The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is the global governing body for field hockey and indoor hockey. It was founded in 1924 and is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. FIH oversees the development, promotion, and regulation of hockey worldwide. It organises major international tournaments, including the Hockey World Cup, the FIH Pro League, and the Olympic hockey competitions.
Field hockey made its Olympic debut in 1908. Initially played on natural grass, the game was slower until the introduction of synthetic turf in the 1970s. This innovation significantly transformed the sport, making it faster and more skilful. New techniques, such as the Indian dribble, emerged, increasing the game’s excitement and appeal.
In the Olympic format, teams are divided into pools, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the semi-finals. Semi-final winners compete for gold, while the losers play for the bronze. Since its inclusion in the Olympics, men’s hockey has been played continuously since 1920. Women’s hockey was added in 1980, starting with an 8-team tournament, later expanding to ten teams in 1996.
Historically, India dominated the sport, winning six consecutive Olympic gold medals from 1928 to 1956 and achieving 30 straight victories. However, India’s dominance faded with the switch to synthetic surfaces.
FIH has over 130 member countries, promoting hockey for both men and women across the globe. The FIH Quality Programme, developed over 40 years, focuses on providing high-quality facilities for hockey. It helps ensure consistent standards for synthetic turf and other infrastructure, making the game more accessible and attractive to players, fans, and broadcasters alike.
The FIH also supports the growth of hockey through various initiatives, including the Targeted Assistance Programme, which provides resources to underdeveloped hockey regions. FIH works with national associations and continental federations to strengthen hockey’s presence and infrastructure worldwide.
In addition to field hockey, FIH oversees indoor hockey, and it has introduced formats like Hockey5s to broaden the sport’s appeal. FIH’s long-term strategy includes promoting sustainability, education, and participation through its global events and initiatives. Key events such as the FIH World Cup, Junior World Cup, and Youth Olympic Games are part of the calendar.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) oversees several disciplines within the sport of hockey. These disciplines cater to different formats and playing conditions, making the sport accessible to a broader range of participants.
Field Hockey:
Field hockey is the most common form of hockey played on synthetic turf. It is an 11-a-side game where two teams compete to score goals by hitting a ball into the opposing team’s goal using a hockey stick. Each game is played over four quarters, and the team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. This format is used in most international competitions, including the Olympics and the World Cup.
The membership structure of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) consists of national associations that represent their countries in the sport of hockey. FIH membership is organised into different levels and provides a platform for countries to participate in global hockey activities, events, and development programmes.
Membership Categories
FIH has two primary categories of membership:
Continental Federations
The FIH is further divided into five continental federations that represent different regions of the world. These federations work closely with the FIH to promote the sport and manage regional tournaments. The continental federations are:
Member Responsibilities
Benefits of Membership
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