11 Dec, 2025 Chile (City of Santiago), Egypt (Ismailia) and India (Hyderabad) will host the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as confirmed today by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The Qualifiers represent the final stage of qualification for next year’s FIH Hockey World Cup, which will be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands (15-30 August 2026). Seven teams per gender will qualify through these events, which promise to be among the highlights of the FIH calendar next year. The teams finishing first, second, and third in each tournament will secure their place at next year’s FIH flagship event. The highest world-ranked team among those finishing in fourth place in each event will be the seventh team to qualify (see Qualification System here). Teams have been allocated according to the FIH World Rankings as follows: City of Santiago, Chile (28 February – 8 March 2026) Women: Australia, Japan, Ireland, Chile, France, Canada, Malaysia and Switzerland Men: France, Ireland, Korea, Wales, Scotland, Canada, Poland and Chile Hyderabad, Telangana, India (8 – 14 March 2026) Women: England, India, Scotland, Korea, Italy, Uruguay, Wales and Austria Ismailia, Egypt (1–7 March 2026) Men: England, Malaysia, Pakistan, Egypt, Japan, Austria, China and USA The teams qualifying through these tournaments will join an impressive line-up of 18 teams (9 per gender) that have already qualified, either through the FIH Hockey Pro League, the Continental Championships, or as hosts. Source: FIH.hockey Related posts: Netherlands stunned by Germany on Day 8 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 BELGIUM’S RED LIONS WIN ODISHA HOCKEY MEN’S WORLD CUP BHUBANESWAR 2018 South Africa’s World Cup adventures underway after success in Accra First-ever FIH ParaHockey World Cup to take place in 2026

08 Oct, 2025 In addition to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, a historical milestone will happen at the same time and in the same host-countries: the first ever FIH ParaHockey World Cup! Announcing the news at a press conference in Brussels recently, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “I’m so happy that we’ve decided to create the first ever FIH ParaHockey World Cup, which will be played alongside the 2026 World Cup, also in Belgium and the Netherlands. This is a great milestone. For us, diversity and inclusion are key principles that we’re including in everything we do. ParaHockey is a steadily growing format in our sport globally, which we’re very proud of. I already invite all hockey fans to come and support ParaHockey athletes for this historic event, that will be repeated in the future as well.” The 2026 FIH ParaHockey World Cup will be a 6-a-side tournament played at HC Myra in Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Louvain-La-Neuve HC, in Belgium, from 21 to 25 August 2026. The finals will be held in the same arenas as those hosting the FIH Hockey World Cup, namely the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen and the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre. The 16 participating teams will be announced soon. ParaHockey for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) is a hockey format that has been established 14 years ago. True to its values of diversity and inclusion applied in all its policies and activities, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has been supporting ParaHockey for many years. And the sport keeps growing! In the last survey organised by FIH to count the number of hockey participants worldwide, more than 30 National Associations indicated that they had launched ParaHockey in their country. As a further sign of inclusion, ParaHockey involves mixed gender teams. In 2023, ParaHockey was introduced for the first time as a demonstration sport at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, with 12 countries taking part. By creating this World Cup now, FIH is giving ParaHockey an unprecedented impulse that shall boost its growth like never before. As a major illustration of that, this World Cup should pave the way for hockey to make its debut as a recognised sport of the Special Olympics World Summer Games, starting with the 2027 edition in the City of Santiago, Chile. #ParaHockey Source: FIH.hockey Related posts: France create shockwaves on Day 9 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 India storm to top of Pool C; Belgium finish second and Canada third in Pool C on Day 11 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 BELGIUM’S RED LIONS WIN ODISHA HOCKEY MEN’S WORLD CUP BHUBANESWAR 2018 Germany crowned World Champions at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023

07 Oct, 2025 Starting from 11 October, Ismailia, Egypt will play host to the Men’s and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 – Africa’s premier hockey tournament running 11-18 October – with the champions punching their tickets to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. Tournament Format & Teams There are six participating teams in the men’s competition: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana and Zambia. The women’s competition will see five teams shoot for gold: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya and Ghana. Both men’s and women’s tournaments will feature an initial round-robin stage with all teams facing off against each other in a single pool. After the league stage standings are finalised, medal matches will follow, which will pit the top two teams in the gold medal match and the third and fourth placed teams in a bronze medal game. The winner of each competition (men and women) will secure a spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Match Schedule The round-robin matches in both men’s and women’s competitions will be played from 11 to 17 October, followed by the medal matches on 18 October. The men’s match between Ghana and Kenya will get the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 up and running in Ismailia. All six men’s teams will be in action on the opening day with South Africa facing Zambia in the second match, before hosts Egypt take the field in the final encounter of the day against Nigeria. In the women’s competition it will be Kenya taking on Nigeria in the opening match on 11 October, followed by Ghana facing off against hosts Egypt. The bronze and gold medal matches in both competitions will be played on 18 October. For more information about the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and the complete match schedule click here. World Cup Qualification The winner of the Men’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 will become the ninth team to qualify for the men’s FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Australia and Spain qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Argentina secured qualification through the Pan American Cup, Germany qualified from the Eurohockey Championship, New Zealand qualified through the Oceania Cup and India qualified through the Asia Cup. The winner of the Africa Cup of Nations will become the final direct qualifier for the men’s event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. Based on their performance at the Pan American Cup, the EuroHockey Championships and the Asia Cup, the following men’s teams have qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026: USA, Canada, Chile, France, England, Austria, Poland, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, China, Japan, Korea and Malaysia. One team from Africa and the winner of the three-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh will complete the line-up. The winner of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2025 will become the ninth team to qualify for the women’s FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Germany and Argentina qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. USA secured qualification through the Pan American Cup, Spain qualified from the Eurohockey Championship, New Zealand qualified through the Oceania Cup and China qualified through the Asia Cup. The winner of the Africa Cup of Nations will become the final direct qualifier for the women’s event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. Based on their performance at the Pan American Cup, EuroHockey Championships, Oceania Cup and Asia Cup the following women’s teams have qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026: Uruguay, Chile, Canada, Ireland, England, France, Italy, Wales, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, India, Japan, Korea and Malaysia. #HWC2026 Source: FIH.hockey Related posts: France create shockwaves on Day 9 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Bidding process to host inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup launched FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023: what the captains and coaches have to say!  Goals continue to flow as top-ranked sides stay perfect in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023

