Olympic Games Archives

History of Hockey in France: The Journey to Hosting Paris 2024

20 Jun, 2024 As France prepares to host the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the spotlight shines brightly on hockey with a storied past and a promising future. Hockey at Paris 2024 will be played at the historic Yves-du-Manoir stadium, which, back in 1924, stood as the proud host of the VIII Olympiad, and hockey action will be played on the same hallowed grounds where every athlete stepped foot during the opening ceremony of the games in 1924. The popularity of hockey has been steadily increasing in France over the past few decades. The Fédération Française de Hockey (FFH) has been instrumental in nurturing the sport’s growth and professionalising its governance, with the growing anticipation for the upcoming Olympics marking a significant milestone in the history of hockey in France. Hockey in France traces its origins back to the early 20th century. The sport was introduced by British expatriates and quickly gained popularity among French athletes. The first official club, Racing Club de France, was established in 1897, marking the beginning of organised hockey in the country. The 1920s and 1930s saw a surge in the sport’s popularity, with more clubs being formed and competitive leagues being established. The French national team made its debut in international competitions during this period, showcasing the nation’s growing talent and passion for the game. The aftermath of World War II brought about a resurgence in French hockey. The FFH, founded in 1920, played a crucial role in revitalising the sport, organising domestic leagues, and promoting hockey at the grassroots level. The establishment of regional clubs and the introduction of youth programs helped in identifying and nurturing young talent. Throughout the 20th century, France were a regular feature at the Olympic Games, making 9 appearances between 1908 and 1972 in the men’s competition! The late 20th century saw a downtick in performance with the men’s team making two World Cup appearances, finishing in 7th on both occasions (1971,1990), while the women’s team qualified for three editions, finishing 7th (1974), 6th (1976) and 9th (1981). The early 21st century saw France return to its position as a regular challenger in international hockey. The French men’s and women’s teams consistently performed well in European championships and World Cup tournaments. Notably, the French men’s team achieved a quarterfinal appearance at the 2018 World Cup, in their first appearance at the event after a gap of 28 years! France’s commitment to excellence is evident in their state-of-the-art training facilities and robust development programs. The FFH’s focus on youth development, coaching education, female participation at grassroots level, and infrastructure investment has laid a strong foundation for the sport’s future. Their progress is especially evident in the junior stage, where the France men’s junior teams have claimed World Cup medals at three of the past four editions with silver in 2013, bronze in 2021 and another silver in 2023! As the host nation for the 2024 Olympics, France is poised to showcase its rich hockey heritage on the world stage. The Stade Yves-du-Manoir has been meticulously renovated to provide a world-class platform for the Olympic hockey events. This iconic venue symbolises the sport’s enduring legacy and its bright future in France. The French national teams, supported by passionate fans, are preparing to make their mark in the Olympics. With a blend of experienced players and emerging stars, Les Bleus aim to capture the hearts of the nation and bring glory to French hockey. Emma Ponthieu, captain of the French women’s team, spoke about the future she hopes to see for hockey in France and said: “I hope that the Olympic Games will allow French hockey to develop, to make itself known and to attract people. It’s a sport that is still too little known in France and I hope that we will take advantage of the ‘Olympic wave’ to increase the visibility of our sport.” Viktor Lockwood, captain of the French men’s team, added: “The impact on hockey in France will be second to none given that the last time French hockey was represented in the men’s category was in 1972 in Munich. Also, the last time the Olympic Games were held in France was 100 years ago. Therefore, this is the first time that hockey will be represented at the Olympics by our 2 national teams, and in France! What’s more, it’s also the first time that we’ll have a “Clairefontaine” – that is, like football, a national centre for hockey – for us after the Olympics with the stadium at Yves-du-Manoir. A unique opportunity! It’s now up to us (women and men) to make sure that our performances make it as impactful as possible!” The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be played from 27 July to 9 August. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey. Source: FIH.hockey

