FIH President: “Everything is ready for the hockey stars to shine!”

    Paris, France: With the Paris Olympics less than a week away, FIH President Tayyab Ikram shares his thoughts on the upcoming Olympiad, his expectations for the sport and the position of hockey within the Olympic movement. A few days before the start of the Olympic hockey tournaments, what feeling is prevailing? It’s a mix of huge excitement and responsibility. I have multiplied the contacts with the teams, the athletes, the officials, the International Olympic Committee, the Local Organising Committee, and it is clear that the fervour is rising! At the same time, for us, as an International Federation, our responsibility is to make sure that the athletes will be able to express themselves in the best possible conditions. Nevertheless, in view of the Test event organised in May at the Yves-du-Manoir stadium and the regular exchanges we have had with the organisers, I can assure you that all the lights are green! What do you expect from these Games? First and foremost, I expect the Olympic spirit to prevail throughout the Games. In today’s troubled world, I am convinced that sport – especially mega-events such as the Olympic Games – can soften morals and bring people together. The Olympic Truce is a strong symbol that unites people. And in terms of hockey? Frankly, I’m expecting a festival! Thanks to the efforts devoted to coaching, the professionalization of all hockey structures, the physical, technical, tactical and mental preparation of athletes, the hockey quality keeps on raising. You only have to look at the last two World Cups – women and men –, the FIH Hockey Pro League, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup or the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups to see for yourself. It’s striking! What would you say to sports fans who will be following the Games but are not yet familiar with hockey? Come and discover our sport! Witness its skilfulness, its velocity and its dynamism! Its fair play, too. I am convinced that these Games will be a great showcase for hockey and an ideal springboard for its development, especially in the host country, which will also inherit a very high-level working tool with this brand-new infrastructure! What message would you like to send to the athletes? First of all, I wish them to do everything possible to live this experience to the fullest! For some, it may be their only Olympic Games. Can you imagine that? The experience of a lifetime! Then, I would tell them to do everything possible on the sporting level so as not to regret anything. Don’t be inhibited by the stakes! Be convinced of your strength and talent. Express them! Finally, I invite them to share their Olympic experience with their families, friends and fans. Social media are a great help for that! It’s so important, not only for them but also for the promotion of our sport. How does hockey fit into the Olympic movement? We are very proud to be part of the Olympic movement. We are an active, recognized member, always willing to listen but also to share. Let’s not forget that hockey made its first appearance in the Olympic Games programme in 1908. This longevity is not insignificant. The Summer Games are back in Paris, 100 years after the last edition in France. The FIH was born in Paris … exactly 100 years ago. What does all this inspire you? A wonderful symbol! Frankly, we couldn’t have dreamed of better! I have no doubt that these Games will be a huge success for us, for the entire Olympic world and for fans around the world! For this, I would like to express the sincerest gratitude of FIH and the entire international hockey community to the International Olympic Committee, the Local Organising Committee and the French authorities for their tireless efforts, professionalism and enthusiasm! #Hockey #Paris2024 #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites 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.

    Fixtures for the “Central-South Africa Qualifier for ACN 2025 (M/W)” | 17 – 21 August 2024 (Harare, Zimbabwe) – UPDATED

      Final list of confirmed participating teams (8 Teams): 4 Men Teams: Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 Zambia 🇿🇲 Namibia 🇳🇦 Eswatini 🇸🇿 4 Women Teams: Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 Zambia 🇿🇲 Namibia 🇳🇦 Eswatini 🇸🇿 REMARKS:  The top 2 Men’s teams and top 3 Women’s teams would qualify from the Central-South Africa region to the Africa Cup of Nations [ACN] 2025  