30 Sep, 2025 Fixtures in host countries Belgium and the Netherlands announced Brussels, Belgium: The world’s best hockey nations, 16 in the men’s competition and the same number in the women’s, will compete for the world title in Belgium and the Netherlands during the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in August next year. The exact match times for both host countries in the group stages were revealed today, marking the start of the first round of ticket sales. The Red Lions and Red Panthers will play their group matches in Wavre, in the brand-new Belfius Hockey Arena. The iconic Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam will be the Dutch home base. The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will take place from 15 to 30 August 2026 and will be a unique collaboration between hockey powerhouses Belgium and the Netherlands – silver medallists at the last men’s World Cup and reigning women’s World Champions respectively – together with the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Half of the matches will be played in Wavre, Belgium, and the other half in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is only the third time in history that both the men’s and women’s World Cups will take place simultaneously and in the same stadiums; the previous times were in Utrecht (1998) and The Hague (2014), also on Dutch soil. Belgium is hosting the FIH Hockey World Cup for the first time. What’s more, the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will be the first ever world championship for a team sport in French-speaking Belgium. Of course, Belgium is no stranger to organising major international hockey tournaments. With the European Championships in Boom (2013) and Antwerp (2019), the EuroHockey Junior Championship in Ghent (2021) and six seasons of the FIH Hockey Pro League, Belgium has proven to be a reliable and innovative host. 16 of the 32 participating nations already known 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams will take part in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup. In addition to Belgium and the Netherlands, Argentina, China, Germany, New Zealand, Spain and the USA have already secured their place in the women’s tournament. In addition to the host countries, Argentina, Australia, Germany, India, New Zealand and Spain have also already secured their ticket for the men’s tournament. In October, after the African Continental Championships, we will also know the African representatives, one per gender. The remaining participating teams will come from the Qualifiers that will be played in early 2026. New Competition Format The final tournament will be played according to a new competition format. The countries will be divided into four groups of four. After the first group stage, the top two from each group will advance to a second group stage: the winners and runners-up from groups A and D will form the new group E. The same goes for groups B and C, which will form the new group F. Similar to the numbers one and two, the numbers three and four will also form new groups after the first group stage: groups G and H. In this second group stage, each country plays two more matches, against the two ‘new’ countries in the group. The result achieved against the country already played in the first group stage also counts towards the final ranking in the new group. The best two teams from the new groups E and F advance to the semi-finals. The third and fourth-placed teams will play placement matches for rankings 5 to 8. The countries from groups G and H will compete for places 9 to 16. Both in Wavre and Amsterdam, one semi-final for the men and one for the women will be played. This will naturally be followed by the finals: the women’s final in Amsterdam on Saturday 29 August, and the men’s final in Wavre on Sunday 30 August. ‘Together for Glory’ The event’s slogan – ‘Together for Glory’ – was also announced today. In line with the specific nature of this edition of the FIH Hockey World Cup, the idea of togetherness refers to the fact that the event includes both women’s and men’s tournaments, and that they will take place simultaneously and in the same venues. This also emphasizes the paramount principle of FIH as well as the Belgian and Dutch Hockey Associations of integrating and promoting gender equality in all their events and activities. Also, as the ultimate prize within the FIH events portfolio, the FIH Hockey World Cup, where so many legends were made, is intrinsically associated to moments of glory. Lifting the winners’ trophy is a dream come true for any athlete. Draw in March 2026 In March 2026, after the final qualifying matches, all participating countries will be known and the draw will take place. Then all teams will know their opponents and which city will be their base for the first ten days of the tournament. Promoting diversity and inclusion Hockey’s world governing has decided to organise, alongside the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, its first ever FIH ParaHockey World Cup for athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID), marking a historic milestone for diversity and inclusion. The finals will be played in the same arenas, in Wavre and Amsterdam. Belfius Hockey Arena & Wagener Stadium The Red Lions and Red Panthers will play their group matches of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in the brand-new national hockey stadium in Wavre, which will officially be called the Belfius Hockey Arena from today. It is a modern, permanent hockey stadium with 4,000 permanent seats. For the World Cup, this will be expanded to 10,000 seats on a one-off basis. Construction of the stadium will be completed by the end of 2025. Belfius, global partner of the FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium, will lend its name to this new Belgian hockey hotspot for the next five years. The Dutch teams will play all their group matches at the iconic Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, which has been temporarily extended to welcome over 10,000 visitors especially for this World

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15 Aug, 2025 In exactly one year from now, on 15 August 2026, the hockey world will come together to celebrate the start of the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. The countdown has officially begun, and anticipation is building for international hockey’s premier competition that promises to be as thrilling as it is historic. Two Nations, One Global Spectacle From 15 August 2026, the 16 best men’s and women’s teams on the planet will battle for glory across world-class venues in Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, Netherlands. Known for their rich hockey heritage, passionate fan bases, and vibrant sporting culture, both nations are ready to deliver an unforgettable festival of hockey. This edition will mark only the second time in history that the men’s and women’s competitions are staged together, bringing the entire global hockey family into one shared moment of excitement. A Look Back The Men’s Hockey World Cup made its debut in 1971 in Barcelona, Spain, with Pakistan crowned the inaugural champions. Over the decades, the tournament has grown into one of the sport’s most prestigious events, producing legendary rivalries and iconic performances. Pakistan are the most successful team in the men’s World Cup history, winning the title four times between 1971 and 1994. Following closely behind with three titles each, are Australia, Netherlands and Germany – the reigning men’s champions from the 2023 event in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, India. The Women’s Hockey World Cup began in 1974 in Mandelieu, France, where the Netherlands claimed the first title. Since then, the event has showcased the evolution and global rise of women’s hockey, with the Dutch women emerging as the most successful team in history, winning the competition 9 times, including the previous edition played in Spain and Netherlands in 2022. The tournament has been a platform for unforgettable moments and witnessed era defining performances from some of the best players in the world like Luciana Aymar, Alyson Annan, Natascha Keller, Rani Rampal, Eva de Goede and many others. 2026: A New Chapter Belgium and the Netherlands have been at the forefront of world hockey over the past few decades, with their on-pitch performances and the depth of their hockey development. From packed stadiums in Wavre and Amstelveen to vibrant fan zones and world-leading broadcast coverage, every detail is being prepared to deliver a World Cup experience like no other. With one year to go, six men’s and six women’s teams have already qualified for the World Cup, while the others prepare for their continental championships and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers to secure their spot in international hockey’s biggest celebration! In the men’s competition, Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Australia and Spain qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. Argentina secured qualification recently through their gold medal finish at the Pan American Cup 2025, while Germany have already qualified from the ongoing EuroHockey Championship. Continental championships in Asia, Africa and Oceania over the coming months will determine four more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. In the women’s competition, Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, gained direct qualification. Germany and Argentina qualified through the previous two editions of the FIH Hockey Pro League. USA secured their qualification recently at the Pan American Cup 2025, while Spain have already qualified from the ongoing EuroHockey Championship. Continental championships in Asia, Africa and Oceania over the coming months will determine four more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. Remarking on the occasion of one year to go till the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The FIH Hockey World Cup is our flagship event. Where legends are made. Where teams give it all for a unique moment of glory. Where athletes celebrate a moment of performance and togetherness. The fact that both women and men will play the 2026 World Cup at the same time and in the same venues makes it even more special! Our co-hosts, Belgium and the Netherlands, are already working very hard to make this event the best World Cup ever! So, my message to all hockey fans around the world is: pencil this event in bold letters in your agenda. You can expect an unforgettable event!” Dutch Hockey Association CEO Erik Gerritsen said: “Now that the first teams have qualified, the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is getting closer. Preparations are in full swing, and we’re really looking forward to it!” Hockey Belgium CEO Serge Pilet said: “At the moment we’re still battling it out at the Euros in Mönchengladbach, but in just one year we’ll be back on home soil—only 180 km away! Our brand-new stadium in Wavre will set the stage for the world’s top hockey teams to shine. Get ready for an unforgettable showdown!” Source: FIH.hockey Related posts: Olympic champions Argentina win again at Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 England end Argentina’s title ambitions at Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Preview: England, Belgium, Australia and Netherlands set for semi-final showdowns at Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Media Release – Path to 2022 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup glory laid out

03 Aug, 2025 The men’s Pan American Cup 2025 came to an end today with Argentina defeating USA in the men’s final to win the gold medal and secure qualification to the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026! With one direct qualification spot available to the Americas at the upcoming World Cup, the winner of the final was assured qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026 and with Argentina securing a 10-0 win over USA in the final, they become the fifth team to book their place in hockey’s premier world event next year. Argentina, placed in Pool A went unbeaten through the tournament, winning all three of their pool stage matches, followed by wins in the semi-final and the final. They started off their campaign in perfect fashion winning 13-0 against Brazil and followed that up with a clinical 3-0 win over USA who they would face in the final once again. A 12-0 win in the final pool match against hosts Uruguay secured the top spot in Pool A for Argentina sending them through to the semi-final. Argentina were paired up against Canada in the semi-final, who finished second in Pool B behind Chile. Argentina once again showed their continental supremacy dispatching Canada in a 9-1 win, despite Canada scoring the first goal of the game. Tomas Domene with 4 goals and Nicolas della Torre with 3 goals starred in the semi-final, taking Argentina one step closer to world cup qualification. The Leones were relentless on attack in the final and put the American defence to sword, winning the contest with a massive 10-0 scoreline. Tomas Domene, Tadeo Marucci and Bautista Capurro scored a brace each, with Nicolas della Torre, Lucas Toscani, Lucas Martinez and Lucio Mendez also getting on the scoresheet. The win gives Argentina their fourth consecutive, and fifth overall title in the Pan American Cup, and punches their ticket to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026. Tournament top scorer Tomas Domene, who also made his 100th appearance for Argentina, said: “I am very happy, beyond anything else, to play and represent Argentina 100 times. I think that I am very emotional today, with the team having qualified for the World Cup, which was our objective from the start of the tournament. I think we had a great tournament, from start to finish, we showed who we are. We tried to give our best in every match, and I think that showed, and this result reflects that.” Argentina have become the fifth team to secure qualification to the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026. Belgium and Netherlands, on account of being hosts of the event, secured direct qualification. At the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24, it was Australia who qualified for the World Cup as champions of the season. Spain were the fourth team to secure their spot, finishing second behind already qualified Netherlands in the 2024/25 season of the Pro League. Continental championships in Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania over the coming months will determine four more direct qualifiers for the event, with the remaining seven teams qualifying through the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers in 2026. Source: FIH.hockey Related posts: Netherlands stunned by Germany on Day 8 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 BELGIUM AND NETHERLANDS TO FIGHT FOR TITLE AT ODISHA HOCKEY MEN’S WORLD CUP BHUBANESWAR 2018 South Africa’s World Cup adventures underway after success in Accra Smooth sailing for Honamas while Korea win 10-goal thriller in the shoot-outs

