06 Aug, 2024 The men’s hockey gold medal match at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be an all-European encounter, with Germany overcoming India in sensational circumstances to set up a clash with fierce rivals the Netherlands on Thursday (8 August). India dominated the first quarter, with the electric skills of Hardik Singh causing no end of problems for the Germany defence. Die Honamas – who are four times Olympic gold medallists – successfully defended four early penalty corners, but eventually the pressure told when Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flick took a wicked deflection off a German foot to sail into the net. Germany turned the match on its head in the second period, with former Argentina penalty corner ace Gonzalo Peillat having a huge impact. Peillat scored with his very first penalty corner attempt, rattling the India backboard with a low drag-flick. Peillat’s second penalty corner attempt also resulted in a goal, hitting an India foot on the goal-line before Christopher Rühr expertly dispatched the resulting penalty stroke. India, perhaps unfortunate to be trailing at half time, restored parity six minutes into the third quarter with Sukhjeet Singh guided a penalty corner deflection into the net. However, Germany broke India’s hearts when Marco Miltkau touched home with six minutes of the contest remaining, securing a place in their first Olympic final since winning the title against the Netherlands at London 2012. It was a remarkable contest which, despite the high stakes and intensity, did not see a single disciplinary card awarded to either team. “I feel very proud to have made the final, but we cannot be proud with our performance, to be honest”, said Germany’s Justus Weigand. “It was a fight until the end and we are so happy.” Looking ahead to a classic European encounter with the Netherlands, Weigand said: “Yeah, it’s very classic. I think everybody dreams about this match-up and we are looking forward to the game. Let’s see how it ends.” While India’s 44-year wait for a ninth Olympic gold medal goes on, they have an opportunity to win a second successive Olympic bronze when they face Spain on Thursday. The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. #Hockey #Paris2024 Source: FIH.hockey

06 Aug, 2024 As the hockey action continues at pace in the historic Yves-du-Manoir stadium, which served as the home of the Olympic Games Paris 1924, and hosted the opening ceremony for the Games of the VIII Olympiad, a hundred years ago, we also look back at the century of existence completed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), which was formed in the very same year of 1924, in Paris! Hockey was formalised with the formation of the “Fédération Internationale de Hockey sur Gazon” on 7 January 1924, in Paris. Frenchman Paul Léautey formed the organisation with initial members from Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Hungary, Spain and Switzerland. By that stage, men’s hockey had already featured in two editions of the Olympic Games – in 1908 and 1920. But, spurred on by its omission from the 1924 Games in Paris, Léautey decided it was imperative that an international governing body be formed. That was the start of the hundred-year journey which has taken hockey to where it is today. Including Paris 2024, hockey has been played at 25 editions of the Olympic Games so far while 16 editions of both the men’s and women’s FIH Hockey World Cup have taken place. Earlier this year, speaking on the day of the FIH’s 100th anniversary, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach said: “You can look back with so much pride on 100 years of great progress. Starting with only seven member associations, FIH has not stopped growing ever since. Today, your 140 national associations underline in an impressive way that hockey has grown to a truly global sport with worldwide appeal. As you look to this bright future, let me reiterate that FIH, under the great leadership of my friend Tayyab Ikram, can always count on the IOC as a partner by your side to promote our shared Olympic values of peace and solidarity.” To watch the full message from the IOC President, please click here. FIH President Tayyab Ikram added at the time: “We commemorate a century of resilience, progress, and the unyielding spirit of the hockey community. We pay tribute to our athletes, visionary leaders, dedicated volunteers, valued partners, and to all those who have been part of this incredible journey. Our journey, from seven member associations to a sport played in 140 countries, is a testament to the enduring power of hockey. It has been more than just a game; it has been a force for unity, resilience, and positive change marking a century of sporting excellence. I must express my appreciation and admiration for our heroes, our athletes of all times. They have shown great resilience and adaptability by adjusting to changing conditions, environments, equipment, rules, and officiating principles. Their unlimited capacity to perform have elevated the game to higher levels and they serve as role models for all of us.” To watch the full message from the FIH President, please click here. Read the full story on the FIH celebration on 7 January 2024, by clicking here. Source: FIH.hockey

