FIH President hosts “Empower & Engage Series” consultation workshop for the future of hockey

29 Aug, 2025 The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has successfully hosted an open session of its “Empower & Engage Series” titled “Strategic Planning for the Future of Hockey”, the first in a series of opportunities for hockey’s stakeholders to make their contribution to the future FIH Strategy. The webinar drew strong interest from across the hockey family, with 328 participants registering from all over the world, representing a diverse mix of National Associations, Continental Federations, clubs, schools, and other stakeholders committed to shaping the sport’s future. The session was opened by FIH President Tayyab Ikram and FIH Director General Mike Joyce, who underlined the importance of engaging the global community in building the next phase of the sport’s strategy. A collaborative conversation on hockey’s future Participants were divided into smaller groups to explore key strategic themes, including: Vision for the Future of Hockey Supporting People in Hockey National Association Membership Services Global Event Calendar Formats & Rules of Hockey The Values of Hockey Each group’s conclusions were then shared back in plenary, sparking a dynamic and lively exchange of perspectives. Ideas ranged from strengthening athlete pathways and volunteer support to innovating formats and reaffirming hockey’s unique culture and values. Building on the Hockey Revolution This webinar marks the first step in a wider consultation process leading up to the launch of the new FIH Strategy in December 2025. The initiative builds on the foundations of the “Hockey Revolution” strategy, unveiled at the 2014 FIH Congress, which delivered significant milestones over the past decade. At the same time, the sport must respond to new global challenges and opportunities, not least the 45 commitments made at the IOC’s Olympism365 Summit in June 2025, which call on sport to remain globally relevant and contribute to a better world. Through this series, FIH and its stakeholders aim to gather an open exchange of opinions and experiences, including bold ideas, constructive criticism, and fresh proposals, to ensure hockey continues to grow and inspire new generations worldwide. FIH President Tayyab Ikram remarking on the success of the first webinar said: “Our mission is clear: to promote and develop hockey for the benefit of everyone involved in our sport. The dialogue created through the “Strategic Planning for the Future of Hockey” series is not a formality, it is an invitation for the hockey community to challenge us, to share what works, and to imagine together what hockey can and should be in the years ahead. The energy and commitment shown in this first webinar proves that hockey has a strong and united global family ready to shape the future.” Next steps The “FIH Empower & Engage” series will continue over the coming months with more opportunities for the global hockey community to participate, share ideas, and co-create the sport’s strategic vision. This first webinar set the tone for what promises to be an inclusive and impactful journey. Have your say! All questions presented at the consultation workshop are now available as an online form. We invite you to complete yourself and to share with your hockey community for their input: FIH Future of Hockey Survey Previous webinars in the series can be explored here. Source: FIH.hockey

Beach Hockey: Expanding Horizons in the Hockey Family

19 Aug, 2025 Since being officially recognised by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in October 2023, World Beach Hockey has quickly grown into a dynamic part of the global hockey ecosystem. In less than two years, sixty countries have registered with World Beach Hockey, with an ambitious target of 100 by 2026. This growth has been underpinned by major milestones: building an international structure blending business and hockey expertise, launching targeted social media to showcase the sport’s benefits, securing partnerships with equipment manufacturers in China and India, and staging beach hockey events worldwide. The sport has also found resonance in diverse communities, from collaborations with indigenous groups in Australia to a recent program in Ukraine introducing beach hockey to war veterans. A Unique Gateway into Hockey Unlike traditional hockey, which can be technically demanding, beach hockey is designed to be safe, fun, and easy to pick up. Players, whether children or adults, adapt quickly, often discovering a new passion for the game. A four-year participation study confirmed that many who first tried beach hockey went on to play 11-a-side or indoor hockey. To capture the imagination of younger and non-traditional audiences, World Beach Hockey promotes the game under the banner of Xtreme Beach Hockey. With its vibrant beach setting and fast-paced play, the format appeals to those looking for accessible and alternative sporting experiences. Collaboration with FIH Partnership with the FIH is central to beach hockey’s vision. Early discussions with FIH President Tayyab Ikram and the FIH Board have focused on mutual growth: putting sticks in the hands of first-time players and integrating beach hockey into hockey’s broader development framework. Potential areas of collaboration include event management, coaching and umpiring education, joint beach hockey activations at FIH tournaments, and alignment with FIH projects such as Women in Hockey. Challenges and Solutions As with any new format, challenges remain. National Associations (NAs) often need guidance on how to integrate beach hockey into packed calendars. World Beach Hockey is addressing this by working directly with the NAs to highlight the sport’s recruitment potential. Infrastructure requirements are modest—sand courts can be set up on beaches, indoors, or as standalone facilities. Taking inspiration from the success of beach volleyball, the organisation aims to replicate proven models of sand-based sport development. Recognition, too, takes time, but strong social media promotion is helping accelerate awareness. Looking Ahead World Beach Hockey’s immediate focus is on growing the sport as an inclusive, cost-effective community activity for all ages. The long-term vision is bold: dedicated national, continental, and world championships, and eventual inclusion in multi-sport events such as the ANOC World Beach Games. The momentum continues with a landmark event in Melbourne on 1–2 November 2025. The inaugural Melbourne Xtreme Beach Hockey Cup will host 64 teams from across Australia and the world, with men’s and women’s competitions on day one, followed by youth tournaments for boys and girls aged 9–14 on day two. As Greg Hill, President of World Beach Hockey, emphasises: “The beach is a wonderful place to play hockey—you have the sun, sea, and sand. We hope to make beach hockey the most exciting beach sport in the world.” Source: FIH.hockey

FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026: One Year to Go! 