14 Jun, 2025 The logo of the next edition of the FIH Hockey World Cup that will take place in Belgium and Netherlands in August 2026 was revealed today during the FIH Hockey Pro League match Netherlands-Argentina (men) taking place in Amstelveen (Netherlands). The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup logo has a bold and vibrant identity inspired by the very essence of hockey. Fuelled by the sport’s speed, precision, and powerful sense of unity, the event’s branding comes to life through dynamic lines and circular forms that reflect the movement of the ball, the iconic D on the field, and the unstoppable rhythm of the game. This design goes beyond aesthetics—it captures the heartbeat of hockey and invites fans, players, and nations to unite in anticipation of a global celebration like no other. This is more than a tournament. This is hockey, together, on the world stage. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The hockey world is very much looking forward to returning to Belgium and the Netherlands for the FIH Hockey World Cup next year! We are excited to bring all top athletes from the world to these two beautiful hockey nations. For our top stars in the world, it will be a moment of celebration, a moment of performance and a moment of togetherness in front of so engaged fans. I thank Belgium and the Netherlands for inviting the top athletes and providing the best opportunity for the fans.” Serge Pilet, CEO of the Royal Belgian Hockey Association, said: “We are thrilled to finally be able to reveal the first official elements of the 2026 Hockey World Cup look & feel we will be organising together with our Dutch colleagues in August 2026. This is only a small part of a lot more to come! We’re committed to creating a spectacular and unforgettable experience for all hockey and sports fans across the globe.” Erik Gerritsen, CEO of the Dutch Hockey Association, added: “Finally, we can show the world more concretely what has already been done for the 2026 Hockey World Cup. The creation of this look and feel characterizes the collaboration between the parties involved, such as the Belgian Hockey Association, Golazo and the FIH. We can’t wait to reveal more and more information about the 2026 Hockey World Cup! I fully agree with my colleague Serge, that we want to make this event unforgettable for both hockey and sports fans around the world.” The next edition of FIH’s most prestigious tournament will combine the Women’s and the Men’s World Cups. It will be played from 15 to 30 August 2026 in Wavre (Belgium) and Amstelveen (Netherlands). In addition to the host nations, Germany (women) and Australia (men) won their ticket to the World Cup via the FIH Hockey Pro League last season. Two more teams (a women’s team and a men’s team) will qualify through the Pro League this June. Then, the five Continental Championships – which are scheduled between July and September 2025 – will enable five other teams per gender to qualify. The remaining participating teams – seven per gender – will come from the World Cup Qualifiers which will take place next year, currently planned from 28 February to 8 March 2026. The draw to determine the 4 pools per gender for the group stage of the World Cup will happen shortly after these Qualifiers. 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 X – and website. #HWC2026 Source: FIH.hockey Related posts: France create shockwaves on Day 9 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Bidding process to host inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup launched FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023: what the captains and coaches have to say!  Goals continue to flow as top-ranked sides stay perfect in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023

02 Apr, 2025 In exactly 500 days, the very first match of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cupwill open the show for FIH’s most prestigious global hockey event! This edition, that will combine the Women’s and the Men’s World Cups, will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. In addition to the host countries, the teams of Germany (women) and Australia (men) won their ticket to the World Cup via the FIH Hockey Pro League last season. It is also thanks to the Pro League that the next two teams will qualify (a women’s team and a men’s team). The five Continental Championships – which will take place between July and September – will enable 5 other teams per gender to qualify. The remaining 7 participating teams – from 16 in total per gender – will come from the World Cup Qualifiers which will take place next year, currently scheduled from 28 February to 8 March 2026. The draw to determine the 4 pools per gender for the group stage of the World Cup will happen shortly after these Qualifiers. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The FIH Hockey World Cup is the most prestigious of our events. This is where legends are made. A fantastic window for our top athletes to showcase their amazing skills, for the greatest delight of all hockey fans around the world. We look forward to a fantastic edition in Belgium and the Netherlands, two of the greatest hockey powerhouses, that will involve the world’s most talented female and male hockey players! On this symbolic day, the World Cup becomes more real than ever. With further teams qualifying soon, it really is taking shape, and I already invite all hockey fans to pencil the tournament dates in their agendas and plan a trip to Belgium and the Netherlands in 500 days!” Within the two host countries, preparations are intensifying, especially in terms of the arenas that will host the event. In the Netherlands, the capacity of the famous Wagener Stadium, located in Amstelveen, near Amsterdam, will be temporarily increased to 10,000 seats. In Belgium, one of the major legacies of the World Cup will be the delivery of a completely renovated stadium, dedicated exclusively to hockey and located in Wavre, south-east of the capital, Brussels. Erik Gerritsen, CEO of the Dutch Hockey Association said: “The plans to make this World Cup wonderful are coming together more and more each day! The collaboration is intensifying, and it’s shaping up to be an international hockey celebration in both the Netherlands and Belgium. We’re building on the successes of past editions in The Netherlands in 1998, 2014, and 2022, while also exploring exciting new possibilities for this tournament. We are excited for what’s to come!” His Belgian counterpart, CEO Serge Pilet added: “I am convinced that our collaboration with the Dutch federation in this joint organisation will result in a spectacular and unforgettable double-gender Hockey World Cup. For the Belgian part, this event will be held in our brand new hockey stadium in Wavre. The building of this state-of-the-art hockey arena should be completed by the end of this year. This is thrilling news for Belgian hockey!” The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will be played from 15 to 30 August 2026. Related posts: France create shockwaves on Day 9 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Bidding process to host inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup launched FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023: what the captains and coaches have to say!  Goals continue to flow as top-ranked sides stay perfect in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023

Lausanne, Switzerland – With just one month to go until the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 Oman 2025, excitement is reaching fever pitch in the hockey world. From February 17 to 23, Muscat, Oman, will play host to this groundbreaking tournament, marking a significant milestone for emerging hockey nations. A New Chapter for International Hockey The FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 represents a fresh opportunity for eight ambitious teams, ranked below the teams playing in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to make their mark on the international stage. The tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a pathway for these teams to ascend to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup and through it ultimately to the FIH Hockey Pro League, offering them a chance to test their mettle against some of the best in the sport.   The Teams Set to Compete This inaugural event will see eight teams battling it out for the title and promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026.  Pool A: Egypt, Chile, China, Poland Pool B: Austria, Oman, Scotland, United States The Teams Set to Compete This inaugural event will see eight teams battling it out for the title and promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in 2026.  Pool A: Egypt, Chile, China, Poland Pool B: Austria, Oman, Scotland, United States These teams, hailing from diverse hockey regions, will bring their unique styles and strategies to the field, promising an exhilarating display of hockey. Tournament Format The competition kicks off with pool matches, where teams are divided into two groups of four. Each team will play against every other team in their pool, striving to secure a spot in the semi-finals. From there, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage, culminating in the grand final on February 23, where the first-ever FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2 champion will be crowned. Oman: A Perfect Host Oman’s vibrant capital, Muscat, is gearing up to welcome athletes, officials, and fans from around the globe. The nation has been investing in hockey infrastructure and development, having hosted the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers and the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in 2024, making it an ideal venue for such a prestigious event. The local organizing committee, alongside the Oman Hockey Association, has been working tirelessly to ensure a world-class experience for all participants. FIH President Tayyab Ikram, speaking about the upcoming inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2, said: “The FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 offers a unique opportunity for teams ranked just below the FIH Hockey Nations Cup to showcase their talent in a global competition. This new event enables us to further promote growth and competitiveness within the sport as we bring international exposure to more and more countries around the world. I am sure their performances will not only highlight the skill and talent they possess, but also set a new benchmark for future editions of the competition.  On behalf of FIH, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman and in particular His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, as well the Local Organising Committee led by the Oman Hockey Federation Chairman, Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma, for welcoming us once more in their beautiful country.” Rashad Al Fazari of the Oman national team said: “Participating in the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 in Oman is a significant moment for us, particularly as we encounter some teams for the first time. Hosting this tournament & Competing before our home crowd fills us with immense pride and motivation.” For more details on the event, including the complete match schedule, click here. #MadeForHockey #FIHNationsCup2  Keep up to date with all the latest hockey news on the FIH website and through the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  Source: FIH.hockey Related posts: Malaysia eliminated as Germany top Pool D on Day 12 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar – Rourkela: draw scheduled on 8 September FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup: what do stats tell? Unsung Heroes of Olympic Hockey: the Umpires