06 Aug, 2024 Wednesday 7 August is women’s semi-finals day at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium, with the Netherlands taking on great rivals Argentina at 14:00 CEST before Belgium’s Red Panthers face an inspired China at 19:00. With 20,000 fans watching the two matches – 10,000 tickets have been sold for each contest – it is going to be another sensational day of hockey action at the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. Netherlands v Argentina – 14:00 CEST After their men’s team successfully negotiated their way to the gold medal game on Tuesday (6 August), the Netherlands women will want to keep alive hopes of a Dutch double here at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Their comfortable 3-1 quarter-final victory over Great Britain was their sixth win on the bounce at Yves-du-Manoir, having scored 22 goals and conceded just six. No nation has ever won both the men’s and the women’s hockey gold medals at the same Olympic Games, so history could be made here in Paris. However, Argentina will do everything in their power to stop the mighty Dutch, and certainly have the quality to do it as they continue their search for a first Olympic title. In addition to on-field excellence, they also have motivation, with many players part of the team beaten by the Netherlands in the gold medal match at Tokyo 2020. With a large contingent of Dutch and Argentinean fans attending, the stadium will be a cauldron of noise, colour and atmosphere. Player perspectives  Renee van Laarhoven (NED): “I think we always have great, amazing games against Argentina. I mean, we know they have loads of passion. They give it their all. We saw it against Germany today, again. We always love to play against them, and I think they love to play against us as well. It’s always a great fight. And, yeah, we can’t wait to keep going.” Agustina Albertarrio (ARG): “(Reaching the semi-finals) is amazing. I love our team. I don’t have the words to explain it, but now we have to rest, and we have to keep fighting, because now we have a really hard game (in the semi-finals).” Belgium v China – 19:00 CEST Having claimed five wins from six matches – their only defeat coming at the hands of the Netherlands – Belgium’s women are already guaranteed their best ever finish at an Olympic Games. A wonderful achievement no doubt, but the Red Panthers have their eyes on the big prize. Outstanding in their 2-0 win over Spain, Belgium are brimming with confidence and will be determined to make the most of what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reach the Olympic final. Competing in their first Olympic semi-final in 16 years, China’s impressive form in Paris is a testament to how far they have come since Alyson Annan became head coach in 2022. China’s only other Olympic semi-final appearance came at Beijing 2008, where goals from Gao Lihua, Ma Yibo and Zhao Yudiao helped the hosts to a 3-2 victory before taking the silver medal, losing in the final to the Netherlands. However, after defeating Pool B winners Australia in the quarter-finals, China will believe they have nothing to fear in their next two matches, starting with Belgium. Player perspectives  Delphine-Daphne Marien (BEL): “They (China) are really disciplined, they work so hard but we are going to do the same. Playing for the medals, everybody will be even more fired up. For sure we are going to be ready from the first whistle. And then hopefully, hopefully, hopefully we can make to the final.” Ou Ziaxia (CHN): “To reach the Olympic semi-finals is a big pay-off for us, a representation of the hard work that we have put in. They (Australia) were the champion of their pool. I’m very proud of my team-mates and very proud of my coach.” Women’s Semi-Finals – Wednesday 7 August 2024 (all times CEST) 14:00: Netherlands vs Argentina 19:00: Belgium vs China Medal Matches – Friday 9 August 2024 14:00: Bronze medal match 20:00: Gold medal match The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey.  #Hockey #Paris2024 Source: FIH.hockey

