19 Dec, 2024 As we pull the curtains on the riveting hockey year that was 2024, we take a look at how things look in the world rankings heading into the new year of 2025, that promises to bring even more thrilling hockey action your way! In the men’s world rankings, Olympic champions Netherlands (3267) stand at the top of the rankings. Netherlands started the year in the top spot following a great run in the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup, and gold medals at the FIH Hockey Pro League and the EuroHockey Championship in 2023. Adding a gold at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 further solidified their status as the team to beat heading into 2025! A fast start to the 2024-25 season of the FIH Hockey Pro League has propelled England (3139) into second place in the world with Belgium (3124) in third following closely behind, having made a good start to the new Pro League season themselves. Germany (3066) had climbed up to second place following their silver medal at Paris 2024, but a rough start to the Pro League sees them drop two places, down to fourth in the world. India (2955) and Australia (2814) are placed fifth and sixth in the world, with both teams set to start their Pro League seasons at home in February 2025, with Australia playing in Sydney from 4 February, while India will start their campaign on 15 February in Bhubaneswar. Argentina (2722), Spain (2570), France (2116) and Ireland (2112) round out the top-10 to end 2024, with South Africa (2082), New Zealand (2058), Malaysia (1970), Korea (1945) and Pakistan (1942) giving chase as teams ranked from 11 to 15. In the women’s world rankings, Netherlands (3689) had another perfect year winning the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, along with another FIH Hockey Pro League title. The Dutch dominance on field means they remain well clear of the competition on the world ranking table heading into the new year. Argentina (3203) continue to remain in a distant second place, following their bronze medal performance at Paris 2024. They did manage to close the gap between themselves and Netherlands earlier this month, after getting their first win in nearly three years, over the Dutch side in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25. Belgium (2918), Germany (2846) and Australia (2820) started the year as the third, fourth and fifth ranked teams in the world and continue to hold the same positions as we head into 2025. However, following closely behind and rapidly closing the gap are Alyson Annan’s China (2685) who have gone from strength to strength in 2024, with a historic silver medal performance at the Olympics being the crowning achievement in a year where they achieved plenty of new highs. England (2471) are stepping into a new era following a slew of retirements in the aftermath of Paris 2024, and while they hold on to the seventh spot in the world rankings, three losses in four matches to start the new season of the Pro League mean, the chasing pack have now closed in on the English. Spain (2422), India (2350) and New Zealand (2124) round out the top-10 positions heading into 2025. Both Spain and India will aim to climb up the rankings ladder early in 2025 when they start their FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 campaigns in February, in Sydney and Bhubaneswar respectively. The chasing pack behind the top-10 includes Japan (2063) in eleventh, Ireland (2028) in twelfth, United States (1998) in thirteenth, Chile (1962) in fourteenth and Korea (1869) in fifteenth. Biggest Rank Gainers of 2024 While there have been steady movements in the top-10 world rankings, there are teams lower down the order that have made huge strides over 2024. In the men’s rankings Namibia were the biggest movers, going up 20 places from 84 at the start of the year to 64 at the end of it. Trinidad and Tobago also impressively moved up 15 places to end the year as world rank 36, having started the year at 51! Among the women’s teams, once again it’s Namibia with the most impressive showing, gaining 18 places to move from 66 to 48 through 2024. China’s rise from the 10th ranked team in the world at the start of 2024 to their current ranking of 6th in the world, while also rapidly catching up to the teams ahead, has been an enormously impressive feat as well! To see the complete FIH World Rankings, please click here. The rankings calculations model that FIH introduced on 1st January 2020 moved away from the previous tournament-based rankings system to a dynamic, match-based method where opposing teams exchange points in official, FIH sanctioned games. The number of points exchanged depends on the result of the match, the relative ranking of the teams and the importance of the match. More information about the new rankings model can be found below. How the FIH World Rankings work: The number of points exchanged depends on the result of the match, the relative ranking of the teams and the importance of the match. FIH World Rankings explained: Based on the Elo rating system, which is used as the basis of many other sports ranking systems When two nations play against each other, a number of ranking points are exchanged between them In every match, the number of points gained by one team is exactly matched by the number of points lost by the other Teams will win more points for beating teams ranked above them, and therefore teams will lose more points for losing to a team ranked below them Teams will win less points for beating teams ranked below them, and therefore teams will lose less points for losing to a team ranked above them If a draw occurs, the lower ranked team will gain a small number of points and the higher ranked team will lose the same number of points The number of points exchanged is dependent on