15 Jul, 2024 The Olympics are a grand spectacle, showcasing the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Yet, behind every stunning goal and breathtaking save lies the tireless work of hockey umpires, a key part of the officiating team, ensuring the smooth operation and fairness of the matches. This officiating team, all of whom are volunteers, includes the Technical Delegates, Technical Officials, Umpire Managers, Umpires and Medical Officers, who act together as crucial cogs in creating the global spectacle that is Olympic Hockey. In today’s story, we delve into the crucial roles that umpires play, enriched with insights from Xiaoying Liu from China and Martin Madden from Scotland, two esteemed umpires with decades of experience umpiring at the top level. The Journey to Becoming an Umpire The path to becoming a hockey umpire often begins with a deep-rooted love for the sport. Xiaoying Liu’s story is a testament to this passion. “I played hockey for 12 years and after I retired, I didn’t want to leave this group. I chose to be an umpire because I can stay connected with the people and the sport and give back to it,” Xiaoying shared. Her transition from player to umpire highlights a common trajectory where former athletes find a new way to stay connected to the game they love. Similarly, Martin Madden’s journey was influenced by family and opportunity. “I started umpiring when I was 15. My dad, an international hockey umpire, suggested I give it a try, and it turned out I had a natural ability for it,” Martin recalled. His early start and familial encouragement were pivotal in his umpiring career, underscoring the diverse routes individuals take towards becoming an international umpire. Balancing Life and Officiating: The Second Family Being an umpire is a commitment that requires balancing personal life with professional responsibilities. Xiaoying articulated this challenge: “We need to balance family, our professional careers and hockey careers. As a female umpire with a family and two children, it’s difficult to leave them for long periods. But we want to continue following our passion and perform at a high level to set an example for our kids.” For Martin, the camaraderie among umpires helps alleviate some of these challenges. “It’s all the shared experience. We spend a lot of time together at tournaments, helping each other through tough days and celebrating good ones. It’s unique because it’s not just feedback before and after matches. During the matches, the level of conversations between the two umpires on field and the feedback we share with each other in the immediate moment is not something I think we see in other sports. This creates a strong bond, making us feel like a family,” he explained. This sense of family among officials is a distinctive aspect of the hockey umpiring community, fostering a supportive environment both on and off the field. The Olympic Experience Umpiring at the Olympics is a dream come true for many umpires, but it also presents unique challenges and experiences. Xiaoying’s first Olympic experience in Tokyo was marked by strict COVID-19 protocols. “It was very special but also very different because of the restrictions. We couldn’t go out or watch other sports, and it was totally different from every other tournament,” she reflected. Without these limitations, and with sell out crowds, Xiaoying is looking forward to Paris 2024 with optimism, hoping to showcase her true abilities. Martin, who has umpired at many high-profile events including multiple World Cups and Olympic Games, mentions the stark contrast in the scale of the overall event. “The absolute size and scale of the Olympics compared to any other event is phenomenal. You realize you’re a small part of a massive movement,” he noted. As he approaches his final Olympic tournament before retirement, Martin aims to leave on a high note, cherishing the time spent with fellow umpires and striving to perform his best. The collaborative environment among umpires enhances the quality of umpiring at all levels. This is especially relevant at an event of the Olympic scale which comes with its unique challenges as the eyes of the world are set firmly on every minute of the action. “We develop strong relationships and bonds through feedback and support. This helps us manage the pressures, improve our skills and ensures the best for the sport,” Martin emphasized. The honesty and mutual respect within the umpiring community contribute significantly to the high standards expected at the Olympics. Team Building and Preparation for Paris 2024 To ensure optimal performance at the Olympic Game Paris 2024, the umpires will arrive early for a pre-Games training camp. Having taken the initiative, 28 umpires and 4 umpire managers will gather in Cergy, north-west of Paris, from 21-24 July and participate in the camp designed for team-building activities and final preparations. This will help them acclimate to the conditions and get over their travel and jet lag, which will contribute towards better performances during the matches. Such initiatives enhance their readiness and are a direct result of the familial bonds built over the years. The dedication and hard work of hockey umpires and officials are pivotal to the success of the Olympic Games. Through their stories, we gain insight into their journeys, challenges, and the camaraderie that defines their community. As they prepare for Paris 2024, their commitment to excellence and their roles as unsung heroes of the sport will undoubtedly contribute to another memorable Olympic Games. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be played from 27 July to 9 August. For more details about the competition, visit Olympics.Hockey. The view the complete list of officials for Hockey at Paris 2024, click here. Source: FIH.hockey Related posts: India storm to top of Pool C; Belgium finish second and Canada third in Pool C on Day 11 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Netherlands break Indian hearts at Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 FIH Hockey Mens World Cup | Australia show why they are the World Number 1 Hockey

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28 Jun, 2024 The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, that will be co-organised by Belgium and the Netherlands, added a new chapter to its history today with the official signing of the hosting agreement at a ceremony involving FIH President Tayyab Ikram, Dutch Hockey Association President Erik Klein Nagelvoort and CEO Erik Gerritsen as well as Belgian Hockey Association President Patrick Keusters and CEO Serge Pilet. The signing took place on the occasion of the FIH Hockey Pro League matches currently being played at the Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam, Netherlands, one of the two venues of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, together with the stadium of Wavre, in Belgium, that is currently under construction. The 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup will combine the women’s and the men’s tournaments, and will be played in the host countries’ summertime, from 14 to 30 August 2026. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “I would like to start with a heartfelt thank you to the Belgian and Dutch Hockey Associations and authorities for having committed to organising the next edition of the FIH Hockey World Cup – an event that will unite our best women’s and men’s teams from around the world in one big, fantastic joint event, 12 years after the last joint World Cup in The Hague, which was a spectacular success. The Hockey World Cup holds special significance as the global hallmark event of our sport, where the best hockey athletes show their talent and skill, and taking place every four years and between Olympic Games, it is also a great opportunity to witness the changing of the guard and see up-and-coming new contenders and emerging talents. The Netherlands and Belgium are two countries where hockey is alive and thriving, and will undoubtedly make this World Cup an outstanding spectacle that will be an event to remember, and the renovations planned at the iconic Wagener Stadium and the construction of a brand-new hockey stadium in Wavre ensure a lasting legacy for hockey for years to come. I look forward to working with the two countries’ National Associations, together with the FIH professional staff, and supporting them to make this the best Hockey World Cup ever. So, I am pleased to invite all hockey fans from around the world to join us in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2 years’ time to experience the incredible show that the local organisers will undoubtedly put together and the wonderful hospitality of our hosts, but most importantly of course, to see, to admire and to cheer for your heroes, the amazing athletes at the heart of our sport”. KNHB President Erik Klein Nagelvoort said: “We are delighted to host the combined Men’s and Women’s World Cup together with Belgium. We are looking forward to two weeks of great hockey in a packed Wagener Stadion in Amsterdam/Amstelveen in August 2026. Together with Belgium and FIH we are aiming for reaching millions of existing and new hockey fans both in Netherlands and around the world and to promote hockey better than ever before.” Hockey Belgium President Patrick Keusters is enthusiastic: “I’m really happy the hosting agreement with FIH is signed now. This means we can officially kick off the organisation of the biggest international hockey event ever organised on Belgian soil. Our new stadium in Wavre will be the theatre of world class hockey games, showcasing our sport, but also our event organising know-how to millions of Belgian and international spectators. I’m really looking forward to the collaboration with our friends and colleagues of the Dutch federation. I am convinced that together we will be able to put the “Lowlands” on the top of the world once again!” #HWC2026 #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals Related posts: India storm to top of Pool C; Belgium finish second and Canada third in Pool C on Day 11 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Malaysia eliminated as Germany top Pool D on Day 12 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Netherlands break Indian hearts at Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Germany crowned World Champions at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023