World’s first carbon zero hockey turf to be used at Paris 2024 Olympics

Lausanne, Switzerland: Hockey at the Paris 2024 Olympics is set to be a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and athleticism, with the best teams from around the globe competing at the highest level. But the XXXIII Olympiad aims to leave a lasting legacy not just in sporting achievements but also in advancing environmental consciousness within the realm of global sporting events. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has made a strict commitment to make hockey a globally sustainable sport and Paris 2024 will represent another step taken towards achieving that goal. The initial steps were taken with a steady reduction in water usage, showcased by the turf used at the Olympic Games in Tokyo requiring 39% less water for optimal performance than the turf used in Rio only four years earlier. At the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the boundaries will be pushed further, as hockey will be played on the innovative ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’ hockey turf, which is setting new standards for sustainability in sports surfaces. Developed by Sport Group and installed in Paris by Polytan, this advanced turf is the world’s first carbon-zero hockey turf, aligning with the Paris 2024 Games’ commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Carbon zero Poligras Paris GT zero is made from 80% sugarcane and manufactured using green electricity. The production process emphasizes low emissions and energy efficiency, ensuring that the turf’s lifecycle—from creation to disposal—adheres to the highest environmental standards. This eco-friendly turf doesn’t compromise on performance. Athletes can expect the same high-quality playability, ball speed, and consistency that Poligras surfaces are known for, which have been trusted at 8 Olympic Games and many World Cups. The Paris 2024 Olympics Hockey will aim to showcase that sustainability and top-tier athletic performance can go hand-in-hand. Moreover, ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’ is designed to conserve water. It requires significantly less irrigation than traditional synthetic turfs, aligning with global efforts to preserve water resources, particularly relevant as the world grapples with water scarcity issues. The introduction of Polytan’s ‘Poligras Paris GT zero’ at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 marks a significant advancement in sustainable hockey technology. By utilizing renewable resources and focusing on environmental impact, this new turf not only supports elite athletic performance but also sets a precedent for future hockey events to prioritize sustainability, which has long been an aim for the FIH. Poligras hockey turfs are available globally through Polytan in EMEA, Asia Pacific and Australasia, and AstroTurf in North and South America. #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.

Women’s Hockey at the Olympic Games: A statistical rewind

04 Jun, 2024 Women’s hockey has been a permanent feature at the Summer Olympic Games since the Olympic Games Moscow 1980. In the 11 editions of the games starting from 1980, women’s hockey has been played at each event, and produced incredible moments on the pitch, with 6 different nations having claimed the gold medal across the competition’s history! Join us in the build up to the Paris 2024 Olympics Hockey tournament, as we take a deep dive into some of the statistics that tell the story of women’s hockey at the Olympic Games… Any statistical look at the Olympics has to begin with a look at the most successful team in the history of the games. In women’s hockey at the Olympics, Netherlands are the most successful team in the competition’s history, medalling at 9 different editions, including 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 3 bronze medals. With three gold medals and one silver medal in the last four Olympic Games, Netherlands have been nearly unstoppable on the biggest stage over the past two decades. Australia are the second most successful team in women’s Olympics Hockey history with 3 gold medals to their name in the Seoul 1988, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2002 games. Curiously, outside of their three gold medal winning performances, Australia have never stood on the podium at the Olympics. Zimbabwe (Moscow 1980), Spain (Barcelona 1992), Germany (Athens 2004) and Great Britain (Rio 2016) are the other four teams to have won the gold medal in women’s hockey at the Olympic Games. After Netherlands, Argentina actually hold the record for most medals won in women’s Olympic hockey with 5 medals, but are yet to win a gold medal, with three silver medal and two bronze medal finishes. South Korea are the most successful team from Asia, with two silver medals, won in the late 20th century. Netherlands hold the record for the most number of goals scored in the competition, with 166 goals scored in 67 matches and Australia follow closely behind, with 146 goals in 61 matches. Netherlands also hold the record for most goals scored in a single edition of the games, with their 29 goals in Tokyo 2020 eclipsing Australia’s record of 27 goals from Atlanta 1996. Women’s hockey at the Olympic Games Beijing 2008 set the record for most number of goals scored in a single edition of the competition with a total of 149 goals scored across 38 games, at an average of nearly 4 goals per game! Remarkably 6 different teams; Netherlands, Australia, Argentina, China, Germany and Korea, managed to score 15 or more goals in the 2008 edition! Maartje Paumen of Netherlands, widely considered one of the best exponents of the drag flick skill, holds the record for most goals scored in women’s hockey at the Olympics with 19 goals scored across 3 editions. She also holds the record for most goals in a single edition of the competition, scoring 11 goals in 7 matches at the Olympic Games Beijing 2008! German hockey star Natascha Keller is the only women’s hockey player to appear in 5 editions of the Olympic Games. She made her first appearance at the games in Atlanta 1996 and went on to appear in each of the next four editions of the games. She was part of the historic German team that won the gold medal at the Athens 2004 Olympics and created history when she became the first German hockey player ever, to serve as the flag-bearer at the Olympic Games, when she led the German contingent at the Olympic Games London 2012, in her final appearance in the competition. To access more in-depth team and player stats, visit datahub.hockey and create your account for FREE! The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be played from 27 July to 9 August. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey.