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15 Dec, 2024 Finishing in the top 5 positions of the 2024 Women’s Asia Junior Cup played in Muscat (Oman), China, India, Japan, Korea and Malaysia have qualified for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2025 which, for the very first time, has been expanded to include 24 teams from around the world! FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Congratulations to all five Asian teams that have qualified for next year’s FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup that will be played in Chile, with 24 teams for the first time. A special mention to India for being crowned 2024 Junior Asian Cup Champions! I’d also like to extend sincerest thanks to Oman for having, once more, put together such fantastic events, with both women’s and men’s Asia Junior Cups.” China, India, Japan and Korea finished on the top-2 spots of their respective pools, therefore qualifying not only for the semi-finals of the tournament but also securing their ticket to the World Cup. As the last spot for the World Cup was to go to the team finishing 5th, the 5-8 place classification matches became really exciting! Thailand and Malaysia defeated Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong, China respectively to move on to the 5th-6th place match. Malaysia came away with the victory in the crucial match-up to become the last Asian team to qualify for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2025. The first semi-final of the 2024 Women’s Asia Junior Cup pitted India against Japan. Scoring 3 goals in the first quarter, the young Indians won (3-1) and qualified for the Final. In the other semi-final, China beat Korea (4-1), scoring a goal in each quarter. In the group stage, China had defeated India. Therefore, the Final offered a chance for the Indians to take their revenge. And they managed to do so, winning the penalty-shootouts (3-2) after a 1-1 draw. The score of the match for third place was absolutely identical, with Korea defeating Japan (1-1, 3-2 PSO). For more details about the event, please click here. FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2025 The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 will be played in Santiago, Chile. Beyond the hosts, Argentina, Uruguay, United States and Canada have qualified from the Americas. Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Wales and Scotland have qualified from Europe. Following the five qualifiers from the Junior Asia Cup, three more teams from Oceania and Africa (each) will qualify for the World Cup to complete the qualification process over the next few months. All information about the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups is available here. The world rankings for Junior teams are available here. For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website. #RisingStars #MadeForHockey

06 Dec, 2024 From 7-15 December 2024, the best junior Asian women’s hockey teams will compete in Muscat, Oman in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024, with five spots up for grabs in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025, to be played in Chile, with an expanded competition format that will feature 24 teams for the very first time! The ten participating teams have been split into two pools, with Pool A comprising Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia and Thailand. In Pool B it’ll be Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei who will compete for the top-2 spots that will confirm not just a semi-final spot, but also, through it, secure a Junior World Cup spot. Each team in the pool stage will play the other four teams in their pool once. The top two teams in both pools will qualify for the semi-finals, while the teams in third and fourth positions will compete for the 5-8 place classification, with the team finishing the event in 5th place securing a Junior World Cup spot. The losing semi-finalists will play in the bronze medal match, with the two finalists competing for gold. All four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025. For more details about the event, click here. The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 will be played in Santiago, Chile. Chile have qualified as the hosts of the competition. Argentina, Uruguay, United States and Canada have qualified from the Americas. Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Wales and Scotland have qualified from Europe. Following the five qualifiers from Junior Asia Cup, three more teams from Oceania and Africa (each) will qualify for the World Cup to complete the qualification process over the next few months. All information about the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups is available here. The world rankings for Junior teams are available here. For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website. #RisingStars #MadeForHockey

