The International Hockey Federation (FIH) organised a National Associations Summit on the sidelines of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, bringing together more than 30 National Associations, Continental Federations, partners and special guests for a day of strategic dialogue, knowledge-sharing and collaboration around the future of hockey.
Hockey leaders unanimously expressed their full support for the International Olympic Committee’s “Fit for the Future” initiative, emphasising that hockey must remain relevant and that hockey athletes need to be empowered to advance our sport.
Launched by FIH President Tayyab Ikram – who chaired today’s gathering -, National Associations Summits provide a platform for meaningful exchanges between FIH Congresses, enabling hockey leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sport and to share experiences and solutions.
“The environment around our sport is moving fast. We cannot stand still! We have to act,” said FIH President Tayyab Ikram. “We don’t have to wait for the Congress to have insightful, in-depth exchanges in between Congresses.”
A heartfelt thank you to Belgium and the Netherlands
A special moment at the Summit was dedicated to recognising the Belgian and Dutch Hockey Associations, co-hosts of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, for their outstanding work.
The warm welcome offered to athletes, the exceptional fan engagement, the enthusiasm of the volunteers and the strong sense of solidarity throughout the event were all highlighted, alongside the historic staging of the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup.
“Merci beaucoup, Belgium! Danke wel, Netherlands!” said President Ikram, praising the two hosts for their commitment and dedication. “Hockey is winning in Belgium and the Netherlands!”
Fit for the Future: keeping hockey relevant
A key theme of the Summit was the IOC’s “Fit for the Future” programme and what it means for hockey.
President Ikram outlined some of the fundamental questions facing the sport: Are we still relevant for young generations? Do we have a global appeal? Are people aware of hockey, and are they looking for hockey content?
FIH is already taking action, including investing additional resources around major events such as the World Cup – for digital content production, in particular – and placing athletes at the heart of its development.
The successful FIH Athletes Forum held the previous day, with the participation of IOC Member Kim Bui, was highlighted as an important example of this approach.
The Olympic Games remain another essential pillar. Hockey must continue to contribute to the evolution of the Olympic programme by remaining relevant, cost-effective and less complex, while ensuring a lasting legacy. Having a meaningful impact on people’s lives is also a central item of Fit for the Future.
These themes were further explored during a dedicated Fit for the Future panel featuring President Ikram, Hockey Australia President Sally Carbon, USA Field Hockey CEO Simon Hoskins, LeapHockey Director Ross Gilham-Jones, and FIH Athletes’ Committee members Catherine Fabiano and PR Sreejesh.
Empowering National Associations and growing the game
The Summit also provided an update on FIH’s Empowerment and Engagement Strategy, designed to give National Associations more opportunities, resources and tools to develop hockey in their respective countries.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the creation of more places to play, including free-of-cost Hockey5s pitches supported by Polytan. Projects have already been completed in Egypt and Sri Lanka.
The strategy also focuses on boosting coaching, creating more opportunities to compete and providing National Associations with additional tools to strengthen their development programmes.
An update was also provided on projects supported through Olympic Solidarity.
A new FIH Strategy
Participants were given an update on the new FIH Strategy, which is built around five key pillars (Athletes, Community, Movement, Impact, Growth). The strategy will be formally introduced at the next FIH Congress, providing a framework for the continued development and global growth of hockey.
Women in Hockey: accelerating progress
Gender equality and the development of women’s hockey featured prominently through a dedicated Women in Hockey session.
The panel brought together FIH Executive Board Member Maureen Craig-Rousseau, Laureus Sport for Good representatives Emily Neiland and Tarryn Godfrey, current China women’s Head Coach Alyson Annan, FIH Athletes’ Committee co-chair Camila Caram and Athletes’ Committee member Jacqueline Mwangi.
The session also included a presentation by Laureus Sport for Good, highlighting the importance of creating pathways, opportunities and environments in which women and girls can fully participate and lead in sport.
Looking beyond the traditional game: Beach hockey
The Summit also provided a platform for emerging and innovative forms of hockey. World Beach Hockey President Victor Martinez presented the opportunities offered by the discipline and its potential to contribute to hockey’s future development and global reach.
Sustainability
A dedicated sustainability session then focused on turf management and the need to ensure that hockey facilities are fit for the future.
The panel brought together South Africa Hockey Association President Deon Morgan, Chile Hockey Federation President Andrés de Witt, Oman Hockey Association President Dr Marwan Juma al Juma, Royal Belgian Hockey Association Development Manager Nicolas Libaert, Polytan Asia/Pacific Manager Paul Kamphuis, EMEA Synthetic Turf Council Director General Stefan Diderich and FIH Quality Programme Manager Alastair Cox.
The discussion underlined the importance of responsible turf management, innovation and collaboration between the hockey community and industry partners to support sustainable playing environments.
United by a shared ambition
The National Associations Summit demonstrated the strength of hockey’s global community and the value of bringing its leaders together outside the formal Congress cycle.
For President Tayyab Ikram, the commitment of those working across the sport is at the heart of hockey’s future. “Thank you. You are great sports leaders, you are helping our athletes, you’re passionate, you’re investing a lot of your time,” he told participants.
The message from the Summit was clear: hockey is moving forward, and its future will be shaped by collaboration, innovation, empowerment and a shared determination to make the sport stronger, more accessible and more impactful around the world.
FIH Hockey Stars Awards 2025
FIH took the opportunity of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 and this NA Summit to do a hand-over ceremony of FIH Hockey Stars Awards to 2025 winners including Grace O’Hanlon (NZL) – FIH Goalkeeper of the Year 2025 -, Alyson Annan and Max Caldas – FIH Coaches of the Year 2025 (with the Chinese women’s and Spanish men’s national teams respectively) -, as well as Irene Presenqui (ARG) and Raghu Prasad (IND) – FIH Umpires of the Year 2025.
FIH President’s Award
Trophy of Excellence: awarded to Norman Hughes (ENG) for his long-time service to the development of Para Hockey, culminating in the organisation of the first-ever FIH Para Hockey World Cup this week