      Unsung Heroes of Olympic Hockey: the Umpires

        15 Jul, 2024 The Olympics are a grand spectacle, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Yet, behind every stunning goal and breathtaking save lies the tireless work of hockey umpires, a key part of the officiating team, ensuring the smooth operation and fairness of the matches. This officiating team, all of whom are volunteers, includes the Technical Delegates, Technical Officials, Umpire Managers, Umpires and Medical Officers, who act together as crucial cogs in creating the global spectacle that is Olympic Hockey. In today’s story, we delve into the crucial roles that umpires play, enriched with insights from Xiaoying Liu from China and Martin Madden from Scotland, two esteemed umpires with decades of experience umpiring at the top level. The Journey to Becoming an Umpire The path to becoming a hockey umpire often begins with a deep-rooted love for the sport. Xiaoying Liu’s story is a testament to this passion. “I played hockey for 12 years and after I retired, I didn’t want to leave this group. I chose to be an umpire because I can stay connected with the people and the sport and give back to it,” Xiaoying shared. Her transition from player to umpire highlights a common trajectory where former athletes find a new way to stay connected to the game they love. Similarly, Martin Madden’s journey was influenced by family and opportunity. “I started umpiring when I was 15. My dad, an international hockey umpire, suggested I give it a try, and it turned out I had a natural ability for it,” Martin recalled. His early start and familial encouragement were pivotal in his umpiring career, underscoring the diverse routes individuals take towards becoming an international umpire. Balancing Life and Officiating: The Second Family Being an umpire is a commitment that requires balancing personal life with professional responsibilities. Xiaoying articulated this challenge: “We need to balance family, our professional careers and hockey careers. As a female umpire with a family and two children, it’s difficult to leave them for long periods. But we want to continue following our passion and perform at a high level to set an example for our kids.” For Martin, the camaraderie among umpires helps alleviate some of these challenges. “It’s all the shared experience. We spend a lot of time together at tournaments, helping each other through tough days and celebrating good ones. It’s unique because it’s not just feedback before and after matches. During the matches, the level of conversations between the two umpires on field and the feedback we share with each other in the immediate moment is not something I think we see in other sports. This creates a strong bond, making us feel like a family,” he explained. This sense of family among officials is a distinctive aspect of the hockey umpiring community, fostering a supportive environment both on and off the field. The Olympic Experience Umpiring at the Olympics is a dream come true for many umpires, but it also presents unique challenges and experiences. Xiaoying’s first Olympic experience in Tokyo was marked by strict COVID-19 protocols. “It was very special but also very different because of the restrictions. We couldn’t go out or watch other sports, and it was totally different from every other tournament,” she reflected. Without these limitations, and with sell out crowds, Xiaoying is looking forward to Paris 2024 with optimism, hoping to showcase her true abilities. Martin, who has umpired at many high-profile events including multiple World Cups and Olympic Games, mentions the stark contrast in the scale of the overall event. “The absolute size and scale of the Olympics compared to any other event is phenomenal. You realize you’re a small part of a massive movement,” he noted. As he approaches his final Olympic tournament before retirement, Martin aims to leave on a high note, cherishing the time spent with fellow umpires and striving to perform his best. The collaborative environment among umpires enhances the quality of umpiring at all levels. This is especially relevant at an event of the Olympic scale which comes with its unique challenges as the eyes of the world are set firmly on every minute of the action. “We develop strong relationships and bonds through feedback and support. This helps us manage the pressures, improve our skills and ensures the best for the sport,” Martin emphasized. The honesty and mutual respect within the umpiring community contribute significantly to the high standards expected at the Olympics. Team Building and Preparation for Paris 2024 To ensure optimal performance at the Olympic Game Paris 2024, the umpires will arrive early for a pre-Games training camp. Having taken the initiative, 28 umpires and 4 umpire managers will gather in Cergy, north-west of Paris, from 21-24 July and participate in the camp designed for team-building activities and final preparations. This will help them acclimate to the conditions and get over their travel and jet lag, which will contribute towards better performances during the matches. Such initiatives enhance their readiness and are a direct result of the familial bonds built over the years. The dedication and hard work of hockey umpires and officials are pivotal to the success of the Olympic Games. Through their stories, we gain insight into their journeys, challenges, and the camaraderie that defines their community. As they prepare for Paris 2024, their commitment to excellence and their roles as unsung heroes of the sport will undoubtedly contribute to another memorable Olympic Games. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be played from 27 July to 9 August. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey. The view the complete list of officials for Hockey at Paris 2024, click here. Source: FIH.hockey