FIH President Tayyab Ikram and FIH CEO Thierry Weil addressed the media at a press conference today at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Both answered questions relating to the overall development of hockey and the 2023 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup. “I congratulate all stakeholders involved in making this Hockey World Cup a grand success. The global hockey family is delighted that the World Cup was organised in Odisha. Our sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Naveen Patnaik and his dynamic team as they put in one of the best platforms for our athletes to perform”, said the FIH President in his opening remarks. “We are in touch with the Odisha government to hold more tournaments here. The investment that has been done here is simply outstanding and we will make sure that we have the proper use of it,” he added. Here are some of the excerpts from the media interaction: India holding most of the FIH events: FIH President: “We are not only focusing on India. As you know, the next World Cup will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands. But India is a big market and we’re fortunate that some of our events have been held here.” Making the sport financially sustainable: FIH CEO: “Hockey hasn’t got the needed commercial value yet. Once we get it, our sport will become financially sustainable. Media and marketing play a key role to promote our sport at the highest level. We are trying hard with broadcasters and other stakeholders to make our sport reach out to a global audience.” Teams ranked on the same position (for example, two teams ranked 9th): FIH President: “We are happy with how the ranking or classification system is right now. For us, the most important thing is the players’ well-being and mental health. Also, we need to make the sport cost-effective for all teams.” Injuries: FIH President: “As per my knowledge, injuries mostly happen when a player has a very short reaction time. Therefore, it’s more about making the game safer for all and we at FIH are working on that.” India’s matches not being telecast on television: FIH CEO: “We have been working hard on how to get more viewership on television. Also, as you all know, we have launched our Watch.Hockey app where all the matches are streamed live, but it’s not available in India because of some contractual obligations. Our efforts have always been to make hockey accessible to all and probably in the next few months you won’t miss a single match where your country plays.” On new surfaces coming into play: FIH CEO: “We want to thank our partners and suppliers, who have worked hard to develop a surface where we can play hockey without water. We used it for our Hockey5s event in Lausanne last year. In the future, pitches won’t need water. For sustainability, it’s very important to save water.” Related posts: FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela: 10 days to go! FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup | Argentina edge South Africa in opener Malaysia, Netherlands and France earn important wins as Leones and Kookaburras play a thrilling draw FIH partners with JSP Foundation for hockey development and Men’s World Cup

29 January, 2023 The final day of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 was played in the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar as Germany were crowned the champions of the world, defeating the defending champions Belgium in a thrilling finals, where they went down by 2 goals early in the first quarter but fought their way back again and took the game into a shoot-out, where they held their nerves in the sudden deaths, winning 5-4. With the win Germany also claimed the top spot in the FIH Men’s World Outdoor Rankings. Earlier in the day Netherlands and Australia went head-to-head in the bronze medal match, where Jeremy Hayward gave them an early lead, but an incredible 3-goal burst in 8 minutes in the third quarter, with captain Thierry Brinkman scoring twice, gave Netherlands the lead that they would take to the end and win the bronze medal. With the win, followed by Belgium’s loss in the finals, Netherlands move up to the second position in the FIH Men’s World Outdoor Rankings, followed by silver medalists Belgium who are now ranked third ahead of Australia, who end the tournament ranked fourth. Bronze Medal Match: Australia vs Netherlands 1-3 Netherlands started the game on the front foot, with Theijs van Dam getting a powerful shot into the circle looking for a Dutch deflection, but Hoedemakers couldn’t get on the end of the cross and Australia survived an early scare. Australia started settling into the game midway through the first quarter and a pass into the circle by Jeremy Hayward found captain Zalewski open on the right of the goal, but his shot/cross went wide off the mark with Blake Govers missing a deflection from point blank range. Australia scored the opening goal of the game through Jeremy Hayward who scored his 100th goal in his 200th appearance for Australia. It was a double blow for the Dutch who had referred the penalty corner and lost their review early in the first quarter. Netherlands won their first penalty corner of the game in the 20th minute but Jip Janssen’s powerful flick went straight as an arrow and Charter managed to pull off a comfortable save to deny Netherlands from their first big chance since the opening minute. Both teams traded opportunities to close the opening half, with big chances falling to Koen Bijen for the Dutch and Blake Govers for the Kookaburras, but both star forwards were off targets with their running shots and the teams headed into the break with Australia holding a slender one-goal advantage against Netherlands. Netherlands started the second half with a high press, which was a tactic that worked quite well for Germany in the semi-finals. The ploy seemed to work well for Netherlands as well as they earned three quick penalty corners inside the first two minutes of the second half, and with the third attempt, Jip Janssen opened his account in the game with a powerful drag to the right of Charter to bring the teams level. Two minutes later, Netherlands were in the lead as a clearance attempt by Tim Howard was blocked by Wortelboer in the circle and the resulting loose ball was put into the goal by Dutch captain Thierry Brinkman. Australia started to press higher in search for an equaliser, but it was Netherlands again who capitalised with a quick counter as van Dam’s run from the half line produced a cross that found Brinkman unmarked at the back post and he made no mistake in doubling Netherlands lead. Australia entered the final 15 minutes needing to score at least 2 goals to keep their hopes of winning a medal at the World Cup alive. Their high press gave Netherlands a lot to do in defence, but Jorrit Croon, along with Blok and Jansen, were stellar in the Dutch defensive circle, stopping waves of Australian crosses into the circle. Netherlands believed they had scored the 4th goal of the game midway through the quarter with Koen Bijen knocking the ball into the goal on the back post, but a foul in the build up reversed the goal as Australia breathed a sigh of relief. But Netherlands continued their excellent defence and as time ran out, they ran out winners, earning their third bronze medal at the men’s World Cups. Captain Thierry Brinkman was awarded player of the match and said: “We were playing quite well in the first half but couldn’t convert our chances. We didn’t change anything in the second half, we were just better at converting our opportunities and the way we have played today and through the tournament, we deserve this bronze medal.” Gold Medal Match: Germany vs Belgium 3-3 (SO: 5-4) Germany took on Belgium in the finals hoping to win their 3rd gold medal at the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cups to go level with Australia and Netherlands and one behind Pakistan who have won the event 4 times; while Belgium aimed to become just the 4th team, after Pakistan, Germany & Australia, to defend their title successfully. Belgium started the game on the front foot, creating an early circle entry, but Tom Grambusch was alert to the chance and intercepted a cross right in front of the goal and cleared the danger. Germany won a penalty corner in the 6th minute, referring the original decision which had gone against them. The resulting penalty corner was well defended by first rusher Cosyns who blocked Gonzalo Peillat’s attempted flick. Belgium opened the scoring in the 10th minute as a long corner deflected high off a German stick and fell to Florent van Aubel at the top of the circle and he took the shot on in his stride and smashed the ball into the goal before Stadler could react! Less than a minute later Belgium had doubled their lead as a cross from the left deflected off a German stick and fell to Simon Gougnard who had to get the slightest of touches to put