04 Aug, 2024 Paris, France – Day 9: It was an astonishing day of men’s quarter-final action on Sunday (4 August) with India, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany all reaching the Olympic Games Paris 2024 hockey semi-finals at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium.  Ten-player India showed huge determination in a remarkable win against Great Britain before Spain produced a sensational performance to eliminate Belgium, the reigning Olympic champions. The Netherlands battled their way past Australia, while Germany got the better of Argentina. The result completed the line-up for the semi-finals, with Germany set to meet eight times Olympic gold medallists India and the Netherlands facing Spain in the final four on Tuesday 6 August. The timings of the semi-finals can be found below, with a complete list of available fixtures and timings available here. Men’s Semi-finals – Tuesday 6 August 2024 (all times CEST) 14:00   Netherlands vs Spain 19:00   Germany vs India More information on today’s matches can be found below, with additional details available here. India 1-1 Great Britain (4-2 after shoot-out)  India men reached the Olympic semi-finals against all odds, defeating Great Britain in a shoot-out despite being a player down for almost three quarters of the match after Amit Rohidas was shown a red card. Remarkably, India took a shock lead five minutes later through a Harmanpreet Singh penalty corner before Great Britain’s Lee Morton tied the scores ahead of half time. India produced a remarkable defensive display for the remainder of the contest, forcing a shoot-out in which they triumphed thanks to goalkeeping heroics from PR Sreejesh, who is set to retire after Paris 2024. “It was so amazing”, said experienced midfielder and former India captain Manpreet Singh, who won Olympic bronze with the team at Tokyo 2020. “I expected that (it would be difficult) when we lost one guy, but we still defended very well. So I give thanks to our entire team, because they gave their best today.” Belgium 2-3 Spain In the second quarter-final, Spain produced a masterclass in game management to end Belgium’s hopes of winning a second successive Olympic gold medal. The Red Sticks emerged 3-2 winners against the Tokyo 2020 champions to reach their first Olympic semi-final since Beijing 2008, where a team containing generational talents such as Pol Amat, Santi Freixa and Edi Tubau went on to become silver medallists. “I’m so happy right now”, said Marc Miralles, who contributed to the scoreline alongside Jose Basterra and Marc Reyne, after the match. “I’m really proud of how we played the whole game. We moved the ball really well, we communicated really well. We defended so good all the time.” Netherlands 2-0 Australia The Netherlands became the third men’s team to reach the semi-finals, defeating Australia 2-0 to exact revenge on the side that defeated them at the same stage of the tournament at Tokyo 2020. It was another fiercely contested match at Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, with the large contingent of Dutch fans getting the win that they so desperately wanted thanks to goals from Duco Telgenkamp and Thijs van Dam. Telgenkamp’s superb penalty corner deflection came five minutes into the second half, with Van Dam scoring a stunning solo goal to effectively kill off the Kookaburras – who rallied hard in the latter stages – with eight minutes remaining. “I feel amazing”, said Netherlands goal-scorer Telgenkamp after the match. “It was just a fighting game. We fought until the end to get a good result. it was just a fantastic performance from the team.” Germany 3-2 Argentina Germany kept alive their quest for the fifth Olympic gold medal with a hard-fought win against Argentina, who twice fought back before Germany’s Justus Weigand scored a late winner to break the hearts of Los Leones at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Die Honamas twice lead through Teo Hinrichs and Gonzalo Peillat, only for Maico Casella and Agustin Mazzilli to peg back Germany on each occasion. However, it was to be Germany’s day, with Weigand tapping into an unguarded net after a surging run and pass from Niklas Wellen. Looking ahead to Germany’s semi-final against India on Tuesday, Rühr said: “India is going to be hell of a game. I mean, they got the red card and worked their way through to the shoot-out, which is extraordinary. And yeah, we’ve got to be there. And if we were there, we’re going to win, but we’ve got to show up.” Further information and statistics on all of today’s matches can be found by clicking here. Notable figures attending the Olympic hockey at Yves-du-Manoir on Day 9 included the Duchess of Edinburgh of the British royal family, legendary football coach Louis van Gaal, Bollywood star Taapsee Pannu, Danish badminton player Matias Boe and Pawan Munjal, the CEO of Hero MotoCorp. The knock-out phase of the Paris 2024 Olympic hockey competition continues on Monday 5 August with four fantastic women’s quarter-finals at Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium. At 10:00 CEST, Pool B winners Australia face Pool A’s fourth placed team China as former Hockeyroos team-mates Katrina Powell and Alyson Annan, the respective coaches of Australia and China, go head-to-head. At 12:30, Pool B runners up Argentina face Pool A’s third placed team Germany before Pool A winners the Netherlands take on Great Britain, who finished fourth in Pool B, at 17:30.  