15 Dec, 2024 Finishing in the top 5 positions of the 2024 Women’s Asia Junior Cup played in Muscat (Oman), China, India, Japan, Korea and Malaysia have qualified for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2025 which, for the very first time, has been expanded to include 24 teams from around the world! FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Congratulations to all five Asian teams that have qualified for next year’s FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup that will be played in Chile, with 24 teams for the first time. A special mention to India for being crowned 2024 Junior Asian Cup Champions! I’d also like to extend sincerest thanks to Oman for having, once more, put together such fantastic events, with both women’s and men’s Asia Junior Cups.” China, India, Japan and Korea finished on the top-2 spots of their respective pools, therefore qualifying not only for the semi-finals of the tournament but also securing their ticket to the World Cup. As the last spot for the World Cup was to go to the team finishing 5th, the 5-8 place classification matches became really exciting! Thailand and Malaysia defeated Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong, China respectively to move on to the 5th-6th place match. Malaysia came away with the victory in the crucial match-up to become the last Asian team to qualify for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2025. The first semi-final of the 2024 Women’s Asia Junior Cup pitted India against Japan. Scoring 3 goals in the first quarter, the young Indians won (3-1) and qualified for the Final. In the other semi-final, China beat Korea (4-1), scoring a goal in each quarter. In the group stage, China had defeated India. Therefore, the Final offered a chance for the Indians to take their revenge. And they managed to do so, winning the penalty-shootouts (3-2) after a 1-1 draw. The score of the match for third place was absolutely identical, with Korea defeating Japan (1-1, 3-2 PSO). For more details about the event, please click here. FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Chile 2025 The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 will be played in Santiago, Chile. Beyond the hosts, Argentina, Uruguay, United States and Canada have qualified from the Americas. Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Wales and Scotland have qualified from Europe. Following the five qualifiers from the Junior Asia Cup, three more teams from Oceania and Africa (each) will qualify for the World Cup to complete the qualification process over the next few months. All information about the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups is available here. The world rankings for Junior teams are available here. For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website. #RisingStars #MadeForHockey

06 Dec, 2024 From 7-15 December 2024, the best junior Asian women’s hockey teams will compete in Muscat, Oman in the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024, with five spots up for grabs in the upcoming FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025, to be played in Chile, with an expanded competition format that will feature 24 teams for the very first time! The ten participating teams have been split into two pools, with Pool A comprising Bangladesh, China, India, Malaysia and Thailand. In Pool B it’ll be Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei who will compete for the top-2 spots that will confirm not just a semi-final spot, but also, through it, secure a Junior World Cup spot. Each team in the pool stage will play the other four teams in their pool once. The top two teams in both pools will qualify for the semi-finals, while the teams in third and fourth positions will compete for the 5-8 place classification, with the team finishing the event in 5th place securing a Junior World Cup spot. The losing semi-finalists will play in the bronze medal match, with the two finalists competing for gold. All four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025. For more details about the event, click here. The FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 will be played in Santiago, Chile. Chile have qualified as the hosts of the competition. Argentina, Uruguay, United States and Canada have qualified from the Americas. Belgium, England, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Wales and Scotland have qualified from Europe. Following the five qualifiers from Junior Asia Cup, three more teams from Oceania and Africa (each) will qualify for the World Cup to complete the qualification process over the next few months. All information about the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups is available here. The world rankings for Junior teams are available here. For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website. #RisingStars #MadeForHockey