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BHUBANESWAR: At 0-2 down in a World Cup final, comebacks need nerves of steel. Germany and Belgium took turns to show that in a test that refused to end, until Belgium died a ‘sudden death’, which gave the Germans a third Men’s Hockey World Cup title — first since 2006. It was Germany first who put the game on a knife’s edge by erasing a two-goal deficit to level it 2-2 and then go into the lead at 3-2. It was then the turn of the defending champions. They did it! The COMEBACK KINGS of #HWC2023 are crowned WORLD CHAMPIONS 💪 Insane scenes after the win #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals #Germany #WorldCup @DHB_hockey pic.twitter.com/TSD1RGPkKo — International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 29, 2023   ON THE TOP OF THE WORLD 👑 Congratulate Die Homonas on their finale victory over #HWC2018 Champions @BELRedLions! FT: 🇩🇪 GER 3️⃣-3️⃣ BEL 🇧🇪(SO) 5️⃣-4️⃣#HWC2023 #GERvsBEL #HockeyComesHome #HockeyHaiDilMera pic.twitter.com/2tMHPq9hkE — Odisha Sports (@sports_odisha) January 29, 2023 The Red Lions’ refusal to give up earned them a penalty corner and Gonzalo Peillat once again came to the party to make it 3-3 and push the game into a shootout. Full Time: GER 3-3 BEL Shoot-out:BEL : ✅ ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌GER : ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌✅ ✅ GERMANY ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD! Germany get the better of the defending champions Belgium in the shoot-outs and win their 3rd FIH Hockey Men's World Cup title!#HWC2023 — International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 29, 2023   Niklas Wellen is your Player of the Match for scoring two penalties and a penalty corner to become World Champions 🌏🏆 🇩🇪 GER 3-3 BEL 🇧🇪 (SO 5-4)#HockeyIndia #HWC2023 #HockeyWorldCup #StarsBecomeLegends #GERvsBEL @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @DHB_hockey pic.twitter.com/6cdu9EJFsR — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 29, 2023   But that wasn’t enough to give the 15th edition of the World Cup its winner. It remained 3-3 in the shootout as well, until Tanguy Cosyns missed for Belgium in sudden death to see the Germans, clad in black shirts, running towards goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg. Had Belgium won, they would have been the fourth team to successfully defend the title after Pakistan (1978 and 1982), Germany (2002 and 2006) and Australia (2010 and 2014). The game of fine margins didn’t open that way. The Germans defended for most part of the first five minutes, until their first meaningful entry into the Belgian circle earned them a penalty corner after a video referral. But Peillat, who hit a hat-trick against Australia in the semifinal, wasn’t in his elements by then. His drag-flicks were sorted out by the Belgian rushers. It was the 10th minute when the Belgian ascendancy resulted in a goal. Tom Boon got a loose ball and went for a tomahawk, but the ball took a deflection from a German stick to go out for a long corner. Belgium didn’t waste time to restart, and Florent van Aubel managed to control a bouncing ball from Antoine Kina, which he slammed into the German post on the bounce. A minute later, Kina once again came up with an assist that turned into a goal. Cosyns placed himself beautifully at the end of Kina’s cross from inside the circle to cutely deflect the ball in behind goalkeeper Alexander Stadler to increase Belgium’s lead to 2-0.  Vanasch continued to keep the Germans at bay, coming up with brilliant saves, including a penalty stroke in the 19th minute. A push challenge from behind on Moritz Trompertz by Arthur van Doren inside the circle resulted in the referee awarding a penalty stroke. But Vanasch didn’t let Tom Grambusch’s attempt go past him. Four minutes after that, Marco Miltkau tried a cheeky deflection off a slap from the edge of the 23-yard line but it sailed harmlessly over Vanasch and the crossbar. Looking desperately for a goal before half-time, it was Niklas Wellen, who became a father during the tournament, provided that for Germany off a variation on a penalty corner. Controlling a ricochet that tapped twice on his stick, Wellen smashed it into the goal to make it 2-1. Belgium were down to 10 men in, when Nicolas de Kerpel was shown a green card in the 40th minute. The next minute the Germans took advantage and made it 2-2, with Peillat’s shot finally finding a way through on a penalty corner to sound the board.  And when Mats Grambusch pulled off a stunning goal out of nowhere from an acute angle in the 48th minute, the chants of ‘Belgium, Belgium’ from a small group of the Red Lions’ supporters were hushed. The Germans were now leading 3-2, after being down 0-2. The defending champions had no choice left than to pull out all stops, which is what they did to up the ante in the last five minutes.  Back-to-back penalty corners for Belgium put the German defence under pressure. And just when the Germans had one hand on the trophy, Boon deposited the ball into the net in the 59th minute to make it 3-3, which is what the score remained at the end of 60 minutes. The shootout extended to 14 attempts each from the customary five as the World Cup final required a sudden-death tie-breaker to find the winner.Belgian custodian Vanasch and Danneberg, who replaced Stadler in the German post for the shootouts, were now in focus and both did their job by saving two attempts each, which ended the shootout at 3-3 as well. Man-of-the-Match Wellen and Thies Prinz converted for Germany in sudden-death but only van Aubel could score for the defending champions. And when Cosyns failed to beat Danneberg, the 15th edition of the Men’s World Cup had its champion – Germany. List of Awards Fair Play Award: Team Belgium Maximum Team Goals: Netherlands Best Team Goal Celebration: Korea Fan’s Choice Award: Christopher Rühr (Germany) JSP Foundation Best Junior Player of the Tournament: Mustaphaa Cassiem (South Africa) Hero Top Scorer: Jeremy Hayward (Australia) JSW Best Goalkeeper: Vincent Vanasch (Belgium) Best Defender: Jeremy Hayward

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The final day of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 was played in the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar as Germany were crowned the champions of the world, defeating the defending champions Belgium in a thrilling finals, where they went down by 2 goals early in the first quarter but fought their way back again and took the game into a shoot-out, where they held their nerves in the sudden deaths, winning 5-4. With the win Germany also claimed the top spot in the FIH Men’s World Outdoor Rankings. Earlier in the day Netherlands and Australia went head-to-head in the bronze medal match, where Jeremy Hayward gave them an early lead, but an incredible 3-goal burst in 8 minutes in the third quarter, with captain Thierry Brinkman scoring twice, gave Netherlands the lead that they would take to the end and win the bronze medal. With the win, followed by Belgium’s loss in the finals, Netherlands move up to the second position in the FIH Men’s World Outdoor Rankings, followed by silver medalists Belgium who are now ranked third ahead of Australia, who end the tournament ranked fourth. Bronze Medal Match: Australia vs Netherlands 1-3 Netherlands started the game on the front foot, with Theijs van Dam getting a powerful shot into the circle looking for a Dutch deflection, but Hoedemakers couldn’t get on the end of the cross and Australia survived an early scare. Australia started settling into the game midway through the first quarter and a pass into the circle by Jeremy Hayward found captain Zalewski open on the right of the goal, but his shot/cross went wide off the mark with Blake Govers missing a deflection from point blank range. Australia scored the opening goal of the game through Jeremy Hayward who scored his 100th goal in his 200th appearance for Australia. It was a double blow for the Dutch who had referred the penalty corner and lost their review early in the first quarter. Netherlands won their first penalty corner of the game in the 20th minute but Jip Janssen’s powerful flick went straight as an arrow and Charter managed to pull off a comfortable save to deny Netherlands from their first big chance since the opening minute. Both teams traded opportunities to close the opening half, with big chances falling to Koen Bijen for the Dutch and Blake Govers for the Kookaburras, but both star forwards were off targets with their running shots and the teams headed into the break with Australia holding a slender one-goal advantage against Netherlands. Netherlands started the second half with a high press, which was a tactic that worked quite well for Germany in the semi-finals. The ploy seemed to work well for Netherlands as well as they earned three quick penalty corners inside the first two minutes of the second half, and with the third attempt, Jip Janssen opened his account in the game with a powerful drag to the right of Charter to bring the teams level. Two minutes later, Netherlands were in the lead as a clearance attempt by Tim Howard was blocked by Wortelboer in the circle and the resulting loose ball was put into the goal by Dutch captain Thierry Brinkman. Australia started to press higher in search for an equaliser, but it was Netherlands again who capitalised with a quick counter as van Dam’s run from the half line produced a cross that found Brinkman unmarked at the back post and he made no mistake in doubling Netherlands lead. Australia entered the final 15 minutes needing to score at least 2 goals to keep their hopes of winning a medal at the World Cup alive. Their high press gave Netherlands a lot to do in defence, but Jorrit Croon, along with Blok and Jansen, were stellar in the Dutch defensive circle, stopping waves of Australian crosses into the circle. Netherlands believed they had scored the 4th goal of the game midway through the quarter with Koen Bijen knocking the ball into the goal on the back post, but a foul in the build up reversed the goal as Australia breathed a sigh of relief. But Netherlands continued their excellent defence and as time ran out, they ran out winners, earning their third bronze medal at the men’s World Cups. Captain Thierry Brinkman was awarded player of the match and said: “We were playing quite well in the first half but couldn’t convert our chances. We didn’t change anything in the second half, we were just better at converting our opportunities and the way we have played today and through the tournament, we deserve this bronze medal.” Gold Medal Match: Germany vs Belgium 3-3 (SO: 5-4) Germany took on Belgium in the finals hoping to win their 3rd gold medal at the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cups to go level with Australia and Netherlands and one behind Pakistan who have won the event 4 times; while Belgium aimed to become just the 4th team, after Pakistan, Germany & Australia, to defend their title successfully. Belgium started the game on the front foot, creating an early circle entry, but Tom Grambusch was alert to the chance and intercepted a cross right in front of the goal and cleared the danger. Germany won a penalty corner in the 6th minute, referring the original decision which had gone against them. The resulting penalty corner was well defended by first rusher Cosyns who blocked Gonzalo Peillat’s attempted flick. Belgium opened the scoring in the 10th minute as a long corner deflected high off a German stick and fell to Florent van Aubel at the top of the circle and he took the shot on in his stride and smashed the ball into the goal before Stadler could react! Less than a minute later Belgium had doubled their lead as a cross from the left deflected off a German stick and fell to Simon Gougnard who had to get the slightest of touches to put it in the

