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)

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