olympic wave’ to increase the visibility of our sport.” Viktor Lockwood, captain of the French men’s team, added: “The impact on hockey in France will be second to none given that the last time French hockey was represented in the men’s category was in 1972 in Munich. Also, the last time the Olympic Games were held in France was 100 years ago. Therefore, this is the first time that hockey will be represented at the Olympics by our 2 national teams, and in France! What’s more, it’s also the first time that we’ll have a “Clairefontaine” – that is, like football, a national centre for hockey – for us after the Olympics with the stadium at Yves-du-Manoir. A unique opportunity! It’s now up to us (women and men) to make sure that our performances make it as impactful as possible!” The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be played from 27 July to 9 August. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey. Source: FIH.hockey

    FIH EB discusses final preparations for Paris 2024

      18 Jun, 2024 Lausanne, Switzerland: With less than 40 days to go to the next Olympiad, the Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) virtually met yesterday under the chairmanship of FIH President Tayyab Ikram, and received a detailed report about the current preparations that are stepping up every day for the Paris 2024 hockey tournaments. The test event held at the historic Yves-du-Manoir Stadium – the only Olympic venue that was already used at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games! – was very fruitful and confirmed the readiness progress of the venue as well as the Paris 2024 team. The FIH work ahead of the upcoming Olympics also includes supporting the overall objectives of the IOC and the Paris 2024 Organising Committee in terms of gender equality and sustainability, in particular. For example, FIH will have for the first-time in an Olympic Games mixed gender umpiring teams on the field of play. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The Olympic Games always offer a fantastic window to showcase our athletes. We’re very happy to have achieved, together with our colleagues from the IOC and Paris 2024, this level of readiness. All conditions are met for athletes to perform at their best and for fans to have a great time!”. In his opening words, the FIH President congratulated both hosts of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, namely Poland and Spain, for their outstanding efforts in organising these events so successfully. The EB members approved the 2023 FIH audited accounts that show a very positive result. They were also informed about the latest updates regarding the preparations for the 2024 FIH Congress, the FIH technology and digital products as well as the FIH Centennial activities, amongst others. FIH President Tayyab Ikram stated further: “The FIH Congress gives the opportunity to engage with all our stakeholders. It will be specifically designed to offer a unique platform to all National Associations and address a diverse range of topics”. “I was very pleased with the way this EB meeting went. With a very open-minded and constructive spirit”, he added. This was also the very first EB meeting attended by Chilean player Camila Caram – who just played at the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Terrassa, Spain – and was recently appointed as co-chair of the FIH Athletes Committee and representing this Committee at the EB. The next EB meeting will be held in Paris, during the Olympic Games, on 6-7 August. 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. #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals

      SPAR South Africa Indoor Hockey Women Clinch African Championship for the first time in 10 Years

        In a thrilling rematch of the previous Indoor African Cup Final, the SPAR South African Indoor Hockey Women emerged victorious over Namibia at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, reclaiming their title as African Champions. Despite both teams having already secured spots at the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup, the game was fiercely contested, driven by national pride. The game’s first significant moment saw Laylaa Davids’ attempt saved by Namibia’s Petro Stoffberg. However, Davids quickly made her mark by assisting Tegan Fourie, who scored her 71st international goal in her 71st start, putting South Africa ahead. SPAR South Africa extended their lead with a stunning goal from Jess Lardant, who fired a penalty corner into the top corner, making it 2-0 by the first break. Namibia fought back, earning a penalty corner that was cleared off the line, but an unforced error allowed South Africa to counterattack. Brisset fed Davids, who made no mistake, increasing the lead to 3-0 by halftime. Namibia’s Jivanka Kruger set up Jerrica Bartlett to pull one back, igniting the home crowd. Both teams’ goalkeepers made critical saves, maintaining the 3-1 scoreline into the final quarter. Namibia launched a comeback with Kiana Cormack scoring twice, once from a turnover and then from a penalty corner, leveling the game at 3-3 and setting the crowd alight. South Africa’s Sarah Paget made crucial saves to keep the score tied, sending the game to a shootout. In the shootout, the teams remained deadlocked after three rounds. Finally, Tegan Fourie, the 2023 SA Indoor Hockey Player of the Year, delivered the decisive goal, securing South Africa’s first continental crown in a decade. Individual Awards – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 Goalkeeper of the tournament – Sarah Paget (SPAR South Africa) Player of the tournament – Kiana Cormack (Namibia) Top Goal scorer – Azaylee Philander (Namibia) Final Standings – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 1 – SPAR South Africa 2 – Namibia 3 – Zimbabwe