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BHUBANESWAR: Captain Thierry Brinkman struck twice as Netherlands dished out a superb show of attacking hockey to beat world no.1 Australia 3-1 and clinch the bronze medal in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup on Sunday. Brinkman struck in the 35th and 40th minutes while penalty corner expert Jip Janssen scored the other goal for Netherlands in the 33rd minute. Australia’s lone goal came from their penalty corner expert Jeremy Hayward in the 13th minute. The bronze meant that Netherlands finished on the podium for the fourth time in succession and they are also equal with Australia on the maximum number of medals won in the showpiece event. Both Netherlands and Australia have now won 10 medals each in the 15 editions of the World Cup. The Dutch finished third in 2010 and runners-up in 2014 and 2018. They have won the title in 1973, 1990 and 1998. For three-time champions Australia, this was the first time they are returning home without a medal after they finished fourth in the 1998 edition. They had won a bronze in the last edition here. Australia dominated the first quarter of the third-fourth place match between the losing semifinalists with more circle entries while the young Netherlands side relied on counter-attacks. Blake Govers had a go at the Dutch goal in the seventh minute but his shot went wide. Four minutes later, captain Aran Zalewski also missed the target from a fine pass from a Hayward pass. The Kookaburras earned two penalty corners and took the lead from the second PC two minutes before the end of the first quarter with Hayward sounding the board for his ninth goal of the tournament. Netherlands, considered the most attacking side in the tournament, began to grow from the second quarter, which did not yield any goal, and Koen Bijen’s opportunistic attempt went just wide in the 22nd minute. Australia led 1-0 at the breather but the Dutch turned up a completely different side in the second half as they pumped in three goals in the third quarter. Captain Brinkman was at his absolute best, lording the midfield play, supplying the forwards and even scoring goals himself.  After Janssen struck from Netherlands’ fourth PC of the match, Brinkman scored two brilliant field goals in the 35th and 40th minutes to give his side a 3-1 lead.  The young Netherlands side were quick on counterattacks and on many occasions, the Australian defence was caught napping by the sheer speed of the Dutchmen. Brinkman’s second goal — and Netherlands’ third — though resulted from a defensive blunder from Australia’s Tim Howard, who failed to clear the ball from inside his own circle properly. Netherlands thought they had scored another goal seven minutes before the final hooter but the video umpire ruled otherwise.   Source: TIMESOFINDIA.COM | January 29, 2023 Related posts: World AIDS Day marked at Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 England and France book quarter-final tickets on Day 13 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela: 10 days to go! FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup | Argentina edge South Africa in opener

A cracker of a contest on the cards BHUBANESWAR: At the 2012 London Olympics, as the Germany hockey team celebrated their gold-medal feat, Belgium were on their way home, having finished fifth. The Red Lions went back to the drawing board. Over six years they reinforced their strengths, worked on their weaknesses and did not stop until they achieved their goal of being the best in the world. The skills. The goals. The last-minute drama. This is how we got here 🤯 The stage is set for the biggest game of all. Germany vs Belgium in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 🇩🇪🏆🇧🇪 Watch the #HWC2023 final tomorrow at 14:30 CET on the https://t.co/igjqkvzwmV app 📲 pic.twitter.com/Kt6dx4GIlx — International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 28, 2023 Germany, on the other hand, are still looking for a major championship title a decade later. From a country with virtually no hockey culture, the defending champions became the most talked about with World Cup (2018), European Championship (2019) and Olympic (2020) title triumphs. Belgium’s walk of champions began at the same venue in 2018 and they will hope to win their second title in as many appearances in the final. Come Sunday night at the Kalinga stadium here, the two teams will seek to stake claim for the FIH World Cup. The golden generation of Belgian hockey will eye a final hurrah and who better than the giant-killers from Germany to stand in their way. The teams have played tough semifinal matches. While Germany snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the last seven seconds against Australia, Belgium showed nerves of steel to eliminate Netherlands. One more sleep ⏳⌛️#HWC2023 Final | January 29 | https://t.co/jG4WwmGdQe pic.twitter.com/KjSo38jkX8 — Watch.Hockey (@watchdothockey) January 28, 2023 There are many subplots to the stirring all-European contest, age being one of them. Belgium is the oldest team in the competition with 11 players above the age of 30. Five among the Germans feature in the 30+ category, six if you count their 39-year-old coach Andre Henning. But Felix Denayer and his Belgium team are no picture of ageing legs or aching limbs. They have outpaced and outplayed younger teams time and again. The finale will be won as much on tactics and technique as it will be on mental strength. Henning is aware of what his men are up against. “At the moment, they are the best team. We respect them for what they have achieved. I have coached them at the U-18 level and they were already the strongest team in Europe at that time so I saw this coming. We would like to stop them but I don’t think they are vulnerable or have any disadvantage, so it won’t be easy,” explained the German coach. One factor that could play on the mind of the Belgians is the momentum which favours Germany. Belgium weren’t really tested up until Netherlands almost ousted them. Germany has been like instant noodles. In their previous two matches, it’s taken them just two minutes to convert their undercooked performance to match-winning shows. Here is how the teams finished at #HWC2023:9th – 🇮🇳🇦🇷11th – 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇿🇦13th – 🇫🇷🇲🇾15th – 🇨🇱🇯🇵 More details on the classification here: https://t.co/9XCLnbCRIE (2/2)@TheHockeyIndia @ArgFieldHockey @SA_Hockey @HockeyWales @FF_Hockey @hockeymalaysia @chile_hockey @jha_hockey pic.twitter.com/bmsgiScb3L — International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 28, 2023 Germany’s spirit is not lost on Belgium’s coach Michel Van Den Heuvel, who knows how the slow starts can turn the match on its head in a few seconds. “As a natural character Germany are able to finish well. There is an old saying in Holland, you always win from the Germans when they are on the bus.” The match promises to be a great advertisement for hockey with the starry line-ups. Belgium’s citadel is well protected with Vincent Vanasch under the bar. Tom Boon, has been the live wire and their top-scorer while the likes of Arthur Van Doren, Victor Wegnez, John-John Dohmen and Arthur de Sloover are all match-winners. Source: TIMESOFINDIA.COM | January 29, 2023 Related posts: FIH Hockey Mens World Cup | Australia show why they are the World Number 1 Hockey World Cup: Brother power comes to the fore as Germany ‘Grambusch’ England Hockey World Cup: India beat South Africa, finish joint 9th, lowest ever by a host nation Hockey World Cup: Germany dethrone Belgium in sudden-death thriller to end 17-year wait for third title