        FIH President: “We must look very carefully at the expectations of the youth”

          July 10, 2024 As he was in Amsterdam, Netherlands, recently to attend the last matches of the fifth edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League, FIH President Tayyab Ikram participated in the General Assembly of the Dutch Hockey Federation (KNHB) clubs. In his address to the more than 300 clubs belonging to KNHB’s club structure, the FIH President touched upon a wide range of key strategic topics for hockey and its development, and thanked the clubs for the invaluable support that, through their remarkable efforts and dedication, they’re providing to their communities. One of his major focus points was about the way the hockey community presents the sport and its ability to be even more appealing for future generations. “We must look very carefully at the expectations of the youth towards sports. This is fundamental for the future of hockey. Clubs have a major role to play in this regard,” President Ikram said. “Providing a safe environment for children, ensuring to spend enough time with them to socialize, taking appropriate measures to protect mental health are absolute ‘must-do’ for clubs. It’s a matter of respect for the kids in the first place, and crucial to maintain our appeal as a sport too,” he continued. President Ikram emphasized that mental health should be taken into consideration with a more professional approach. Creating a secure and positive environment helps address the challenges our youth face today. The FIH President went on by requesting from club leaders to ensure that young athletes always feel well whenever they’re playing hockey, as this will help them grow not only as players but also as individuals. This, in turn, is beneficial for everyone, including the clubs themselves. He expressly tasked KNHB to embrace this as a major project. Another crucial topic mentioned by the FIH President was inclusion and diversity. He encouraged all clubs to have a more diversified approach: “Please engage with less privileged people, children, or communities. KNHB is already doing a great job with its Foundation; clubs should also start individual initiatives.” President Ikram also highlighted the importance of sustainability within the hockey community. He noted that clubs should leverage the involvement of parents to provide a positive impact on the kids. This involvement is beneficial for the children’s development. Engaging parents in club activities creates opportunities for discussions on club values and community mental health. He further stressed that training is more important than traditional education in the context of sports. “Don’t teach; they learn. Our priority should be to make individuals ready for the future. Whatever is required, clubs should be able to cater to those needs.” With less than a month to go to the next Olympiad, the General Assembly took place, quite symbolically, in the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium that was built for the 1928 Olympic Games. The legacy of the Olympics and recent events serve as reminders of the ongoing commitment to sports excellence and the need to continuously support our athletes. In conclusion, President Ikram reiterated the importance of the club’s role in promoting mental health awareness, sustainability, and the rights of athletes as we look forward to events like the FIH Hockey World Cup in 2026. The focus remains on creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all athletes. Source: FIH.hockey

