FIH President meets IOC President and President-elect

    06 Jun, 2025 “I was honoured and glad to recently meet IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry. Both expressed how happy they feel about hockey’s presence in the Olympics. In particular, they praised hockey for showcasing itself so well as a sport during the Paris 2024 Games.” “We of course discussed about the ongoing preparation works for the next two editions in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.   They look forward to a great impact of hockey at the next Olympiad!” – Tayyab Ikram, FIH President

    FIH launches ‘FIH Recommended Face Protectors’ certification

      04 Jun, 2025 At the beginning of this year, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) decided to make it mandatory for all players to wear a face mask when defending penalty corners in all FIH events. This measure was taken to further protect players this very special moment of the game of hockey. FIH is also encouraging Continental Federations and National Associations to adopt this too. The decision was made in light of the FIH’s 2022 consultation programme “The Future of Penalty Corner” which received 4,000 responses worldwide. Prior to this new policy, it was only the goalkeeper who was obliged to wear protective gear. However, defenders are also exposed to drag flickers, which can reach speeds of 150kpmh, so ensuring they are also wearing face masks will reduce risk and prevent more head injuries. This new requirement is no incorporated into the FIH Tournament Regulations. Now, FIH is adding a further component to its initial decision by creating a new certification programme within its FIH Quality Programme. Based on pioneering research undertaken by the Sports Technology Institute at Loughborough University, the new certification programme will ensure that FIH Recommended protective face masks provide appropriate levels of impact protection. Additionally, FIH Recommended equipment has to be manufactured under strict quality control procedures, reducing the risk of defective products entering the market. Knowing their protective head gear has been independently tested and is FIH Recommended gives athletes peace of mind, allowing them to focus on performance without worrying about equipment failure. Further details about the FIH Recommended Face Protectors certification are available here Source: FIH.hockey

      FIH nominates Sport Group to supply LA 2028 hockey turf

        03 Jun, 2025 The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is pleased to announce that it has nominated Sport Group, represented by their brands AstroTurf and Polytan, as the hockey turf sole supplier for the LA 2028 Olympic Games. The Poligras hockey turf used for the competition will be manufactured and installed by AstroTurf. The agreement includes three hockey fields (one competition field, one warm-up field and one training field) and their shock pads. AstroTurf, the original turf made in the USA, created the very first Olympic synthetic surface for hockey for the Montreal 1976 Games. Since then, Sport Group brands AstroTurf, Polytan and Poligras have been selected for 12 Olympic Games. Sport Group has constantly innovated alongside the sport. The Paris 2024 hockey turf, Poligras Paris GT zero, marked the world’s first carbon zero hockey turf, and each Olympic Games features new turf technology. Research and Development for the Poligras LA28 turf is well underway. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 will offer another fantastic opportunity for our sport to showcase itself to the world. The most important protagonists of this promotion of hockey are the athletes. It is our duty to offer them the best conditions for them to express their amazing talent. I’m really grateful that our strong partnership with Sport Group, AstroTurf and Polytan will deliver a turf that will include both the competition and sustainability aspects, and leave a lasting legacy for hockey in the USA.” Melissa Twist, Director of Field Hockey, AstroTurf said: “AstroTurf started the hockey turf revolution in 1976 with the first turf at the Montreal Olympics. Since then, we have installed hockey turf in major stadiums, schools and clubs around the world, including many Olympic Games and World Cups. AstroTurf is based in the USA, so providing the hockey turf for a home Olympic Games, 52 years after Montreal, is deeply rewarding and testament to our enduring love of the sport and respect for everyone involved in the game.” Paul Kamphuis, Head of Hockey, Sport Group, added: “We are thrilled that Poligras has been chosen as the hockey turf for LA2028, this will be the 9th Olympic hockey tournament on Poligras. This record of Olympic excellence is something that we are very proud of. Sport Group, together with AstroTurf and Polytan are committed to hockey globally. From the London blue, to the carbon zero turf in Paris 2024, our turf innovations have helped the sport become more skillful, dynamic and thrilling for players and fans. We continue to invest in reducing water and carbon while ensuring that our hockey turf performs at Olympic levels.” In terms of physical legacy post-Olympic Games, and upon request from FIH, the pitches will be installed in suitable locations within the USA as agreed through a re-allocation process agreed between USAFH and LA 2028, approved by FIH and with support from AstroTurf. 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. #MadeForHockey

