FIH appoints Mike Joyce as Director General

    13 Jun, 2025 Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is glad to announce the appointment of Mike Joyce as its new Director General. Joyce had been heading the Education and Development Department of hockey’s world governing body for the last seven years. Himself a hockey player and coach with the English and Swiss Hockey Associations, he brings a wealth of experience in sports and the Olympic movement which involves, among others, roles at the International Olympic Committee, FIH and England Hockey. He is also a former Chair of the GAISF Membership Commission. As part of his responsibilities, Mike Joyce will focus on strategic work, lead the FIH Team and ensure the implementation of the decisions and policies of the FIH Congress, Executive Board and President. Furthermore, the following two new positions have been created: Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Sports Officer (CSO). The COO will provide dedicated leadership for day-to-day operations, overseeing the Executive Office, Finance, HR, Legal and IT Departments. The role ensures continuity and institutional knowledge in the management of internal functions, and strengthens the senior management structure as FIH evolves and prepares for future challenges. FIH Interim Senior Operations Director Diana Capsa will take on this role. The CSO position replaces and expands upon the current Sport Director role, overseeing the Sport, Events, Development and Education departments, reflecting the increasing need to align these functions under a unified vision and drive innovation and excellence across all levels. Seasoned hockey administrator and Official Elisabeth Fürst has been appointed as Chief Sports Officer. All three appointments were confirmed by the FIH Executive Board at their meeting currently taking place in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Commenting on the appointments, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “I would like to congratulate Mike Joyce and wish him well for this exciting mission. With his experience, professionalism and passion for the game, I’m sure we have the right person to help FIH reach the next level. I look forward to intensifying our already great collaboration. I’m also very happy with the creation of the positions of Chief Operations and Chief Sports Officers as they will strengthen our executive leadership and ensure operational excellence within FIH. Congratulations to Diana Capsa and Elisabeth Fürst. They will thrive in their new roles.” FIH Director General Mike Joyce added: “I am deeply passionate about the incredible sport of hockey, that has given me over 45 years of great memories and exciting challenges. I am exceptionally honoured and humbled to have been given the opportunity to help shape the future of the FIH and of hockey in this exciting role, and am looking forward to working with a great FIH team, Executive Board and President.” For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website. Source: FIH.hockey

    FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2 Poland 2025: A new chapter unfolds on 16 June

      13 Jun, 2025 A new era in women’s hockey begins in just a few days as the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2, is all set to take place in Wałcz, Poland from 16-22 June 2025. As a vital stepping stone towards the top tier of international hockey, this event offers an unmissable opportunity for ambitious teams to prove their mettle on the global stage. This brand-new tier of the FIH Nations Cup competition provides a structured pathway for developing and emerging teams to eventually climb towards the FIH Pro League. With only one promotion spot available from this tournament to the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2026, every goal and every game will be fiercely contested. Poland Takes Centre Stage Wałcz, Poland has a rich sporting culture with the city being a hotbed of sporting activities, in addition to being the country’s major sporting hub due to its famed Olympic Training Center, the home of Polish Olympians across various disciplines. After successfully hosting the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup in Gniezno last year, Poland is ready to welcome the global hockey community with open arms and a spirit of competition. Teams to Watch The eight participating teams represent the next wave of talent in women’s hockey. Each nation arrives with determination, sharp tactics, and a hunger for international success. Whether it’s seasoned teams seeking redemption or rising nations aiming to turn heads, every match will carry the weight of ambition. Expect dynamic clashes, fast-paced action, and standout performances from future stars aiming to make their mark on the international scene. Pool A – Malaysia, Poland, South Africa, Uruguay Pool B – Czechia, France, Italy, Wales Tournament Schedule Each team will play round-robin matches within their pool, followed by classification matches, semi-finals, and the final. All-European Pool B matches between Italy vs Wales and France vs Czechia will start us off on 16 June, to be followed by Pool A match featuring South Africa vs. Uruguay, before the final match of opening day between hosts Poland and Malaysia. The pool stage matches will be played on 16, 17 and 19 June, followed by the classification matches and medal matches on the 21 and 22 June. What’s at Stake The winner of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2 Poland 2025 will earn promotion to the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2026, inching one step closer to the prestigious FIH Hockey Pro League, the “League of the Best”! With the chance to rise through the ranks and eventually compete against the world’s elite, the significance of this tournament cannot be overstated. Where to Watch Watch all the matches from the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2 Poland 2025 LIVE by signing up to the new reimagined version of the Watch.Hockey platform. Source: FIH.hockey

      FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025: Pools revealed!

        12 Jun, 2025 On the occasion of the draw ceremony held today in Santiago, Chile, the six Pools of the upcoming expanded FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2025, which will feature 24 teams for the very first time, have been determined as follows: Pool A: Netherlands, Japan, Chile, Malaysia Pool B: Argentina, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Wales Pool C: Germany, India, Ireland, Namibia Pool D: England, South Africa, China, Austria Pool E: Australia, Spain, Canada, Scotland Pool F: United States, Korea, New Zealand, Uruguay Israel Castro, Director of the Chilean National Sports Institute attended the draw ceremony, as well as Alvaro Ipinza, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports, Miguel Ángeles Mujica, President, Chilean Olympic Committee, Carolina Sanz, Vice President, Chilean Olympic Committee, Juan Pablo Casorzo, Development Manager, Government of Santiago along with Andrés de Witt, President of the Chilean Field Hockey Federation and Tony von Ondarza, FIH Honorary member. Chilean Field Hockey Federation President, Andrés de Witt said: “It is great that the first ever 24-team FIH Junior Hockey World Cup, with teams coming from all over the world will be played in Chile! It is also special for us that the draw ceremony for the event is being held locally in Chile for the first time, which is a great honour and responsibility for us. This mega event in our country celebrates the Pan American heritage and will be held in our home, the Claudia Schuler National Hockey Stadium, and it would not be possible without the support of the government of Chile and our President Gabriel Boric and Minister of Sport Jaime Pizarro. I also want to thank FIH President Tayyab Ikram for the honour of being able to host this tournament in our home.” FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “It’s with great pleasure that FIH is going back to Chile for one of its most important events. Thank you to the leadership of Chile Hockey Federation, especially my dear friend Andres, under whose leadership we are making Chile a global hub of hockey. It will be a great occasion to welcome all the young stars from all over the world, who will be coming to enjoy the sporting moments, performing their best and also to enjoy the fantastic hospitality of Chile. I am full of gratitude for the government and all the stakeholders and sponsors who are helping Chile hockey organise this mega event in Santiago. I am very happy that Santiago is not only becoming a global hub of hockey but also promoting and developing our beautiful sport at all levels. Thank you President Andrés, thank you Chile Hockey executive board and thank you community of hockey in Chile.” The pinnacle of the FIH junior women’s tournaments will be held from 1 to 13 December 2025 in the city of Santiago, Chile. For more details click here. Netherlands are the current Junior Women’s World Champions, having defeated Argentina in the final of the 2023 edition. Source: FIH.hockey

        FIH Hockey Nations Cup Malaysia 2025: The road to FIH Hockey Pro League begins on 15 June