05 Dec, 2024 Lausanne, Switzerland: Every stick swing, every goal scored, and every victory celebrated in hockey is built on the dedication of countless volunteers. From grassroots programs to elite international tournaments, volunteers form the foundation of hockey. They are the coaches introducing children to the joy of the game, the umpires ensuring fair play, the event organizers orchestrating seamless tournaments, and the mentors shaping the next generation of leaders. In many parts of the world, hockey’s very existence relies on the passion and selflessness of these individuals. Their commitment not only helps the sport flourish but also strengthens communities, teaching values of teamwork, resilience, and inclusivity. This International Volunteer Day, the global hockey community comes together to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, fostering the growth of our beloved sport. To honor these hard-working and committed individuals, FIH is presenting an FIH International Volunteer Day award, recognising the invaluable contribution of each nominee. All the recipients of the award have been nominated by their continental federation. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Today, as the global hockey community celebrates International Volunteer Day, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who make hockey more than just a sport – it’s a movement. Their efforts ignite passion, build bridges across cultures, and create lasting legacies. On behalf of FIH and in my personal name, I’d like to thank every volunteer for their tireless work, boundless energy, and unwavering belief in the power of hockey. They are the heartbeat of our sport, and we celebrate them not just today, but every day.” The Pan American Hockey Federation has nominated Pilar Burundarena (ARG/PAR) and Aaron Finer (USA) for their spirit and dedication to hockey. Pilar Burundarena, embodies the true spirit of dedication and service. Originally from Argentina and now residing in Paraguay, Pilar has proven her unwavering commitment as a volunteer during the South American Games (ODESUR) and the Special Olympics Latin America in October 2024. Her empathy, approachability, and readiness to assist at every moment made her an invaluable asset to these events. Her selfless efforts and supportive nature left a lasting impression, showcasing the incredible value of her contributions to the sporting community. Aaron Finer is one of the most dedicated volunteer officers I have ever seen around hockey. He is a consummate professional in the medical field who is a qualified medical doctor and practices mostly in the sports medicine area of athlete preparation, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Once Aaron commits to the task, he goes about his duties with tireless energy. He enjoys what he does and never shies away from any task. Aaron is usually willing to work with anyone who is in need and has the true heart of a medical practitioner in this regard. Aaron is a valuable asset to the sport of hockey and any team to which he has committed. The Oceania Hockey Federation has nominated Brendan Bon of Papua New Guinea and Lyn Hill of Australia for the award. Brendan Bon is an outstanding volunteer for the Papua New Guinea Hockey Federation, contributing as an umpire at six PNG National Championships, two Pacific Games (2015, 2023), and the 2014 FIH World League in Fiji. At the 2015 Pacific Games, he served as Assistant Umpire Manager, enhancing umpire development in PNG, and he continues to play a pivotal role in recruiting and training officials. Appointed Executive Director of PNG Hockey Federation in 2024, Brendan’s corporate expertise has bolstered sponsorship efforts for programs like Hook in4 Health, particularly its expansion into Lae, where he resides. A family man, Brendan cherishes hockey’s unifying spirit, highlighted by umpiring the 2023 Pacific Games Women’s Final, where his daughters represented PNG and won bronze. Lyn Hill has dedicated her life to hockey development, excelling as a player, coach, umpire, and administrator, particularly in officiating and indoor hockey at club, state, and national levels. After playing for Queensland Country and Rockhampton in the 1970s, Lyn became a respected umpire, earning the Australian Umpires Badge in 1987 and officiating at prestigious events, including the inaugural Indoor World Cup final in 2003. A skilled mentor and educator, she has guided officials across all levels and continues as Chair of the Hockey Queensland Umpiring Committee and HA Appointments Panel. Lyn’s contributions extend to Oceania, where she developed pathways for Hockey5s officials and volunteered at key events like the 2019 Oceania Cup. The Asian Hockey Federation has nominated Manoj Kumar Prasad (India) and Urmanova Guzal (Kazakhstan) for their stellar contribution towards developing