05 Dec, 2024 Lausanne, Switzerland: Every stick swing, every goal scored, and every victory celebrated in hockey is built on the dedication of countless volunteers. From grassroots programs to elite international tournaments, volunteers form the foundation of hockey. They are the coaches introducing children to the joy of the game, the umpires ensuring fair play, the event organizers orchestrating seamless tournaments, and the mentors shaping the next generation of leaders. In many parts of the world, hockey’s very existence relies on the passion and selflessness of these individuals. Their commitment not only helps the sport flourish but also strengthens communities, teaching values of teamwork, resilience, and inclusivity. This International Volunteer Day, the global hockey community comes together to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, fostering the growth of our beloved sport. To honor these hard-working and committed individuals, FIH is presenting an FIH International Volunteer Day award, recognising the invaluable contribution of each nominee. All the recipients of the award have been nominated by their continental federation. FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Today, as the global hockey community celebrates International Volunteer Day, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who make hockey more than just a sport – it’s a movement. Their efforts ignite passion, build bridges across cultures, and create lasting legacies. On behalf of FIH and in my personal name, I’d like to thank every volunteer for their tireless work, boundless energy, and unwavering belief in the power of hockey. They are the heartbeat of our sport, and we celebrate them not just today, but every day.” The Pan American Hockey Federation has nominated Pilar Burundarena (ARG/PAR) and Aaron Finer (USA) for their spirit and dedication to hockey. Pilar Burundarena, embodies the true spirit of dedication and service. Originally from Argentina and now residing in Paraguay, Pilar has proven her unwavering commitment as a volunteer during the South American Games (ODESUR) and the Special Olympics Latin America in October 2024. Her empathy, approachability, and readiness to assist at every moment made her an invaluable asset to these events. Her selfless efforts and supportive nature left a lasting impression, showcasing the incredible value of her contributions to the sporting community. Aaron Finer is one of the most dedicated volunteer officers I have ever seen around hockey. He is a consummate professional in the medical field who is a qualified medical doctor and practices mostly in the sports medicine area of athlete preparation, injury prevention and rehabilitation. Once Aaron commits to the task, he goes about his duties with tireless energy. He enjoys what he does and never shies away from any task. Aaron is usually willing to work with anyone who is in need and has the true heart of a medical practitioner in this regard. Aaron is a valuable asset to the sport of hockey and any team to which he has committed. The Oceania Hockey Federation has nominated Brendan Bon of Papua New Guinea and Lyn Hill of Australia for the award. Brendan Bon is an outstanding volunteer for the Papua New Guinea Hockey Federation, contributing as an umpire at six PNG National Championships, two Pacific Games (2015, 2023), and the 2014 FIH World League in Fiji. At the 2015 Pacific Games, he served as Assistant Umpire Manager, enhancing umpire development in PNG, and he continues to play a pivotal role in recruiting and training officials. Appointed Executive Director of PNG Hockey Federation in 2024, Brendan’s corporate expertise has bolstered sponsorship efforts for programs like Hook in4 Health, particularly its expansion into Lae, where he resides. A family man, Brendan cherishes hockey’s unifying spirit, highlighted by umpiring the 2023 Pacific Games Women’s Final, where his daughters represented PNG and won bronze. Lyn Hill has dedicated her life to hockey development, excelling as a player, coach, umpire, and administrator, particularly in officiating and indoor hockey at club, state, and national levels. After playing for Queensland Country and Rockhampton in the 1970s, Lyn became a respected umpire, earning the Australian Umpires Badge in 1987 and officiating at prestigious events, including the inaugural Indoor World Cup final in 2003. A skilled mentor and educator, she has guided officials across all levels and continues as Chair of the Hockey Queensland Umpiring Committee and HA Appointments Panel. Lyn’s contributions extend to Oceania, where she developed pathways for Hockey5s officials and volunteered at key events like the 2019 Oceania Cup. The Asian Hockey Federation has nominated Manoj Kumar Prasad (India) and Urmanova Guzal (Kazakhstan) for their stellar contribution towards developing the next generation of hockey players in Asia. Manoj Kumar Prasad has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing hockey talent from remote areas, providing platforms, guidance, and training. He discovered and mentored players like Salima Tete, who now captains the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. Apart from Salima Tete, players like Sangeeta Kumari, Deepika Soreng, Ropni Kumari, Rajni Kerketta, Neeru Kullu, Sushma Kumari, Alka Dungdung, and Alpha Kerketta have made it to the Indian team. His initiatives include organizing district-level tournaments, introducing English and computer classes for players, and constructing hockey fields through community efforts. He also engages youths from Naxal-affected areas, integrating them into hockey and guiding many to state and national levels. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he supported players with nutrition and mental encouragement. Beyond sports, he promotes social causes like environmental conservation. Urmanova Guzal from Kazakhstan exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism through remarkable contributions to hockey. With a key role in youth development for both boys and girls, and experience volunteering in events like the U-21 Women’s Jr. AHF Cup and Men’s Indoor Asia Cup, she has been instrumental in organizing national and international matches, fostering the growth of the sport. The African Hockey Federation has nominated Helen McBean of Zimbabwe and Johann Weyhe of Namibia for the award. Helen McBean has always been a volunteer and good helper in many African tournaments organized by Zimbabwe, until she was diagnosed with cancer (still under treatment – Immunotherapy & Chemotherapy). This recognition