          10 Jun, 2025 The countdown has officially reached under a week to the start of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup Malaysia 2025, the gateway to FIH Hockey Pro League, “League of the Best”. Set to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 15-21 June, the third edition of the competition promises high-stakes action, passionate crowds, and a showcase of hockey’s rising powers. As the official qualification pathway to the FIH Hockey Pro League 2025–26, the Nations Cup brings together eight elite national teams not currently competing in the Pro League. With only one coveted spot available, every match will carry immense weight, turning this tournament into a proving ground for world-class ambition. Malaysia Welcomes the World Renowned for its vibrant hockey culture, Malaysia offers a perfect stage for this global showdown. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere at the National Hockey Stadium, where the roar of local supporters will drive the home team and challenge the visitors. Malaysia last hosted the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup in 2023, and once again, the nation is ready to deliver an unforgettable experience. Teams to Watch The lineup for 2025 features a mix of battle-hardened veterans and hungry challengers from all corners of the hockey world. Fans can expect thrilling matchups, tactical masterclasses, and breakout performances from future stars of the sport. Whether it’s powerhouse contenders looking to reclaim their place on the Pro League stage or emerging nations eyeing history, the Nations Cup is where dreams take shape and legends are born. Pool A: France, Korea, South Africa, Wales Pool B: Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan Tournament Schedule The action begins on 15 June with all teams in action on opening day as Pool A encounters France vs Korea and South Africa vs Wales will get us underway. New Zealand will take on Japan in the penultimate match of the opening day before the electric final match of the day that will pit hosts Malaysia against Pakistan! The pool stage matches will be played on 15,16 and 18 June, followed by the classification matches and medal matches on the 20 and 21 June. What’s at Stake? Victory at the Nations Cup offers more than a trophy—it brings the opportunity to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League, where the world’s top-ranked teams compete in a year-long competition. With global exposure, competitive growth, and a spot at the FIH Hockey World Cup for the winners of the Pro League, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Where to Watch Watch all the matches from the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup Malaysia 2025 LIVE by signing up to the new reimagined version of the Watch.Hockey platform.

          Dutch men leave it late in Amsterdam thriller v India

            09 Jun, 2025 Monday’s lone FIH Hockey Pro League fixture offered plenty of drama in an enthralling clash in Amsterdam. The Netherlands men did just enough to complete the double over India and stretch their lead at the top of the table. (Men’s) Netherlands 3 – 2 India The Netherlands boosted their title hopes with a riveting 3-2 win over a fired-up Indian side who were left to rue a poor conversion rate from their nine penalty corners. Both teams created great scoring opportunities in the opening quarter, Abhishek and Shilanand Lakra missing narrowly for India, and Tjep Hoedemakers clattering one into the post for the Netherlands. India held the initial advantage, though, making numerous pass intercepts and one-on-one steals that led to regular circle entries. India carried their momentum into the second period and went ahead in the 20th minute. Playing in his 100th match for India, Abhishek sent a blistering strike into the roof of the net. The Dutch gradually settled into the game, though, and equalised four minutes later. Captain Thierry Brinkman crabbed some distance along the baseline before popping the ball across goal for Thijs van Dam to swat it in from waist height. The scores were locked 1-1 at half time. Tjep Hoedemakers gave the hosts the lead in the 33rd minute, when his high-quality deflection from close range gave goalkeeper Pathak no chance to adjust his angles. Pathak got a good touch to disrupt the Dutch a couple of minutes later, though, and India finished the third period in the ascendancy with a flurry of attacks and penalty corners. With just one goal separating the teams, there was no thought of playing conservatively in the final quarter. Both teams had chances before Jugraj Singh equalised for India with a 54th-minute drag flick. Kumar Upadhyay Lalit then very nearly upset the home fans, stealing a loose ball off the last Dutch defender, but his cheeky lobbed shot was gloved away by a frantically backpedalling Maurits Visser. The winning goal came with just three minutes remaining, when Jip Janssen’s drag flick sealed the victory for the Dutch. Derck de Vilder received the player of the match award for the Netherlands and said: “I think it was a hard game, especially the second half. India came out hard and we had a lot of trouble with their pressing.” Current Hero Top Scorers: Women – Yibbi Jansen (NED) (9 goals) Men – Tom Boon (BEL) (14 goals) To see the current standings in the FIH Hockey Pro League, click here. FIH Hockey Pro League – 9 June 2025 Wagener Stadion, Amsterdam, Netherlands (NED) Men Result: Match 40 (M) Netherlands 3 – 2 India Player of the match: Derck de Vilder (NED) Umpires: Ben Goentgen (GER), Magali Sergeant (BEL), Michael Dutrieux (BEL-video)