The women’s quarter-finals are concluded at 20:00 with a meeting between Pool A runners up Belgium and Spain, who finished fourth in Pool B. A preview of these matches can be found by clicking here. The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. Olympic Games Paris 2024 – Hockey 4 August 2024 – Day 9 Results – Men’s Quarter-Finals India 1-1 Great Britain (4-2 after shoot-out) Belgium 2-3 Spain Netherlands 2-0 Australia Germany 3-2 Argentina Fixtures – Men’s Semi Finals (All time CEST) 14:00: Netherlands v Spain 19:00: Germany v India

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04 Aug, 2024 On Monday 5 August, the Yves-du-Manoir Hockey Stadium provides the stage for the women’s quarter-finals, where eight teams will fight it out for the four available semi-finals spots here at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Ahead of the big day, we take a quick look at four matches that will take place. Australia v China – 10:00 CEST Pool B winners Australia will start their match against China, the fourth ranked team in Pool A, as strong favourites. Having claimed four wins and a draw from their pool campaign, the Hockeyroos are clearly in confident mood. However, China come into this contest on the back of a 7-1 thrashing of hosts France, a high-quality performance that showed how dangerous they can be on their day. With former Aussie team-mates (and double Olympic gold medalists) in charge of the two teams – Katrina Powell for the Hockeyroos, Alyson Annan for China – it will be fascinating to see how this contest plays out. Argentina v Germany – 12:30 CEST Meeting in the quarter-finals for the second Olympics in succession, Argentina recorded a 3-0 victory over Die Danas at Tokyo 2020 with goals coming from Agustina Albertarrio, Victoria Granatto and Valentina Raposo. It’s anybody’s guess whether history will repeat itself in Paris, but Argentina have looked very good so far in this competition. They were unbeaten in Pool B, claiming four wins and a draw to finish second behind Australia on goal difference. Germany have enjoyed some brilliant moments here, claiming three wins to finish third in Pool A. They also have two players currently in the race for tournament top scorer, with Nike Lorenz having netted six times and Charlotte Stapenhorst five. Netherlands v Great Britain – 17:30 CEST Having won all five of their Pool A matches and scored an astonishing 19 goals, the Netherlands are hot favourites to retain their Olympic gold medal. Tournament top scorer Yibbi Jansen is in imperious form, having already scored seven goals for her country here in Paris. However, Great Britain – who finished fourth in Pool B – should certainly not be underestimated. The team has medaled at the last three Olympic Games, famously defeating the Netherlands to win gold at Rio 2016 as well as claiming bronze at both London 2012 and Tokyo 2020. Belgium v Spain – 20:00 CEST Belgium’s strong showing in Pool A, winning four out of five matches, suggests that they are the team to beat in this particular clash. However, the same was said ahead of Sunday’s quarter-final meeting between the two nations’ men’s teams before Spain tore up the script, knocking defending champions Belgium out of the competition. While Pool B’s third placed team Spain will believe lightning can strike twice at Yves-du-Manoir, they know they face a Red Panthers side bang in form. Striker Ambre Ballenghien has six goals to her name at Paris 2024 and is clearly a huge attacking threat for Belgium. If Spain can keep her quiet, anything can happen. Women’s Quarter-Finals – Monday 5 August 2024 (all times CEST) 10:00: Australia v China – Match 4 12:30: Argentina v Germany – Match 2 17:30: Netherlands v Great Britain – Match 1 20:00: Belgium v Spain – Match 3 Semi-finals – Wednesday 7 August 2024 (times TBC) Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2 Winner Match 3 v Winner Match 4 The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey. #Hockey #Paris2024 Source: FIH.hockey