Bhubaneswar, 29 January: In a ceremony held on the eve of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela final, FIH President Tayyab Ikram presented the FIH President’s Award to Mr. V.K Pandian, Secretary (5T) to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, for his outstanding contribution to hockey. “What we have witnessed here in Odisha in the last 2 weeks is truly exceptional! Not only the state-of-the-art facilities but also the passion showcased by the Odisha people for hockey – as much for the Indian team as for the others – has been an absolute delight to experience. Together with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik, Mr. Pandian has played a pivotal role in making this World Cup such a resounding success globally! I’m very honored to present him the FIH President’s Award as a mark of deep gratitude from FIH and myself for his personal support and that of the State of Odisha”, the FIH President stated. On receiving the prestigious award, Mr. Pandian said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the FIH President’s Award. I am not the recipient of this Award, I am only the representative of Team Odisha which has put its heart and soul in making this World Cup a grand success. We are inspired by the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik”. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said: “I have seen the contribution of Mr Pandian over last two decades towards the field of sports, especially hockey. Since he himself is a sports person, he understands the requirements and always strive to provide the best facilities for the sportspersons. His role is most critical in translating into reality the vision of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to make Odisha as a major sports destination”. The FIH President’s Award recognises individuals or National Associations or other organisations for valuable services to hockey, whether direct or indirect, or initiatives which have had a significant effect on hockey at international level. Related posts: Netherlands stunned by Germany on Day 8 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 BELGIUM AND NETHERLANDS TO FIGHT FOR TITLE AT ODISHA HOCKEY MEN’S WORLD CUP BHUBANESWAR 2018 South Africa’s World Cup adventures underway after success in Accra Smooth sailing for Honamas while Korea win 10-goal thriller in the shoot-outs

It was a venue and crowed befitting a World Cup final as 20 000 fans packed into Rourkela to watch South Africa and India play for a top 10 spot at the global showpiece. The game marked the 200th game for Mandeep Singh, a remarkable achievement. The African Champions will be disappointed by their slow start to the game and found themselves trailing five minutes in. Abishek received the ball at the top of the circle, created space with his first touch and fired a blistering strike into the backboard. The crowd were superb in supporting every foray forward by the host nation and their players were clearly buoyed by the support. They continued to furrow forward and found themselves a penalty corner which was smashed home by Harmanpreet Singh. South Africa settled into the game and were unlucky not to pull a goal back when Bili Ntuli hit the outside of the goal post. South Africa consistently broke up play and tried their best to get a goal back, while Gowan Jones was on form whenever he was called on. South Africa had three penalty corners as they pushed the Indian defense and continued to ask questions. But despite the circle entries, the clear-cut chances were limited outside of the penalty corners as the game trudged its way to the end of the third quarter. But just before the hooter ending the third quarter Shamsher Singh peeled off the back of the defenders and tapped in unmarked on the back post. They made it 4-0 with an instinctive finish by Akashdeep Singh early in the fourth quarter before the outstanding goal of the game arrived. It was however from the stick of the South Africans. An overhead ball to Samkelo Mvimbi was brought down brilliantly and he roofed the ball superbly. South Africa continued to search for a second, but India scored on the counterattack. South Africa would have the opportunity for a last laugh as Mustapha Cassiem stood up and finished a sensational stroke. That would be that and the game would end 5-2 to the Indians who ended a disappointing World cup on a high. For the South Africans and 11th place finish, above their ranking of 14th shows the continued progress being made.   Source: SAHockey.co.za | January 28, 2023 Related posts: India and Belgium in thrilling draw on Day Five of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 Belgium and Netherlands complete quarter-final line-up on Day 14 of Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 AfHF 2021 – Revised Roadmap FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup: One Month To Go!

The final day of classification matches of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 were played in the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela as Argentina and India registered wins to end their campaigns in the 9th position, while Malaysia and France finished on wins as well, ending their campaigns in the 13th position. Losses for Wales and South Africa, saw them finish 11th, while Japan and Wales ended their campaigns in 15th place. Match 1: Malaysia vs Japan 3-2 Malaysia struck early in the battle of the two Asian teams as a penalty corner won by Ashari was scored by Shello Silverius with Malaysia opting for a variation as Razie Rahim pushed the ball wide for a deflection that beat the post defender and goalkeeper. Both keepers were immense in the first quarter saving attempts that looked like they were destined to find the goal. Malaysia captain Marhan Jalil was shown a yellow card in the second half as the team had 12 players on the field and Japan took advantage earning 2 penalty corners and scoring from the resulting side out after the Malaysian rusher had chased down the second penalty corner. Japan and Malaysia traded goals early in the 32nd minute with Seren Tanaka scoring for Japan, and Shello Silverius scoring his second of the game for Malaysia, to keep the teams on level terms. Two minutes later Malaysia were back in the lead as Faiz Jali found Irfan all alone in the circle on the left and his flat snuck under the Japanese keeper. Japan had a good spell of pressure to end the third quarter but couldn’t make it count, not finding the mark from 3 penalty corners. Japan tried to find an equaliser in the final quarter and received a boost when Malaysia were reduced to 10 players with Najmi Jazlan receiving a yellow card, but the experienced pair of Razie Rahim and Marhan Jalil kept Japan out brilliantly as Malaysia edged them for a narrow win. Shello Silverius was awarded player of the match and said: “We wanted to finish higher than this overall but for today we wanted to end this tournament on a high and we dedicate this win to our supporters back in Malaysia.” Match 2: Chile vs France 2-4 Chile were coming into the game on the back of two big losses, but showed a lot of heart early in the contest to take the game to France. They created circle entries but the French deep defence held strong to stop the Chilean attackers from getting their shots away. France primarily looked to capitalise on counter attacks with Chile leaving plenty of space behind their last line of defence. France opened the scoring on one such counter through Eliot Curty and added two more in quick succession through Victor Charlet to stun Chile. Chile kept coming at France and pulled a goal back from a penalty corner of their own, with Franco Beccera getting on the scoresheet to go into the half-time break down 1-3. The third quarter followed a similar pattern to the first as Chile pressed high in search of a goal while France defended deep and looked for counter attacking opportunities. France scored first in the second half as a cross by Xavier Gaspard deflected off the keeper’s boot and snuck into the goal. Chile scored one of their own as a long cross from the left found Andres Pizzaro completely unmarked in the back post and he tapped the ball into an empty goal. Chile’s push for another goal went until the final whistle, but while they created plenty of circle entries, they lacked the final shots at the end of it and the game finished at 4-2. Victor Charlet was awarded player of the match and said: “It’s always good to finish with a win. Our target was making quarterfinals and we didn’t make that, but at least we ended the tournament with a good performance.” Match 3: Argentina vs Wales 6-0 Before the game Wales coach Daniel Newcombe said that playing in the 9th/11th place game was a great achievement for the team in their debut campaign but they wouldn’t be happy with just that and wanted to end the campaign with a win. The Welsh team answered their coach’s call and started the game with a lot of attacking intent. Argentina were stifled for the first quarter as Wales dominated possession in the Argentine half, but they couldn’t find the goal to cap off a great quarter. Argentina were much improved in the second quarter and scored early through Lucas Toscani. They added a second when Martin Ferreiro’s cross from the left side of the circle was inadvertently deflected into his own goal by Joan Wall, to give Argentina a 2-goal lead going into the break. Argentina set the tone early in the third quarter with Agustin Bugallo scoring an absolute ripper on the reverse from the top of the circle. And soon they added a fourth from a penalty corner as Santiago Tarazona pounced on the rebound from the initial save and tapped the ball into the goal. Welsh shoulders started to drop, as despite the competitive nature of the game, Argentina had played the big moments well and put the game beyond the European debutants. Maico Casella, who has been Argentina’s best player in the World Cup added a 5th goal for the Leones and Ferreiro scored his second to make it 6 in the final quarter. Martin Ferreiro was awarded player of the match and said: “It’s a great feeling to win two games back to back, even though we didn’t meet our targets overall. You take two big wins on the trot to wrap up a World Cup.” Match 4: South Africa vs India 2-5 India took on South Africa in their final game of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, in front of yet another packed crowd in the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium

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