        SPAR South Africa Indoor Hockey Women Secure World Cup Qualification with Dominant Victory Over Zimbabwe

          Swakopmund – The SPAR South Africa Indoor Hockey Women’s team clinched their place at the 2025 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Croatia with a resounding 14-0 victory over Zimbabwe on the final day of pool action. Knowing a draw would suffice for qualification, the South African team left no room for doubt with a stunning display of skill and dominance. Malikah Hamza set the tone by scoring within the first 120 seconds. Cerian Fourie followed with a successful penalty corner, and Tegan Fourie capitalized on a sweeping counterattack, ending the first quarter with a 3-0 lead. Zimbabwean captain Sarah Evans made a brilliant goal-line clearance, but South Africa soon struck again with Jess Lardant’s powerful flick from a penalty corner. By halftime, South Africa extended their lead to 6-0, with further goals from Laylaa Davids, Malikah Hamza, and Tegan Fourie, who netted her 69th international goal. The team maintained their momentum in the second half, with Lardant scoring again and Cailynn den Bakker adding to the tally with a superb individual run. As the match progressed, Malikah Hamza completed her hat-trick, and the final quarter saw some of South Africa’s best play. Cailynn den Bakker, Malikah Hamza, and Tegan Fourie all found the net, with Fourie assisting her sister for a top-corner finish. Lardant capped the game with her hat-trick, equalling South Africa’s best-ever result against Zimbabwe. This emphatic victory not only secured South Africa’s top spot in the pool stage on goal difference but also guaranteed their place in the final and their qualification for the 2025 Indoor World Cup.

          South African Indoor Hockey Men Secure Thrilling Victory Over Namibia at Indoor Africa Cup

            The South African Indoor Hockey Men’s team faced off against the hosts in Swakopmund at the Indoor Africa Cup, aiming to top the pool stage and virtually secure a spot in the tournament final, which also serves as a qualifier for the FIH Indoor World Cup 2025 in Croatia. Supported by Tops at SPAR, South Africa introduced debutants Hans Neethling, Cullin de Jager, and Lerou Ditlhakanyane. Meanwhile, veterans Jethro Eustice and Justin Domleo, the most capped players in SA Men’s Indoor Hockey history, brought their extensive experience to the game. Captain Eustice opened the scoring with a precise penalty corner shot into the bottom corner. Mustapha Cassiem then doubled the lead with a brilliant finish, marking his 34th consecutive international indoor game with a goal, ending the first quarter at 2-0. The South African defense, led by de Jager, effectively neutralized Namibia’s attacks, allowing Mustapha Cassiem to score his 79th international indoor goal from a penalty corner variation, making it 3-0. As the half neared its end, Dayaan Cassiem swiftly reacted to a loose ball, lifting it home to secure a 4-0 lead at the halftime buzzer. In the second half, Dayaan Cassiem assisted his brother, who completed his hat-trick with a spectacular over-the-shoulder shot, bringing the score to 5-0. De Jager, on debut, maintained a clean sheet with a crucial save. Namibia mounted a spirited comeback in the final quarter, energizing the crowd. JP Britz scored a penalty corner, followed by Fagan Hansen’s unselfish play to set up another goal, reducing the deficit to 5-2. Hansen then scored again, making it 5-3 with five minutes remaining. Cody van der Merwe added another, bringing the score to a tense 5-4. Despite the pressure, South Africa, led by their resolute captain Eustice, alongside Domleo and the Cassiem brothers, managed to quell the Namibian surge and secure a victory. This win virtually assures the defending champions a place in the tournament final. Remaining Fixtures: 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 24, 2024

