29 Nov, 2024 On the occasion of the FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day (30 November 2024), the global hockey community is invited to reinforce its commitment to some of the most important values in sport, and society. The third edition of this yearly Day reminds us how essential these values are to our sport and its community. Quite appropriately, it comes only a few weeks after hockey’s world governing body launched its Women in Hockey Empowerment Project – a transformative platform designed to uplift and engage female players, coaches, officials, and leaders in the sport – that is being promoted under the banner #MadeForHockey. This year, FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Players of the Year Yibbi Jansen and Harmanpreet Singh, FIH Goalkeepers of the Year Ye Jiao and PR Sreejesh, FIH Coach of the Year Alyson Annan, FIH Umpire of the Year Steve Rogers, FIH Honorary Member and Chair of the Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Marijke Fleuren, FIH Athletes Committee Chair Camila Caram, Olympian Onthatile Zulu, Hockey ID players Martin Plaza de los Reyes and Nil Ferre Martin-Borregon have all lent their voices to record the following message in a joined video clip: Today is FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day. No matter your gender … No matter your ethnic background … No matter your physical or intellectual abilities … No matter your sexual orientation … No matter your age … … EVERYONE is welcome in hockey! Diversity is wealth. Inclusion must be the norm. WE ARE ALL #MadeForHockey! Commenting on the FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Diversity and inclusion are core values of society and intrinsic to sport in general and hockey in particular. Nevertheless, we must constantly remember how essential these values are, and also how fragile. Therefore, it is up to all of us to preserve and promote them. Hockey can contribute positively to society by fostering inclusivity, promoting diversity, and building strong communities. Our mission is to make hockey accessible to everyone. I thank all the stakeholders in the global hockey community who, through their tireless and passionate work, magnify these values on a daily basis. I am thinking first and foremost of the clubs and educators. I encourage everyone to do even more to make all feel welcome in our wonderful hockey family. Since we are all … #MadeForHockey!” #MadeForHockey

20 Nov, 2024 On World Children’s Day 2024, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is proud to highlight its commitment to empowering young girls through the Body Confident Sport program. Launched during the 49th Statutory Congress of the FIH earlier this month, this initiative aligns with the 2024 theme, “Listen to the Future,” emphasizing the importance of hearing and addressing the voices of young people to shape a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. Body Confident Sport is a tool co-created by Nike and Dove, and funded by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which tackles one of the critical challenges faced by girls in sports: low self-esteem linked to negative body image, with research showing that nearly half of teenage girls (aged 11–17) drop out of sports due to body image insecurities. FIH is using this platform to amplify the voices of girls, ensuring their needs and aspirations are heard and met through meaningful action. The Body Confident Sport program aims to bring about change by helping girls and young people of all gender identities feel comfortable and confident in their own bodies while participating in sports, including hockey. Through a combination of coach education and practical, easy-to-use program guides, the initiative provides both coaches and players with the tools, knowledge and inspiration to foster body-confident athletes. By rolling out the coaching tool globally, FIH aims to provide hockey coaches with practical resources to create supportive and inclusive environments. This project reflects FIH’s dedication to ensuring that every girl feels valued, confident, and inspired to stay active in hockey, offering opportunities for self-expression, growth, and empowerment. Commenting on the initiative, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “World Children’s Day, with its theme ‘Listen to the Future,’ perfectly embodies what the Body Confident Sport program stands for. This initiative, launched during the FIH Congress, is about listening to the voices of young girls, addressing their concerns, and creating an inclusive environment where they can thrive. By fostering body confidence, we aim to ensure that everyone feels supported and empowered to pursue their passion for hockey, shaping the future of the sport and society alike.” This effort will be promoted under the empowering banner of #MadeForHockey, set to become a powerful symbol for women’s empowerment in hockey. About World Children’s Day Observed annually on November 20, World Children’s Day 2024 focuses on the theme “Listen to the Future,” emphasizing the importance of prioritizing children’s voices in creating a better world. By empowering girls and addressing their challenges, the Body Confident Sport program exemplifies the transformative power of sport to inspire confidence, inclusivity, and leadership among young athletes. For more information on this initiative and other FIH programs, visit madefor.hockey. Source: FIH.hockey

18 Nov, 2024 The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is thrilled to announce that Walcz, Poland, will host the inaugural edition of the women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, from 16 to 22 June 2025. This exciting tournament marks the first-ever FIH event to be held in the Polish city, adding a new chapter to Poland’s growing presence in international hockey. The women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 serves as a pivotal platform for 8 emerging teams – ie, the national teams ranked after those involved in the FIH Hockey Pro League and the FIH Hockey Nations Cup – to compete at a high level, offering a pathway to promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, which is directly connected to the FIH Hockey Pro League. The 2025 edition will feature these eight nations competing in a week-long tournament, showcasing their skills and vying for the title in a highly anticipated competition: Poland South Africa Italy France Malaysia Uruguay Wales Czechia Walcz, known for its scenic landscapes and strong sporting culture, is ready to welcome the global hockey community with open arms. Hosting the tournament at this location will not only boost the profile of hockey in Poland but also provide a unique opportunity for local fans to experience world-class hockey action firsthand. The event promises to be a fantastic display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship as teams battle for a spot in the higher tiers of international competition. “We are extremely pleased with what confidence the world federation has placed in us. This is extremely important to us in our strategy for the development of women’s hockey in our country. 2025 is the year in which we invest in the development of women’s hockey and the opportunity to host teams in Poland from around the world will undoubtedly contribute to the spread of our sport”, said Rafał Grotwski President of the Polish Hockey Association. Following the announcement, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Wałcz, Poland, is about to make history by hosting its first-ever FIH event with the women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2! This is a proud moment for FIH, as it continues to expand the horizons of hockey around the world, as well as for Poland, and I have no doubt that the global hockey community will be welcomed with the warmth and enthusiasm that Wałcz has to offer. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the passion for hockey in Poland, and I’m confident the event will be a remarkable success at this magnificent venue. Congratulations and thank you, Poland!” Source: FIH.hockey