As part of the “Empowerment and Engagement” strategy announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and its President Tayyab Ikram in attendance of IOC President Thomas Bach at the Olympic House on 6 June, FIH reiterated its firm commitment for sustainability. As a first milestone in this area, FIH is proud to announce the launch of a global and ambitious programme called “Give back to forest” consisting in planting thousands of trees all around the world.

The initial concept of the programme is that, since hockey was played with wooden sticks during decades, the hockey community should compensate for the trees cut for the production of these sticks by planting new trees.

A first project will be launched in India, with the government of Tamil Nadu state committing to planting over 100’000 trees.

As part of its engagement for a more sustainable sport and society, FIH recently joined the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) ‘Sports for Climate Action Framework’.

IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The International Hockey Federation’s ‘Give Back to Forest’ programme is a really impressive way for the Federation to make a contribution to fighting climate change which relates directly to their sport. I also applaud the FIH for signing up to the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action Framework and urge others to follow their lead. Together sport can make a positive contribution to address the challenges of climate change which affects us all.”

FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Contributing to a better planet, and especially protecting the environment, is a fundamental part of the Empowerment and Engagement strategy. ‘Give back to forest’ directly results from that vision. I would like to wholeheartedly thank the government of Tamil Nadu for their massive contribution and I invite all hockey members around the world to contribute to this programme too. Together, we can make a difference!”

“On behalf of FIH and in my personal name, I’d like to express our deep gratitude to IOC President Thomas Bach for his support to this project”, the FIH President added.

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