Yves-du-Manoir Stadium: A century long legacy of Olympic excellence

Lausanne, Switzerland: In the heart of Colombes, a serene suburb of Paris, stands the majestic Yves-du-Manoir Stadium, a beacon of sporting heritage and excellence. As the countdown to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris gains momentum, this historic arena prepares to once again witness the electrifying spectacle of hockey, echoing the spirit of its illustrious past. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium boasts a legacy that transcends time. Back in 1924, it stood as the proud host of the VIII Olympiad, welcoming athletes and spectators from across the globe to celebrate the pinnacle of sporting prowess. Among the events that captivated the world was hockey. Fast forward a century, and the echoes of history reverberate once more as the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium gears up to reclaim its place on the Olympic stage. The anticipation continues to rise as players, coaches, and fans alike eagerly await the chance to etch their names alongside the legends who once graced these hallowed grounds. For the athletes, competing at Yves-du-Manoir will be more than just a quest for gold; it’ll be a homage to those who paved the way before them. When they step onto the pristine turf, they will feel the presence of past champions, their spirits fueling the determination to strive for greatness. But it’s not just the athletes who will feel the weight of history; it’s the spectators too. When they fill the stands, they will become part of a tradition that goes back a century, bound together by a shared love for the game and a reverence for the venue that has borne witness to triumphs and defeats alike. When the first whistle blows and the game begins, the air will crackle with excitement, and the stadium will come alive once more. Every pass, every tackle, every goal will be greeted with roars of approval, which will be a testament to the enduring passion for hockey that transcends generations. Test Event On 4 and 5 May, a test event was held to conduct all the operational checks of the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Various junior and senior teams were in action and the athletes were buzzing as they spoke to us after their matches and shared their excitement about hockey at the upcoming games. Nike Lorenz, captain of the German women’s hockey team said, “It is a beautiful stadium and I can’t wait to see it once it is branded fully and filled with fans for the Olympics. The whole team is excited and we are thrilled to be involved in the test event.” Victor Lockwood, who will be among the most crucial players for the men’s team from France added, “It’s an amazing feeling playing here and we are getting impatient to play in the Olympics. We have been playing here for three weeks now and we are growing together as a team.” Niklas Wellen, player of the tournament and gold medal winner at the recent FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, said, “We can already feel that the atmosphere in the main stands will be absolutely electric. It’s been a good experience for us to get to know the stadium and I really like it.” Tony Estanguet, President of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Organising Committee, was in attendance at the test event in the Yves-du-Manoir stadium. Speaking about the significant history of the stadium he remarked, “The Yves-du-Manoir stadium has been a very important part of the French sports movement and we are excited to be back here. 100 years after we had the opening ceremony and many other events in the stadium during the 1924 Paris Olympics, we are proud to have hockey played here in this historic venue.” He also extended a warm welcome to the global hockey fans and said, “We are looking forward to the fans filling up the stadium and bringing an amazing atmosphere. The entire country is ready and excited for Paris 2024, we just need you fans here and we look forward to having you!” For more details about Hockey at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, visit Olympics.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.

FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers: who plays whom in the group stage?

7th November 2023 Lausanne, Switzerland: Following yesterday’s announcement about the teams allocated to their respective venues, please find hereafter the composition of the Pools (A and B) for each FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier: Women Valencia, Spain Pool A: Belgium, Korea, Ireland, Ukraine Pool B: Great Britain, Spain, Canada, Malaysia Ranchi, India Pool A: Germany, Japan, Chile, Czech Republic Pool B: India, New Zealand, United States, Italy Men Valencia, Spain Pool A: Belgium, Ireland, Japan, Ukraine Pool B: Spain, Korea, Austria, Egypt Muscat, Oman Pool A: Great Britain, Malaysia, Pakistan, China Pool B: Germany, New Zealand, Canada, Chile The top-3 men’s and women’s teams from each venue will qualify for the Olympics based on their classification at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024. After the round robin matches in the pool stage, the top two teams in each pool will qualify for the semi-finals. The winning semi-finalists will be assured of a top-2 finish and qualify for the Olympic Games, while the losing semi-finalists will play the bronze medal match with the winner of that match also securing their ticket to Paris 2024. The FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024 will be played between 13-21 January 2024. Please visit Olympics.Hockey for more details about the qualifiers, as well as hockey at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. #EnrouteToParis #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please consult FIH.hockey, follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and download the Watch.Hockey app.