the next generation of hockey players in Asia. Manoj Kumar Prasad has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing hockey talent from remote areas, providing platforms, guidance, and training. He discovered and mentored players like Salima Tete, who now captains the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. Apart from Salima Tete, players like Sangeeta Kumari, Deepika Soreng, Ropni Kumari, Rajni Kerketta, Neeru Kullu, Sushma Kumari, Alka Dungdung, and Alpha Kerketta have made it to the Indian team. His initiatives include organizing district-level tournaments, introducing English and computer classes for players, and constructing hockey fields through community efforts. He also engages youths from Naxal-affected areas, integrating them into hockey and guiding many to state and national levels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he supported players with nutrition and mental encouragement. Beyond sports, he promotes social causes like environmental conservation. Urmanova Guzal from Kazakhstan exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism through remarkable contributions to hockey. With a key role in youth development for both boys and girls, and experience volunteering in events like the U-21 Women’s Jr. AHF Cup and Men’s Indoor Asia Cup, she has been instrumental in organizing national and international matches, fostering the growth of the sport. The African Hockey Federation has nominated Helen McBean of Zimbabwe and Johann Weyhe of Namibia for the award. Helen McBean has always been a volunteer and good helper in many African tournaments organized by Zimbabwe, until she was diagnosed with cancer (still under treatment – Immunotherapy & Chemotherapy). This recognition

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02 Dec, 2024 Chile’s capital city, Santiago, will host the 11th edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup next year*, as revealed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) today. The South American nation has become a true cradle for rising stars, hosting this event for the fourth time. Moreover, much to the delight of the hockey fans, there will be 8 more teams to cheer for this time around! Indeed, with one of the key pillars of the FIH Empowerment and Engagement strategy being to give more opportunities to play to a larger and more diverse number of National Associations, the 2025 FIH Hockey Junior World Cups – women and men – will involve 24 teams for the first time ever in the history of FIH! On top of hosts Chile, the following teams have already qualified for the event: Europe: Netherlands, Spain, England, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Wales, Scotland Pan America: Argentina, USA, Uruguay, Canada The teams from Africa, Asia and Oceania will qualify at a later stage. “We are thrilled to announce some excellent news: Santiago de Chile will host the upcoming Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup! This prestigious event, which brings together the world’s brightest young talents and future generations of hockey stars, will take place at the home of our ‘Diablas and Diablos’. This will undoubtedly boost the growth and development of hockey in our region. We deeply appreciate the trust placed in Hockey Chile by the President of the International Hockey Federation, Mr. Tayyab Ikram. This recognition reaffirms Chile’s commitment, through the leadership of our Board of Directors, to actively support and contribute to the global development of hockey. We eagerly look forward to welcoming you all to Santiago de Chile in December 2025!”, said Andrés de Witt, President of the Chilean Field Hockey Federation and the Local Organizing Committee. FIH President Tayyab Ikram added: “Expanding opportunities and fostering inclusivity are at the heart of our mission to grow hockey globally. The FIH Hockey Junior World Cups represent the vibrant future of our sport, celebrating extraordinary young talent from across the globe. The 2025 edition in Santiago, Chile, will bring together 24 dynamic teams from around the world, offering an unparalleled showcase of competition and diversity. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Chilean Hockey Federation and the local authorities for their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm in hosting this prestigious event. A special note of deep appreciation goes to Mr. Andrés De Witt Hepp, President of the Federación Chilena de Hockey, whose visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the development of hockey at all levels have been instrumental in making this a reality. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation, leave a lasting legacy, and elevate hockey to unprecedented heights!” The last edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup took place in 2023, also in Santiago, and was won by the Netherlands. *the dates of the 2025 edition will be confirmed at a later stage All information about the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups is available here. The world rankings for Junior teams are available here. #RisingStars #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals Source: FIH.hockey