Continue Reading →

02 Dec, 2024 Chile’s capital city, Santiago, will host the 11th edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup next year*, as revealed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) today. The South American nation has become a true cradle for rising stars, hosting this event for the fourth time. Moreover, much to the delight of the hockey fans, there will be 8 more teams to cheer for this time around! Indeed, with one of the key pillars of the FIH Empowerment and Engagement strategy being to give more opportunities to play to a larger and more diverse number of National Associations, the 2025 FIH Hockey Junior World Cups – women and men – will involve 24 teams for the first time ever in the history of FIH! On top of hosts Chile, the following teams have already qualified for the event: Europe: Netherlands, Spain, England, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Wales, Scotland Pan America: Argentina, USA, Uruguay, Canada The teams from Africa, Asia and Oceania will qualify at a later stage. “We are thrilled to announce some excellent news: Santiago de Chile will host the upcoming Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup! This prestigious event, which brings together the world’s brightest young talents and future generations of hockey stars, will take place at the home of our ‘Diablas and Diablos’. This will undoubtedly boost the growth and development of hockey in our region. We deeply appreciate the trust placed in Hockey Chile by the President of the International Hockey Federation, Mr. Tayyab Ikram. This recognition reaffirms Chile’s commitment, through the leadership of our Board of Directors, to actively support and contribute to the global development of hockey. We eagerly look forward to welcoming you all to Santiago de Chile in December 2025!”, said Andrés de Witt, President of the Chilean Field Hockey Federation and the Local Organizing Committee. FIH President Tayyab Ikram added: “Expanding opportunities and fostering inclusivity are at the heart of our mission to grow hockey globally. The FIH Hockey Junior World Cups represent the vibrant future of our sport, celebrating extraordinary young talent from across the globe. The 2025 edition in Santiago, Chile, will bring together 24 dynamic teams from around the world, offering an unparalleled showcase of competition and diversity. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Chilean Hockey Federation and the local authorities for their unwavering dedication and enthusiasm in hosting this prestigious event. A special note of deep appreciation goes to Mr. Andrés De Witt Hepp, President of the Federación Chilena de Hockey, whose visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to the development of hockey at all levels have been instrumental in making this a reality. Together, we aim to inspire the next generation, leave a lasting legacy, and elevate hockey to unprecedented heights!” The last edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup took place in 2023, also in Santiago, and was won by the Netherlands. *the dates of the 2025 edition will be confirmed at a later stage All information about the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups is available here. The world rankings for Junior teams are available here. #RisingStars #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals Source: FIH.hockey

29 Nov, 2024 On the occasion of the FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day (30 November 2024), the global hockey community is invited to reinforce its commitment to some of the most important values in sport, and society. The third edition of this yearly Day reminds us how essential these values are to our sport and its community. Quite appropriately, it comes only a few weeks after hockey’s world governing body launched its Women in Hockey Empowerment Project – a transformative platform designed to uplift and engage female players, coaches, officials, and leaders in the sport – that is being promoted under the banner #MadeForHockey. This year, FIH President Tayyab Ikram, FIH Players of the Year Yibbi Jansen and Harmanpreet Singh, FIH Goalkeepers of the Year Ye Jiao and PR Sreejesh, FIH Coach of the Year Alyson Annan, FIH Umpire of the Year Steve Rogers, FIH Honorary Member and Chair of the Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Marijke Fleuren, FIH Athletes Committee Chair Camila Caram, Olympian Onthatile Zulu, Hockey ID players Martin Plaza de los Reyes and Nil Ferre Martin-Borregon have all lent their voices to record the following message in a joined video clip: Today is FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day. No matter your gender … No matter your ethnic background … No matter your physical or intellectual abilities … No matter your sexual orientation … No matter your age … … EVERYONE is welcome in hockey! Diversity is wealth. Inclusion must be the norm. WE ARE ALL #MadeForHockey! Commenting on the FIH Diversity and Inclusion Day, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Diversity and inclusion are core values of society and intrinsic to sport in general and hockey in particular. Nevertheless, we must constantly remember how essential these values are, and also how fragile. Therefore, it is up to all of us to preserve and promote them. Hockey can contribute positively to society by fostering inclusivity, promoting diversity, and building strong communities. Our mission is to make hockey accessible to everyone. I thank all the stakeholders in the global hockey community who, through their tireless and passionate work, magnify these values on a daily basis. I am thinking first and foremost of the clubs and educators. I encourage everyone to do even more to make all feel welcome in our wonderful hockey family. Since we are all … #MadeForHockey!” #MadeForHockey

