Three days ahead of the 50th FIH Statutory Congress, the FIH Executive Board (EB) convened today in Doha, Qatar, under the chairmanship of FIH President Tayyab Ikram.

A key item on the agenda was the presentation of detailed objectives underpinning the new strategic framework for world hockey. Welcomed by EB members, the framework – which will be fully aligned with the objectives of the IOC’s “Fit for the Future” initiative - will now be submitted to the Congress and will serve as a roadmap for the global popularity of hockey in the years ahead.

Today’s meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on a magnificent FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 and to thank the athletes, the fans, as well as the co-hosting nations, Belgium and the Netherlands, for delivering such a fantastic event.

The World Cup’s outstanding performance across broadcast and digital platforms was also praised. The impressive audience figures provide encouraging evidence of hockey’s growing global appeal and generate strong momentum for further expanding participation and growing the sport’s fanbase worldwide.

The inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup also received positive feedback, with its resounding success reaffirming the importance of diversity and inclusion as fundamental pillars of hockey’s identity.

Furthermore, EB members were updated on the final preparations for the National Associations Forum and the FIH Congress, scheduled for 23 and 24 October, respectively.

The EB also reviewed progress on preparations for the LA28 Olympic Games, the next season of the FIH Hockey Pro League, and the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, where hockey will be showcased as an engagement sport.

The latest initiatives under the FIH Empowerment and Engagement Strategy were presented, including a detailed report on pitches that have either been installed or are currently being installed in several countries around the world, including Vanuatu, Samoa and Kazakhstan.

Comprehensive updates were also provided across a broad range of areas, including Development, Sport, Events, Technology and Digital, Commercial, TV and Broadcast, Marketing, Communications, and Governance and Legal matters.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “I am very pleased with the strong sense of unity that once again characterised our discussions. This is particularly important as we prepare to engage with all FIH Members - the National Associations from across the world - and work together at the Congress to define a roadmap that will ensure hockey remains relevant, innovative and progressive in the years to come.”

The FIH President also expressed his gratitude, in his personal capacity and on behalf of FIH, to outgoing EB members Maureen Craig-Rousseau, Elizabeth King, Erik Cornelissen and Piotr Wilkoński.

Upcoming schedule:

23 October:

24 October:

  • 50th FIH Statutory Congress
  • Post-Congress press conference (scheduled at 4pm local time)