From running the biggest event in hockey as tournament director, just a few months after retiring from a playing career, to leading a nation to constant new highs, we focus on five women who have inspired hockey fans all around the world with their exceptional dedication towards the various aspects of hockey.

On International Women’s Day, we bring together five women, representing five continents who each, in their own way, provides inspiration to others by the weight of their achievements.

From New Zealand, Amber Church is the reigning FIH Umpire of the Year 2021-22 (female) and widely recognised as one of the best in her field, having been nominated to umpire in the finals of the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup 2022 and the women’s finals of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Amber has made it to the very top of her profession despite all the challenges that came from belonging to a remote town in New Zealand, thanks to the backing of her family, friends and a community that always believed in her. 

From Chile, Camila Caram is the captain of the Chile women’s hockey team and led them to numerous highs, including their first World Cup, a gold medal in the South American games and an appearance in the inaugural FIH Nations Cup. What makes all the achievements special though is that they were achieved by a team that began the journey together and unconditionally supported each other on and off the field. 

From Spain, Berta Bonastre stepped away from her storied playing career at the start of 2022, but within 6 months she was leading the way at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup as the Tournament Director in Terrassa, conducting a hugely successful event that showcased the best of hockey to the entire world. 

From Zimbabwe, Mutsa Bera has been involved in hockey through her entire life and in 2022 had the highest honour of captaining her nation at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup. Her next step is simple: “I want to help inspire the next generation of young players in Zimbabwe towards achieving their hockey dreams.” 

From India, Savita Punia has been the rock of the Indian defence leading them to great heights as a player and more recently as the captain. Savita’s story is proof that with the support of one’s family, it is possible to attain the greatest of heights in sport and in life. 

Watch the video below as we celebrate International Women’s Day with the coaches who inspire a generation!

Watch the video below as we celebrate International Women’s Day with our hockey stars!

To mark the International Women's Day 2023 ITN Business has produced the Global Gamechangers programme that launched today. It features key industry and news-style reports along with sponsored editorial profiles' and showcases the companies, organisations, and individuals, across business and industry, sports and the arts, who are actively advancing gender equality which includes FIH Executive Board member and President of European Hockey Federation Marijke Fleuren. Watch the full video on the Global Gamechangers programme here or visit their microsite here.

Speaking on International Women's Day 2023, FIH President Tayyab Ikram reinforced the International Hockey Federation's commitment to provide better opportunities for women in hockey. Read his full statement here. 

#IWD2023 

#EmbraceEquity