08 Apr, 2025 Hockey and football both embrace the benefits synthetic turf fields bring to their sports. For hockey it is the surface of choice, whilst football appreciates the surface’s ability to accommodate different levels of use, in a wide range of weather conditions. For many, a synthetic turf sports field is now the preferred or only way of meeting the sporting needs of their communities. At the higher levels of competition, FIH (International Hockey Federation) and the FIFA Innovation team have developed standards that define the qualities required from the fields used for their competitions. These are based on types of synthetic turf that have been developed to be used exclusively or primarily for their sport. But at the grassroots and educational levels of play sport there is often a need to play more than one sport on a single field. Recognising the benefits multi-sports fields bring and seeing the opportunities that the new innovative types of synthetic turf being developed to address environmental concerns offer, FIH and the FIFA Innovation team have been investigating if these surfaces can be used successfully for hockey and grassroots football on dual sport fields. The results are positive, creating new and enhanced sporting opportunities for many. By combining the performance criteria of the FIFA Basic category of field certification and updating the FIH Multi-sport category of hockey turf, FIH is delighted to be able to announce the publication of their Dualsport Pitches for Football and Hockey – Performance and Construction Guidelines. Available in English, French and Spanish on the FIH website (Facilities Guidance – Multi-sport Fields | FIH Resources Hub) and the FIFA website (FIFA Standards – Football-turf), the guide describes the performance, durability and construction requirements for dual use hockey and football pitches. It provides performance and quality criteria details for these new types of surface, along with guidance on the levels of hockey and football that it is envisioned will be played on the pitches. To aid those designing dual-sport pitches, the guide also provides information on pitch dimensions and layouts, the appropriate construction standards, and field certification. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “It truly is fantastic that both the FIFA Innovation team and FIH were able to collaborate for the mutual benefit of grassroots football and hockey. This guide will provide a great help to millions of young football or hockey players around the globe. On behalf of hockey’s global community, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to FIFA, and especially its President, Gianni Infantino, for joining forces with us.” Synthetic turf pitches play a substantial part in the development of both sports worldwide. They enable accessibility of wider communities and society to sport, and are a great platform to demonstrate our sustainability efforts.” Source: FIH.hockey

06 Apr, 2025 As the world commemorates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the global hockey community stands united in celebrating the sport’s incredible capacity to foster inclusion, empower communities, and drive positive change. Across continents—from Africa to Oceania, Europe to Asia, and the Americas—hockey continues to inspire a movement that transcends the field of play. “In a world where so many tensions have arisen and a lot of social and economic unbalance between countries still exists,” said FIH President Tayyab Ikram, “the yearly International Day of Sport for Development and Peace reminds us of the huge potential of sport to be a fantastic common denominator and unite people. In this regard, hockey is determined to play its part, and I call upon our global hockey community to enhance its great efforts to grow our sport and be a force of inclusion for all communities.” Europe: Love is All – A Legacy of Inclusion After three years of dedicated collaboration, the Love is All project has officially launched, marking a new era for Hockey ID across Europe and beyond. What began as an ambitious initiative to broaden access to the sport for individuals with intellectual disabilities has evolved into a powerful symbol of unity and respect. Through education, structured training, and cross-border cooperation, the project is paving the way for a more inclusive sports culture worldwide. Read the full story here. Africa: A Growing Movement of Opportunity Hockey initiatives are flourishing across Africa, as nations like Zimbabwe, Senegal and South Africa, with federations leveraging the sport to support education, gender equality, and life skills training. From Senegal’s commitment to expanding hockey’s reach, Zimbabwe’s vibrant youth league, and South Africa’s dedication to using the sport as a tool for social change, hockey is steadily gaining momentum across the continent. With strategic partnerships, grassroots engagement, and community-driven programs, the future of African hockey looks brighter than ever. These initiatives not only provide a foundation for athletic excellence but also reinforce the power of sport to unite, inspire, and create meaningful change. Read the full story here. Asia: Transformation Through the Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy In Pakistan, the Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy is transforming lives by providing life-altering opportunities and instilling discipline, teamwork, and ambition in young players. Located in Lahore, the Academy offers high-level coaching and facilities to underprivileged youth, helping them dream beyond their circumstances by giving them the tools they need to succeed. Through its commitment to community engagement, inclusivity, and excellence, the academy is not just building great players—it is building great individuals. As more young talents rise through the ranks, the impact of this initiative will be felt far beyond the hockey field, paving the way for a stronger and more vibrant sporting culture in Pakistan. The Khawaja Junaid Hockey Academy is a shining example of how hockey can nurture not only athletes but also resilient, confident individuals ready to contribute positively to society. Read the full story here. South America: Venezuela’s Hockey Revival Amidst a backdrop of economic and social challenges, Venezuela’s hockey revival stands as a powerful testament to sport as a tool for peace and hope. Thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers and the growing passion of players and coaches, hockey is once again thriving in schools, communities and the international stage. With a Under-21 Pan American Challenge bronze medal now in their hands and a renewed sense of purpose, Venezuela’s hockey teams are setting their sights on the Central American and Caribbean Games Qualifier in Mexico in May 2025. Their journey exemplifies how sport can be a force for growth, resilience, and peace—a story that continues to unfold, step by step, on and off the field. Read the full story here. Oceania: Inspiring Change Across Islands From Papua New Guinea to Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand, hockey is igniting change across the Oceania region. Community programs are empowering women and girls, creating safe spaces, and promoting education through sport. With strong support from the Oceania Hockey Federation and local leaders, these initiatives are creating inclusive environments where hockey is a gateway to health, confidence, and community cohesion. From grassroots participation to structured coaching programs, hockey is proving to be a powerful tool for education, inclusion, and well-being across Oceania. Through initiatives like Hook in4 Health, the sport continues to bring communities together, empower individuals, and promote a healthier, more connected future. Read the full story here. Together, these stories reveal the heart of a global movement—where hockey is more than competition, more than medals. It is a force for inclusion, empowerment, and peace. As we look ahead, the FIH calls on the entire hockey family to continue pushing boundaries, breaking stereotypes, and building bridges through the universal language of sport. #IDSDP2025 Source: FIH.hockey