        SA Hockey Men Announce Squad for FIH Nations Cup Malaysia 2025

          Six debutants named as South Africa gear up for Kuala Lumpur showdown SA Hockey is proud to announce the SA Men’s squad selected to compete at the 2025 FIH Nations Cup, set to take place at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 15–21 June 2025. Drawn into Pool A alongside France, Korea, and Wales, South Africa will open their campaign against the Welsh on 15 June. With critical world ranking points up for grabs, the Nations Cup remains an important fixture on the international calendar — and an exciting opportunity for the next generation of South African talent to make their mark. The 18-player squad features six debutants, signalling a new wave of potential emerging through the national ranks. Making their first appearance for the SA Men are Jaydon Brooker, Carlon Mentoor, Jamie Seale, Reuben Sendzul, Marvin Simons, and Angelo Walstroom. Their selection comes off the back of consistent performances and a recent national camp in Pretoria, which included a high-tempo Green vs. Gold exhibition series. Bringing experience to the group are Dan Bell (111 caps) and goalkeeper Gowan Jones (95 caps), who return to anchor a squad with a mix of proven performers and fresh energy. Also returning to the national fold are Matt de Sousa and Trevor de Lora, both of whom bring valuable international experience. Estiaan Kriek returns having represented Kampong in a run to a silver medal finish in the Dutch Hoofdklasse league. South Africa enters the tournament with a proud history in the FIH Nations Cup, having won gold in 2022 and bronze in 2024. With momentum from their Olympic participation and recent form, the squad will look to build on this legacy in Malaysia. SA Hockey Men – FIH Nations Cup 2025 Name Caps Name Caps Name Caps Dan Bell 111 Jaydon Brooker 0 Calvin Davis 6 Trevor de Lora 21 Matthew de Sousa 48 Andrew Hobson 36 Gowan Jones 95 Zenani Kraai 23 Estiaan Kriek 36 Peabo Lembethe 76 Carloon Mentoor 0 Sam Mvimbi 63 Sihle Ngubane 24 Jamie Seale 0 Reuben Sendzul 0 Marvin Simons 0 Jacques van Tonder 32 Angelo Walstroom 0 Broadcast details will be shared in due course, with all match updates, content, and behind-the-scenes coverage available via SA Hockey’s official social media platforms. Source: sahockey.co.za | June 2, 2025

          Malaysia all set to host the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2025

            23 May, 2025 The excitement is building in Malaysia as the nation prepares to host the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2025, a tournament that will bring together top-tier international teams in pursuit of glory and a coveted opportunity to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League, in Kuala Lumpur from 15-21 June 2025. For a country with a deep-rooted hockey tradition and a passionate fan base, hosting the Nations Cup marks yet another proud chapter in Malaysia’s long-standing relationship with the sport. Speaking about the significance of the event, Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) President, Dato’ Sri Subahan Kamal, shared his thoughts: “It is an honour for Malaysia to play host yet again for a prestigious tournament. Though it will be our first Nations Cup tournament as host, we believe every tournament hosted by us escalates excitement among the younger generation and helps promote hockey actively. We are confident this will increase interest in the sport and grow a bigger community of hockey lovers.” The tournament will not only showcase international rivalries but will also serve as a rallying point for Malaysian hockey fans, who will have the chance to cheer on their national team from the stands. For the players, the home support means everything. Team Captain, Muhammad Marhan Mohd Jalil, is eagerly looking forward to leading his team on home soil: “It is an honour to play at our home ground. Seeing and hearing the spectators chanting and supporting us during our matches builds our confidence and strength throughout the competition.” With the team fully focused on putting in a strong performance, expectations are high, and ambitions are clear. “Our goal is to win this tournament. Doing so would be our way of showing appreciation to Malaysian hockey fans for their unwavering support,” said Marhan. The captain also had a heartfelt message for fans ahead of the Nations Cup: “Please come and support us so that we can play with more enthusiasm, knowing that you are behind us every moment of the game.” With a storied history of hosting top tier international hockey tournaments, a hugely passionate fan base, and a team ready to shine on the international stage, Malaysia is set to deliver a memorable edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2025. For more information about the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup Malaysia 2025, click here. Source: FIH.hockey