Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium: The Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) met in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, on 27 and 28 August, on the sidelines of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, under the chairmanship of FIH President Tayyab Ikram.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review the wide range of activities undertaken by FIH in recent months, while discussing key strategic, sporting and development priorities for the future of hockey.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram presented a detailed update on the International Olympic Committee’s “Fit for the Future” initiative, reiterating FIH’s full support for the programme and its objectives. He also briefed the Executive Board on the implementation of the FIH Empowerment and Engagement Strategy, as well as on the opportunities provided through the Olympic Solidarity programme.
The President further reported on his extensive activities aimed at developing hockey globally and representing the interests of the sport at international level.
The Executive Board reviewed FIH’s recent events and competitions, including the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, the concluding stage of the FIH Hockey Pro League and the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, which just came to an end in Belgium and the Netherlands. During the event, the World Cup had already reached record levels of engagement across FIH’s social media platforms, making it the most successful FIH Hockey World Cup ever on social media.
The Board also reflected on the historic inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup, which took place also in Belgium and the Netherlands and marked a major milestone for inclusion in hockey.
Looking ahead, the EB received updates on preparations for the LA28 Olympic Games, the next season of the FIH Hockey Pro League and the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, where hockey will feature as an engagement sport.
The Board also reviewed FIH’s commercial activities, including new partnerships, with a particular focus on opportunities surrounding the World Cup. An update was provided on Watch.Hockey, FIH’s global streaming platform, which has been enjoying significant growth and engagement, particularly during the World Cup.
A broad range of sporting matters was also discussed, including the continued development of Hockey5s and umpiring.
The Executive Board received updates across FIH’s development and governance activities, including the work of the FIH Academy, as well as anti-doping, sustainability, women in hockey, safeguarding, the FIH Quality Programme, innovation, technology, marketing-communications and broadcast.
One of the key decisions of the meeting was the approval of the 2027 Rules of Hockey and Rules of Indoor Hockey, which will come into effect on 1 November 2026.
The meeting also included a dedicated workshop focused on fine-tuning the FIH strategic framework, which will be submitted to the FIH Congress in October.
Reflecting on the meeting, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “This Executive Board meeting has once again demonstrated the breadth and ambition of FIH’s work to grow and strengthen hockey at every level. We have witnessed a fantastic World Cup, but our focus goes far beyond this event. From our support for the IOC’s Fit for the Future initiative and our preparations for LA28, to development, inclusion, innovation, digitalisation and the long-term sustainability of our sport, we are building the foundations for an even stronger future for hockey.”
The next EB meeting will take place on 21 October 2026 in Doha, Qatar, on the occasion of the 50th FIH Congress.
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