MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is poised to assume the mantle of global hockey's epicenter, hosting the 49th Statutory Congress of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) from November 7 to 9 at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel in Muscat. This year's Congress is of historic significance, marking the centennial of the FIH and celebrating a century dedicated to the growth and evolution of hockey on a global scale.
Representing Oman, Oman Hockey is eagerly anticipating the arrival of over 500 delegates from 141 countries, all set to engage in discussions on the sport's future and to reflect on a century of achievements and milestones.
In anticipation of the congress, FIH President Tayyab Ikram was greeted with a warm welcome by Hockey Oman chairman Marwan Al Juma, who received the FIH President on Sunday.
The three-day event promises a rich tapestry of events that seamlessly blend tradition with forward-looking strategies.
The inaugural day, Thursday, kicks off with a meeting of the FIH Executive Board, establishing the agenda for discussions on critical governance and operational matters.
Following this, delegates will convene with their respective continental federations for breakout sessions, culminating in a Pro League meeting in the evening.
Friday is dedicated to a comprehensive focus on development and inclusivity, with the FIH Empowerment and Engagement Forum spanning from morning until late afternoon.
This forum, introduced by FIH Chief Ikram at the last year's Olympic House gathering with IOC President Thomas Bach, highlights FIH's commitment to an "athletes-first" and gender-equal approach to hockey.
Discussions at the forum will revolve around bolstering support for athletes and enhancing the role of women in the sport. Workshops will address key areas such as expanding participation, improving communication and promotion strategies, securing funding, enhancing facilities, and leveraging technology.
President Ikram expressed high expectations for the event, stating, "I am a strong advocate for dialogue as a fundamental catalyst for growth. This forum is designed to foster a deeper interaction across our global hockey community, encouraging knowledge sharing and partnership between established National Associations and emerging ones."
Later that evening, the FIH Awards Night will honor outstanding players, coaches, and contributors to the sport, showcasing the season's achievements and celebrating those who have inspired the hockey community.
As part of the Congress, delegates will be privy to reports from various national associations and key FIH partners, all focusing on future growth and strategic collaboration. The French Hockey Association will discuss their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics and the legacy opportunities it presents. Similarly, the Belgian and Dutch Hockey Associations will update attendees on the 2026 FIH World Cup, which they will co-host. Croatia will also make its mark, as the Croatian Hockey Association is scheduled to host its inaugural FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in February, showcasing the sport's expanding global reach. The Congress will conclude with a presentation from Polytan, FIH’s global supplier, showcasing innovative surface technologies that enhance gameplay and the player experience.
On the final day of the Congress, scheduled for Saturday, the principal session is set to commence at 9:00 am and conclude at 3:00 pm. This will be followed by a press conference and the selection of the new members of the FIH Board of Directors.
The concluding session is anticipated to serve as a pivotal moment, bringing together a plethora of ideas, proposals, and strategies designed to elevate the status of hockey on a global stage.
By choosing to host the FIH Statutory Congress on such a significant occasion, Oman not only acts as a venue but also as a beacon of the sport's wide-reaching influence and its ability to foster unity among its participants. The events, discussions, and festivities meticulously planned to pay tribute to the sport's history while laying the groundwork for its future, position this Congress as a transformative assembly for the entire hockey community, poised to shape the sport's trajectory into the next century.
