The 50th FIH Statutory Congress was held today in Doha, Qatar, bringing together delegates from the global hockey community under the chairmanship of FIH President Tayyab Ikram, with the opening attended by H.E. Jassim Bin Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee.

In a video statement, IOC President Kirsty Coventry delivered an impactful message to the Congress delegates: “Hockey has a proud place in our Olympic movement, and I want to thank all of you at FIH for the way you continue to move your sport forward, promoting gender equality, strengthening sustainability, and embracing new opportunities to connect with fans and young people in the digital age. This spirit of evolution is also at the heart of Fit for the Future, our new strategic direction for the Olympic movement”.

Following yesterday’s Forum, the delegates confirmed their full commitment to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Fit for the Future initiative and endorsed FIH’s new strategic framework for world hockey, Made For Hockey 2032+.

In his Report, the FIH President outlined the organisation’s major achievements since the last Congress, focusing on key strategic priorities such as development, the athletes-first policy, good governance, financial sustainability, hockey’s status within the Olympic movement, diversity and inclusion, fan engagement, and innovation.

He also provided a detailed update on the projects being carried out through the FIH Empowerment and Engagement Strategy, covering major areas such as creating more opportunities for National Associations to compete at FIH events and increasing the number of places to play, as well as through the Olympic Solidarity scheme.

As previously announced, elections for the FIH Executive Board (EB) were included in the Congress agenda. Chuenchanok Nin Siriwat (THA), Hazel Kennedy (ZAM), Brenda Lucía Cáceres Mendia (GUA), Walter Kapounek (AUT), Erik Klein Nagelvoort (NED), and Deon James Morgan (RSA) were all elected as EB Ordinary Members.

Furthermore, the membership application from the Lebanese Hockey Federation was approved, increasing the total number of FIH members to 147.

The Congress delegates also received a presentation from independent legal expert Marc Cavaliero, Chair of the Elections Oversight Panel, regarding a review proposal for the FIH Regulatory and Judicial Framework. This proposal, aligned with IOC standards, aims to further enhance good governance, transparency, efficiency, and independence.

Concluding the Congress, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Today’s Congress marks the end of an intense and highly productive few days in the dynamic city of Doha, Qatar, where the global hockey community has demonstrated its unity and a strong commitment to advancing our sport to the next level. We aim to remain relevant for future generations, keep athletes at the heart of everything we do, and enhance hockey’s profile within the Olympic movement. While the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 is a success to celebrate and learn from, the FIH and all its Members are fully aware of the mission ahead and are embracing it with dedication, passion and vision. Furthermore, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Qatar Olympic Committee for being such wonderful hosts.”

On the sidelines of the Congress, the FIH President also met H.E. Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation and Member of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Olympic Committee.

FIH Awards (continued)

  • FIH President’s Award: Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani (QAT), Andrés de Witt (CHI), Patrick Keusters (BEL)
  • Theo Ykema Award: Confederación Argentina de Hockey
  • HRH Sultan Azlan Shah Award: Professor Ediga Agbo (NGR)
  • Order of Merit: Deon Morgan (RSA), Ravi Kant Srivastava (IND), Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma (OMA), Cameron Vale (AUS)