            South Africa awarded opening victories as Botswana fail to honour fixture at Indoor Africa Cup

              Both the SPAR South Africa indoor women’s team and the SA Indoor Hockey men’s team, powered by Tops at SPAR, were awarded 5-0 forfeit victories on the opening day of the Indoor Africa Cup in Swakopmund. This decision came after Botswana was unable to honour the fixture due to travel difficulties. According to tournament regulations, the games were awarded to the South African teams with a 5-0 scoreline. Despite the absence of their opponents, the South African teams made use of their allotted time to train and prepare. They now look forward to their double-header against Namibia on Friday, a critical match that could significantly impact their chances of qualifying for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. Remaining Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Men 24 May 2024 – 20:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Remaining Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Women 24 May 2024 – 17:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 12:30 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 12:30 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 15:30 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 23, 2024

              All Eyes on Swakopmund as African Indoor World Cup Spots Are Up for Grabs

                For the first time in African indoor hockey history, four nations will compete for the title of African Indoor Champions as the Indoor World Cup Qualifier kicks off in Swakopmund on Thursday. Hosts Namibia, along with Botswana and Zimbabwe, will vie for a coveted place at the 2025 FIH Indoor World Cup in Porenc, Croatia. Thanks to the South African team’s stellar performance at the 2023 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Pretoria, there are now two spots available for African nations. SPAR South Africa made history by becoming the first African team to reach the final four of the Indoor World Cup, securing a second spot for Africa in the women’s tournament. That groundbreaking team was led by head coach Lennie Botha and captain Jess O’Connor, both of whom retired post-tournament. Now, the mantle has passed to AJ Spieringshoek and Jamie Southgate, who aim to clinch an African title that has eluded SPAR South Africa’s ladies in the previous two editions. This team is markedly different from the one that narrowly lost the final at this venue in 2017, with no members from that squad remaining. Defending champions Namibia also triumphed in the inaugural Kathea Energy Nkosi Cup in Cape Town in December, though they fell to South Africa in the Tuanku Zara Cup final. Zimbabwe showed promise in the 2017 tournament, while Botswana is eager to demonstrate their improvement since suffering heavy defeats in the 2022 edition. In the men’s division, both South Africa and Namibia advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. However, it was South Africa’s sixth-place finish that secured two spots for the continent in Croatia. South Africa, supported by Tops at SPAR, has been the dominant force in African hockey, winning every African qualifier to date, including the last one held at this venue. Despite their impressive record against Namibia, they remain cautious of the threat posed by Trevor Cormack’s side. Zimbabwe, absent from the last edition, showed incredible fight in their previous Swakopmund appearance and remain a wild card due to their extended absence from international matches. Botswana hopes for a better showing than in Durban as they continue to develop as an indoor hockey nation. The tournament will be live-streamed on One Up Two through the NTV page here, with updates available on the South African Hockey social media pages. Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Men 23 May 2024 – 17:00 – South Africa vs. Botswana 24 May 2024 – 20:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 11:00 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 14:00 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 17:00 – Gold Medal Match Fixtures – Indoor Africa Cup 2024 – Women 23 May 2024 – 15:30 – South Africa vs. Botswana 24 May 2024 – 17:00 – Namibia vs. South Africa 25 May 2024 – 12:30 – South Africa vs. Zimbabwe 26 May 2024 – 12:30 – Bronze Medal Match 26 May 2024 – 15:30 – Gold Medal Match Source: sahockey.co.za | May 23, 2024

                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)