Sunday 22 / December / 2024
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is set to become the epicentre of global hockey as it hosts the 49th Statutory Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) from November 7 to 9 at the Sheraton Hotel in Muscat. This year’s Congress holds historic significance as it celebrates FIH’s centennial, marking 100 years of fostering the growth and evolution of hockey worldwide.
Oman Hockey, representing the nation, is all set to welcome over 500 delegates from 141 countries to discuss the sport's future and to commemorate a century of achievements and milestones.
Ahead of the congress, FIH President Tayyab Ikram arrived to a warm welcome with Hockey Oman chairman Marwan Al Juma receiving the world hockey boss on Sunday.
The three-day Congress is filled with events that blend tradition with forward-looking strategy.
The opening day, Thursday, begins with a meeting of the FIH Executive Board, setting the agenda for discussions on essential governance and operational matters.
Delegates will later join their respective continental federations for breakout sessions, before wrapping up with a Pro League meeting in the evening.
Friday promises to be a full day focused on development and inclusivity, with the FIH Empowerment and Engagement Forum running from morning until late afternoon.
This forum, introduced by FIH chief Ikram at last year’s Olympic House gathering with IOC President Thomas Bach, underscores FIH's commitment to an “athletes-first” and gender-equal approach to hockey.
At the forum, discussions will centre on increasing support for athletes and enhancing the role of women in the sport.
Workshops will tackle essential areas such as broadening participation, improving communication and promotion strategies, securing funding, expanding facilities, and leveraging technology.
President Ikram expressed high hopes for the event, and said, “I’m a firm believer in dialogue as a key facilitator for growth. This forum is designed to foster a deeper interaction across our global hockey community, encouraging knowledge sharing and partnership between well-established National Associations and emerging ones.”
Later that evening, the FIH Awards Night will honour top-performing players, coaches, and contributors to the sport, showcasing the achievements of the season and celebrating those who have inspired the hockey community.
As part of the Congress, delegates will hear reports from various national associations and key FIH partners, all spotlighting future growth and strategic collaboration. The French Hockey Association will discuss their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics and the legacy opportunities that such an event offers. Similarly, the Belgian and Dutch Hockey Associations will update attendees on the 2026 FIH World Cup, which they will co-host. Croatia, too, will make a mark, as the Croatian Hockey Association is set to host its first-ever FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in February, showcasing the sport’s expanding global footprint. The Congress will also feature a presentation from Polytan, FIH’s global supplier, highlighting cutting-edge surface technologies that enhance gameplay and player experience.
On Saturday, the final day of the Congress, the main session will take place, beginning at 9:00 am and concluding at 3:00 pm, followed by a press conference and the election of the new FIH Board of Directors.
The concluding session will be a culmination of ideas, proposals, and strategies aimed at elevating hockey on a global scale.
By hosting the FIH Statutory Congress on this landmark occasion, Oman stands not only as a venue but as a symbol of hockey’s expansive reach and the unifying spirit of the sport. With events, discussions, and celebrations carefully crafted to honour the past and plan for the future, this Congress is poised to be a transformative gathering for the entire hockey community, shaping the trajectory of the sport into its next century.
