09 Jun, 2025 Monday’s lone FIH Hockey Pro League fixture offered plenty of drama in an enthralling clash in Amsterdam. The Netherlands men did just enough to complete the double over India and stretch their lead at the top of the table. (Men’s) Netherlands 3 – 2 India The Netherlands boosted their title hopes with a riveting 3-2 win over a fired-up Indian side who were left to rue a poor conversion rate from their nine penalty corners. Both teams created great scoring opportunities in the opening quarter, Abhishek and Shilanand Lakra missing narrowly for India, and Tjep Hoedemakers clattering one into the post for the Netherlands. India held the initial advantage, though, making numerous pass intercepts and one-on-one steals that led to regular circle entries. India carried their momentum into the second period and went ahead in the 20th minute. Playing in his 100th match for India, Abhishek sent a blistering strike into the roof of the net. The Dutch gradually settled into the game, though, and equalised four minutes later. Captain Thierry Brinkman crabbed some distance along the baseline before popping the ball across goal for Thijs van Dam to swat it in from waist height. The scores were locked 1-1 at half time. Tjep Hoedemakers gave the hosts the lead in the 33rd minute, when his high-quality deflection from close range gave goalkeeper Pathak no chance to adjust his angles. Pathak got a good touch to disrupt the Dutch a couple of minutes later, though, and India finished the third period in the ascendancy with a flurry of attacks and penalty corners. With just one goal separating the teams, there was no thought of playing conservatively in the final quarter. Both teams had chances before Jugraj Singh equalised for India with a 54th-minute drag flick. Kumar Upadhyay Lalit then very nearly upset the home fans, stealing a loose ball off the last Dutch defender, but his cheeky lobbed shot was gloved away by a frantically backpedalling Maurits Visser. The winning goal came with just three minutes remaining, when Jip Janssen’s drag flick sealed the victory for the Dutch. Derck de Vilder received the player of the match award for the Netherlands and said: “I think it was a hard game, especially the second half. India came out hard and we had a lot of trouble with their pressing.” Current Hero Top Scorers: Women – Yibbi Jansen (NED) (9 goals) Men – Tom Boon (BEL) (14 goals) To see the current standings in the FIH Hockey Pro League, click here. FIH Hockey Pro League – 9 June 2025 Wagener Stadion, Amsterdam, Netherlands (NED) Men Result: Match 40 (M) Netherlands 3 – 2 India Player of the match: Derck de Vilder (NED) Umpires: Ben Goentgen (GER), Magali Sergeant (BEL), Michael Dutrieux (BEL-video)

06 Jun, 2025 “I was honoured and glad to recently meet IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry. Both expressed how happy they feel about hockey’s presence in the Olympics. In particular, they praised hockey for showcasing itself so well as a sport during the Paris 2024 Games.” “We of course discussed about the ongoing preparation works for the next two editions in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.   They look forward to a great impact of hockey at the next Olympiad!” – Tayyab Ikram, FIH President

04 Jun, 2025 At the beginning of this year, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) decided to make it mandatory for all players to wear a face mask when defending penalty corners in all FIH events. This measure was taken to further protect players this very special moment of the game of hockey. FIH is also encouraging Continental Federations and National Associations to adopt this too. The decision was made in light of the FIH’s 2022 consultation programme “The Future of Penalty Corner” which received 4,000 responses worldwide. Prior to this new policy, it was only the goalkeeper who was obliged to wear protective gear. However, defenders are also exposed to drag flickers, which can reach speeds of 150kpmh, so ensuring they are also wearing face masks will reduce risk and prevent more head injuries. This new requirement is no incorporated into the FIH Tournament Regulations. Now, FIH is adding a further component to its initial decision by creating a new certification programme within its FIH Quality Programme. Based on pioneering research undertaken by the Sports Technology Institute at Loughborough University, the new certification programme will ensure that FIH Recommended protective face masks provide appropriate levels of impact protection. Additionally, FIH Recommended equipment has to be manufactured under strict quality control procedures, reducing the risk of defective products entering the market. Knowing their protective head gear has been independently tested and is FIH Recommended gives athletes peace of mind, allowing them to focus on performance without worrying about equipment failure. Further details about the FIH Recommended Face Protectors certification are available here Source: FIH.hockey