FIH Executive Board meets at World Cup to advance hockey’s strategic priorities

"VAN" (Sports Desk - 02.09.2026) :: The Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) met in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, on 27 and 28 August, on the sidelines of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, under the chairmanship of FIH President Tayyab Ikram.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the wide range of activities undertaken by FIH in recent months, while discussing key strategic, sporting and development priorities for the future of hockey.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram presented a detailed update on the International Olympic Committee’s “Fit for the Future” initiative, reiterating FIH’s full support for the programme and its objectives. He also briefed the Executive Board on the implementation of the FIH Empowerment and Engagement Strategy, as well as on the opportunities provided through the Olympic Solidarity programme.

The President further reported on his extensive activities aimed at developing hockey globally and representing the interests of the sport at international level.

The Executive Board reviewed FIH’s recent events and competitions, including the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, the concluding stage of the FIH Hockey Pro League and the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, which just came to an end in Belgium and the Netherlands. During the event, the World Cup had already reached record levels of engagement across FIH’s social media platforms, making it the most successful FIH Hockey World Cup ever on social media. The Board also reflected on the historic inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup, which took place also in Belgium and the Netherlands and marked a major milestone for inclusion in hockey. Looking ahead, the EB received updates 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 feature as an engagement sport. The Board also reviewed FIH’s commercial activities, including new partnerships, with a particular focus on opportunities surrounding the World Cup. An update was provided on Watch.Hockey, FIH’s global streaming platform, which has been enjoying significant growth and engagement, particularly during the World Cup. A broad range of sporting matters was also discussed, including the continued development of Hockey5s and umpiring. The Executive Board received updates across FIH’s development and governance activities, including the work of the FIH Academy, as well as anti-doping, sustainability, women in hockey, safeguarding, the FIH Quality Programme, innovation, technology, marketing-communications and broadcast.

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