01 Apr, 2025 Leading up to the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which takes place on 6 April, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) will spend the upcoming days celebrating hockey’s place in promoting peace and development via a range of projects and initiatives. The stories come from across the five hockey-playing continents, with today’s story coming from three countries across Africa. As part of ongoing efforts to expand the reach and impact of hockey across the African continent, several key initiatives have been taking place in Senegal, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. These programs continue to promote inclusivity, youth development, and the power of sport to bring communities together. Zimbabwe: A New Era for Youth Hockey In Zimbabwe, the Hockey Futures League (HFL) is transforming youth hockey by creating an inclusive and competitive environment for players from Early Childhood Development (ECD) up to Form 4. Designed to nurture young talent, the league brings together aspiring athletes under four distinct franchises—Cobras, Mambas, Adders, and Vipers. These teams engage in spirited Saturday Night Matches, an event held twice a month that has become a staple in the local hockey community. The league is more than just a competition; it is a space where young players can learn, grow, and foster a deep passion for the game. In addition to the regular matches, HFL organizes special tournaments, such as the Easter and Christmas Tournaments, where players from various backgrounds come together to compete in 7-a-side competitions. These events serve as a celebration of the sport, bringing families and communities closer while giving young players a platform to showcase their skills. For participants like Mdu Msipa, the league offers an unmatched thrill. “The competition in HFL keeps me motivated! Playing under the lights makes the atmosphere electric,” he shared. Another player, Kyden Trivella, echoed similar sentiments. “I love HFL because it’s a chance to see my friends, enjoy some friendly banter, and improve my game. Hockey is my passion, and this league allows me to push myself further.” With its engaging format and strong emphasis on skill development, the Hockey Futures League continues to be a vital force in shaping the future of Zimbabwean hockey. South Africa: Using Hockey to Celebrate Human Rights Each year, South Africa commemorates Human Rights Day on March 21st, a date deeply rooted in the country’s history. SA Hockey plays a vital role in these celebrations by hosting festivals nationwide, using the sport to promote values of diversity, equality, and mutual respect. These events align with the organization’s Safeguarding Policy, which seeks to create a safe and equitable sporting environment for all participants. The mission behind these hockey festivals is clear: to provide young athletes with an opportunity to engage in the sport in a way that fosters personal growth, teamwork, and a commitment to healthy living. Recognizing the existing inequalities in society, SA Hockey has designed these events to be more than just a celebration. They serve as a means to provide access to the sport for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate. The initiative is supported by global recommendations, including UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasize Good Health & Well-being through initiatives such as the ‘Wash 4 Hockey’ project. Additionally, UNESCO advocates for at least two hours of physical education per week, while the World Health Organization recommends 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. By aligning with these international standards, SA Hockey ensures that its programs contribute to the holistic development of young athletes. South Africa also integrates hockey into the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, reinforcing the sport’s role in promoting unity and social progress. Through these initiatives, hockey in South Africa continues to serve as a powerful vehicle for education, empowerment, and inclusion. Senegal: Expanding Hockey’s Reach through CISA From February 19th to 21st, 2025, the Senegalese Hockey Committee took part in the 11th Edition of the Africa International Sports Convention (CISA), a significant gathering of sports leaders and stakeholders. The event focused on crucial discussions around the role of African sports in global influence, sustainable financing, and the development of structured projects that benefit school sports and youth engagement. During the convention, Mr. Seif Ahmed, President of the African Hockey Federation (AfHF), delivered a compelling message about the importance of raising hockey’s profile in Senegal. He emphasized the need for increased visibility and grassroots development to establish hockey as a key sport in the country. Echoing this sentiment, the President of CISA expressed a commitment to integrating hockey into their youth-focused initiative, CISA Kids, ensuring that more young athletes are introduced to the sport at an early stage. With growing institutional support and a clear vision for the future, hockey in Senegal is set to gain further traction, paving the way for a new generation of players and enthusiasts. From Senegal’s commitment to expanding hockey’s reach, Zimbabwe’s vibrant youth league, and South Africa’s dedication to using the sport as a tool for social change, hockey is steadily gaining momentum across the continent. With strategic partnerships, grassroots engagement, and community-driven programs, the future of African hockey looks brighter than ever. These initiatives not only provide a foundation for athletic excellence but also reinforce the power of sport to unite, inspire, and create meaningful change. Source: FIH.hockey

20 Mar, 2025 On behalf of FIH and in my personal name, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Kirsty Coventry for her election at the helm of the International Olympic Committee. By choosing to elect a female President for the first time, the IOC Members have sent a strong and clear message that resonates very well with our stance and actions towards gender-equality. I have a decade-long working relationship with Kirsty, serving together for the best interests of the athletes. I know that under her presidency, our Olympic sport will continue to be supported and developed. Kirsty knows that she can count on hockey’s global community to support her tackling all the challenges that the Olympic movement and sports in general have to face nowadays. In a disrupted world, sport plays an ever-increasing part in society to bring people together. Hockey’s world governing body and myself will be side by side with the IOC and its new President to pursue the development of sport and the growth of the social relevance of sport. I already wish Kirsty every success in her new, exciting and fundamental mission.