20 Nov, 2024 On World Children’s Day 2024, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is proud to highlight its commitment to empowering young girls through the Body Confident Sport program. Launched during the 49th Statutory Congress of the FIH earlier this month, this initiative aligns with the 2024 theme, “Listen to the Future,” emphasizing the importance of hearing and addressing the voices of young people to shape a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow. Body Confident Sport is a tool co-created by Nike and Dove, and funded by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which tackles one of the critical challenges faced by girls in sports: low self-esteem linked to negative body image, with research showing that nearly half of teenage girls (aged 11–17) drop out of sports due to body image insecurities. FIH is using this platform to amplify the voices of girls, ensuring their needs and aspirations are heard and met through meaningful action. The Body Confident Sport program aims to bring about change by helping girls and young people of all gender identities feel comfortable and confident in their own bodies while participating in sports, including hockey. Through a combination of coach education and practical, easy-to-use program guides, the initiative provides both coaches and players with the tools, knowledge and inspiration to foster body-confident athletes. By rolling out the coaching tool globally, FIH aims to provide hockey coaches with practical resources to create supportive and inclusive environments. This project reflects FIH’s dedication to ensuring that every girl feels valued, confident, and inspired to stay active in hockey, offering opportunities for self-expression, growth, and empowerment. Commenting on the initiative, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “World Children’s Day, with its theme ‘Listen to the Future,’ perfectly embodies what the Body Confident Sport program stands for. This initiative, launched during the FIH Congress, is about listening to the voices of young girls, addressing their concerns, and creating an inclusive environment where they can thrive. By fostering body confidence, we aim to ensure that everyone feels supported and empowered to pursue their passion for hockey, shaping the future of the sport and society alike.” This effort will be promoted under the empowering banner of #MadeForHockey, set to become a powerful symbol for women’s empowerment in hockey. About World Children’s Day Observed annually on November 20, World Children’s Day 2024 focuses on the theme “Listen to the Future,” emphasizing the importance of prioritizing children’s voices in creating a better world. By empowering girls and addressing their challenges, the Body Confident Sport program exemplifies the transformative power of sport to inspire confidence, inclusivity, and leadership among young athletes. For more information on this initiative and other FIH programs, visit madefor.hockey. Source: FIH.hockey

18 Nov, 2024 The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is thrilled to announce that Walcz, Poland, will host the inaugural edition of the women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, from 16 to 22 June 2025. This exciting tournament marks the first-ever FIH event to be held in the Polish city, adding a new chapter to Poland’s growing presence in international hockey. The women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 serves as a pivotal platform for 8 emerging teams – ie, the national teams ranked after those involved in the FIH Hockey Pro League and the FIH Hockey Nations Cup – to compete at a high level, offering a pathway to promotion to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, which is directly connected to the FIH Hockey Pro League. The 2025 edition will feature these eight nations competing in a week-long tournament, showcasing their skills and vying for the title in a highly anticipated competition: Poland South Africa Italy France Malaysia Uruguay Wales Czechia Walcz, known for its scenic landscapes and strong sporting culture, is ready to welcome the global hockey community with open arms. Hosting the tournament at this location will not only boost the profile of hockey in Poland but also provide a unique opportunity for local fans to experience world-class hockey action firsthand. The event promises to be a fantastic display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship as teams battle for a spot in the higher tiers of international competition. “We are extremely pleased with what confidence the world federation has placed in us. This is extremely important to us in our strategy for the development of women’s hockey in our country. 2025 is the year in which we invest in the development of women’s hockey and the opportunity to host teams in Poland from around the world will undoubtedly contribute to the spread of our sport”, said Rafał Grotwski President of the Polish Hockey Association. Following the announcement, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Wałcz, Poland, is about to make history by hosting its first-ever FIH event with the women’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2! This is a proud moment for FIH, as it continues to expand the horizons of hockey around the world, as well as for Poland, and I have no doubt that the global hockey community will be welcomed with the warmth and enthusiasm that Wałcz has to offer. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the passion for hockey in Poland, and I’m confident the event will be a remarkable success at this magnificent venue. Congratulations and thank you, Poland!” Source: FIH.hockey

12 Nov, 2024 Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is delighted to announce that the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 (men) will be staged in Muscat, Oman next year (17-23 February 2025). This new event will give the opportunity for 8 more nations – ie, the national teams ranked after those involved in the FIH Hockey Pro League and the FIH Hockey Nations Cup – to play an intercontinental FIH tournament, and compete for the chance to be promoted into the 2026 FIH Nations Cup. The creation of this new event follows one of the key focus areas of the FIH Empowerment and Engagement strategy – namely “More opportunities to compete” – that aims at facilitating the accessibility of National Associations to FIH tournaments. Here’s the full list of participating teams for this event: Austria Chile China Egypt Oman Poland Scotland USA “Hosting the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 in Oman is both an honor and a testament to our commitment to advancing hockey in the region. We are thrilled to welcome teams and fans from around the world to experience Oman’s passion for this sport. This tournament marks a significant milestone for Hockey Oman, and we look forward to an exciting display of talent and sportsmanship on our home ground”, said Hockey Oman Chairman Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma. Commenting on the announcement, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Oman is the nation of the “firsts”! Hosting very successfully the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup and now the very first FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2! The global hockey community could witness the wonderful hospitality of our Omani hosts during our FIH Congress, and all the participating teams can expect the same. It will be an amazing event in a magnificent hockey venue. Thank you, Oman!” The hosts of the women’s event will be announced soon. For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website. #HockeyInvites #HockeyEquals Source: FIH.hockey