History will be made as the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup takes place in Belgium and the Netherlands (20-24 August), marking a landmark moment for hockey and for athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world.
For the first time, Para Hockey athletes will compete for the title of World Champions, bringing to the world stage a celebration of talent, determination, diversity and inclusion.
The tournament is a powerful expression of principles that are firmly anchored in the DNA and policies of the International Hockey Federation (FIH): that hockey should be accessible, inclusive and open to everyone.
The FIH Para Hockey World Cup is the culmination of a remarkable journey spanning more than 14 years. During this time, athletes, coaches, National Associations, volunteers, families and advocates have worked tirelessly to develop Para Hockey and create meaningful opportunities for athletes to compete, excel and inspire.
The tournament will feature 16 teams, divided into two pools, with athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) competing in mixed-gender teams.
Matches will be played in an exciting 6-a-side format, bringing speed, energy and a dynamic style of hockey to the competition.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “The inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup is a historic milestone for our sport, and a celebration of what hockey stands for: diversity, inclusion and opportunity for all.
After years of dedication from countless advocates around the world, Para Hockey is taking its place on the world stage.
This tournament is about much more than medals. It is about inspiring people, challenging perceptions and showing what is possible when every athlete is given the opportunity to compete, excel and inspire. Together, we are opening a new chapter for Para Hockey and for hockey as a whole.”
With teams representing four continents, the tournament underlines the increasingly global reach of Para Hockey.
Pool A features Belgium, Italy, Germany, France, Pakistan, Zambia, Ireland and the USA.
Pool B brings together the Netherlands, Spain, Bulgaria, England, India, Malaysia, Chile and Argentina.
The competition itself will run from 20 to 24 August, with matches taking place at Myra Hockey Club (Netherlands) and Louvain-la-Neuve Hockey Club (Belgium) from 20 to 23 August.
The tournament will culminate on 24 August, when the final day moves to two of hockey's most prestigious venues: Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen and Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre.