          Zimbabwe’s Golden Girls: The first Olympic Gold Medalists in Women’s Hockey

            Lausanne, Switzerland: In the annals of Olympic history, few stories are as inspiring as that of the Zimbabwe women’s hockey team, affectionately known as the “Golden Girls.” Their triumph at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games is a testament to the power of determination, unity, and passion for the sport. In an exclusive interview with Ann Grant, the captain of the team, we delve into the incredible journey of these pioneering women. The Road to Moscow In late June 1980, an air of excitement enveloped the newly formed nation of Zimbabwe. The women’s hockey team had been invited to participate in the XXII Olympic Games, marking the first time women’s hockey was included as an Olympic discipline. For Zimbabwe, which had just gained independence in April of that year, this was more than just a sporting competition; it was a chance to put their fledgling nation on the world map. Ann Grant recalls the moment they received the invitation: “Our team was extremely excited to be invited to the XXII Olympic Games, especially as it was the first time women’s hockey was an Olympic discipline and our new nation of Zimbabwe was only formally confirmed in April 1980.” Initially, the team’s destination was South Africa for an annual interprovincial tournament. However, in a surprising turn of events, they were instead invited to the Moscow Olympics. With just a month to prepare, the team had to hastily organize passports, uniforms, and a multitude of administrative details, all while securing a month’s leave from their employers. The Zimbabwe National Olympic Committee worked tirelessly to ensure everything was in order, while the players juggled their full-time jobs with increased hockey practices and matches against men’s teams to prepare for the games. Arrival in Moscow Arriving in Moscow ten days before the start of the Olympics, the team faced the challenge of adapting to artificial turf, something none of the players had ever experienced. Daily practices at local stadiums were invaluable in getting accustomed to this new surface. Despite the logistical hurdles and the unfamiliar environment, the team’s spirit remained unbroken. Ann vividly remembers their initial days in Moscow: “We were taken to the super new Olympic Village with amenities open 24 hours and then rushed off to get new hockey shoes as not one of us had ever played on artificial turf, including our coach!” The Olympic Experience Walking into Lenin Stadium for the opening ceremony was a moment of awe and pride for the Zimbabwe team. Dressed in their bright blue uniforms, they marched with their new national flag flying high. The atmosphere in the Olympic Village was electric, and the team had the chance to meet other Olympic champions like Daley Thompson and Sir Sebastian Coe. Ann describes the opening ceremony: “The aura from the beautiful stadium, the magnitude of the many spectators, and the sheer joy of being a part of this momentous occasion was a mind-blowing experience.” The Zimbabwe women’s hockey team was an enthusiastic and determined group, resolute in their mission to give their best on the field. Under the expert guidance of coach Anthea Stewart, they adapted their tactics to face unknown opponents and displayed remarkable tenacity and skill. The Golden Moment The women’s hockey tournament was conducted on a round-robin basis, featuring teams from Russia, Czechoslovakia, Poland, India, Austria, and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe remained unbeaten heading into their final match against Austria. The victory secured them the gold medal, making history as the first winners in Olympic women’s hockey and earning Zimbabwe its first-ever Olympic gold! Ann recalls the moment of victory: “It is difficult to express our feelings of sheer joy and excitement of our achievement! We stood on that red carpet to receive our gold medals from Mr. Reg Alexander, IOC member from Kenya, and Mr. Renee Frank, the President of the International Hockey Federation. The unforgettable moment our flag was raised with the beautiful Olympic hymn playing in the background.” Celebrations and Legacy The reception back home in Zimbabwe was nothing short of spectacular. The team was welcomed with a guard of honor by school drum majorettes and a huge crowd of fans and their families. Several functions were organized to celebrate their achievement, ensuring that all Zimbabweans could share in this historic moment. The legacy of the Golden Girls continues to inspire future generations of hockey players in Zimbabwe. The annual Golden Girls Hockey Tournament, held every July, keeps the spirit of their victory alive. Many of the team members have gone on to coach at various levels, giving back to the sport that brought them together. A Fairytale to Remember The team’s journey was meticulously documented in a handwritten diary, capturing every moment of their Olympic adventure. Ann recounts how it all came about: “Our coach, Anthea Stewart, made a team rule of writing the day’s events and happenings in a handwritten diary to document, from beginning to end, the story of our own Olympic journey – this was written in the same order as your team number. What incredible memoirs “Dear Diary” has safely tucked inside, with many laughs as we read through the various stories but also tears, as we remember our dear vice-captain and wonderful leader Liz Chase who has sadly passed on.” These memoirs, filled with laughter and tears, are a cherished testament to their incredible story. Despite being scattered around the globe, the remaining members of the Golden Girls maintain close contact, bonded by their shared history and the lifelong friendships forged during their golden moment. Their story, as recounted by Ann Grant, is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with determination, unity, and a love for the game. The Golden Girls’ victory at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games remains one of the most inspirational chapters in the history of women’s hockey and Zimbabwean sport. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be played from 27 July to 9 August. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey. #Paris2024 #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites For more information about FIH

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