It is with great sadness that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has learned that former FIH Executive Board Member Theo Ykema (NED) recently passed away at the age of 83.

Theo Ykema was a member of the FIH Executive Board from 1990 until 2006, the same year in which he became Honorary Member. He was instrumental in promoting both coaching and development and, under his Chairmanship of the FIH Development and Coaching Committee, FIH appointed a Coaching Manager and a Development Manager and later five Continental Development Officers.

On behalf of the FIH Executive Board and the FIH family, FIH Acting President Seif Ahmed and FIH CEO Thierry Weil have offered their deepest condolences and sympathy to Theo Ykema’s family at this very difficult time.": “We will remember Theo for his kindness, his passion for hockey, which he demonstrated over the years. We owe Theo our sincere gratitude for his unique, visionary, and most valuable contribution, leading the path to the development of hockey worldwide.”