15 Aug, 2025 In exactly one year from now, on 15 August 2026, the hockey world will come together to celebrate the start of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. The countdown has officially begun, and anticipation is building for international hockey’s premier competition that promises to be as thrilling as it is historic. Two Nations, One Global Spectacle From 15 August 2026, the 16 best men’s and women’s teams on the planet will battle for glory across world-class venues in Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, Netherlands. Known for their rich hockey heritage, passionate fan bases, and vibrant sporting culture, both nations are ready to deliver an unforgettable festival of hockey. This edition will mark only the second time in history that the men’s and women’s competitions are staged together, bringing the entire global hockey family into one shared moment of excitement. A Look Back The Men’s Hockey World Cup made its debut in 1971 in Barcelona, Spain, with Pakistan crowned the inaugural champions. Over the decades, the tournament has grown into one of the sport’s most prestigious events, producing legendary rivalries and iconic performances. Pakistan are the most successful team in the men’s World Cup history, winning the title four times between 1971 and 1994. Following closely behind with three titles each, are Australia, Netherlands and Germany – the reigning men’s champions from the 2023 event in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, India. The Women’s Hockey World Cup began in 1974 in Mandelieu, France, where the Netherlands claimed the first title. Since then, the event has showcased the evolution and global rise of women’s hockey, with the Dutch women emerging as the most successful team in history, winning the competition 9 times, including the previous edition played in Spain and Netherlands in 2022. The tournament has been a platform for unforgettable moments and witnessed era defining performances from some of the best players in the world like Luciana Aymar, Alyson Annan, Natascha Keller, Rani Rampal, Eva de Goede and many others. 2026: A New Chapter Belgium and the Netherlands have been at the forefront of world hockey over the past few decades, with their on-pitch performances and the depth of their hockey development. From packed stadiums in Wavre and Amstelveen to vibrant fan zones and world-leading broadcast coverage, every detail is being prepared to deliver a World Cup experience like no other. With one year to go, six men’s and six women’s teams have already qualified for the World Cup, while the others prepare for their continental championships and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers to secure their spot in international hockey’s biggest celebration! In the men’s competition, Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Australia and Spain qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Argentina secured qualification recently through their gold medal finish at the Pan American Cup 2025, while Germany have already qualified from the ongoing EuroHockey Championship. Continental championships in Asia, Africa and Oceania over the coming months will determine four more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. In the women’s competition, Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Germany and Argentina qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. USA secured their qualification recently at the Pan American Cup 2025, while Spain have already qualified from the ongoing EuroHockey Championship. Continental championships in Asia, Africa and Oceania over the coming months will determine four more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. Remarking on the occasion of one year to go till the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The FIH Hockey World Cup is our flagship event. Where legends are made. Where teams give it all for a unique moment of glory. Where athletes celebrate a moment of performance and togetherness. The fact that both women and men will play the 2026 World Cup at the same time and in the same venues makes it even more special! Our co-hosts, Belgium and the Netherlands, are already working very hard to make this event the best World Cup ever! So, my message to all hockey fans around the world is: pencil this event in bold letters in your agenda. You can expect an unforgettable event!” Dutch Hockey Association CEO Erik Gerritsen said: “Now that the first teams have qualified, the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is getting closer. Preparations are in full swing, and we’re really looking forward to it!” Hockey Belgium CEO Serge Pilet said: “At the moment we’re still battling it out at the Euros in Mönchengladbach, but in just one year we’ll be back on home soil—only 180 km away! Our brand-new stadium in Wavre will set the stage for the world’s top hockey teams to shine. Get ready for an unforgettable showdown!” Source: FIH.hockey

Argentina men secure FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 qualification

03 Aug, 2025 The men’s Pan American Cup 2025 came to an end today with Argentina defeating USA in the men’s final to win the gold medal and secure qualification to the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026! With one direct qualification spot available to the Americas at the upcoming World Cup, the winner of the final was assured qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 and with Argentina securing a 10-0 win over USA in the final, they become the fifth team to book their place in hockey’s premier world event next year. Argentina, placed in Pool A went unbeaten through the tournament, winning all three of their pool stage matches, followed by wins in the semi-final and the final. They started off their campaign in perfect fashion winning 13-0 against Brazil and followed that up with a clinical 3-0 win over USA who they would face in the final once again. A 12-0 win in the final pool match against hosts Uruguay secured the top spot in Pool A for Argentina sending them through to the semi-final. Argentina were paired up against Canada in the semi-final, who finished second in Pool B behind Chile. Argentina once again showed their continental supremacy dispatching Canada in a 9-1 win, despite Canada scoring the first goal of the game. Tomas Domene with 4 goals and Nicolas della Torre with 3 goals starred in the semi-final, taking Argentina one step closer to world cup qualification. The Leones were relentless on attack in the final and put the American defence to sword, winning the contest with a massive 10-0 scoreline. Tomas Domene, Tadeo Marucci and Bautista Capurro scored a brace each, with Nicolas della Torre, Lucas Toscani, Lucas Martinez and Lucio Mendez also getting on the scoresheet. The win gives Argentina their fourth consecutive, and fifth overall title in the Pan American Cup, and punches their ticket to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Tournament top scorer Tomas Domene, who also made his 100th appearance for Argentina, said: “I am very happy, beyond anything else, to play and represent Argentina 100 times. I think that I am very emotional today, with the team having qualified for the World Cup, which was our objective from the start of the tournament. I think we had a great tournament, from start to finish, we showed who we are. We tried to give our best in every match, and I think that showed, and this result reflects that.” Argentina have become the fifth team to secure qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, secured direct qualification. At the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24, it was Australia who qualified for the World Cup as champions of the season. Spain were the fourth team to secure their spot, finishing second behind already qualified Netherlands in the 2024/25 season of the Pro League. Continental championships in Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania over the coming months will determine four more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. Source: FIH.hockey