As the hockey action continues at pace in the historic Yves-du-Manoir stadium, which served as the home of the Olympic Games Paris 1924, and hosted the opening ceremony for the Games of the VIII Olympiad, a hundred years ago, we also look back at the century of existence completed by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), which was formed in the very same year of 1924, in Paris!
Hockey was formalised with the formation of the “Fédération Internationale de Hockey sur Gazon” on 7 January 1924, in Paris. Frenchman Paul Léautey formed the organisation with initial members from Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Hungary, Spain and Switzerland.
By that stage, men’s hockey had already featured in two editions of the Olympic Games – in 1908 and 1920. But, spurred on by its omission from the 1924 Games in Paris, Léautey decided it was imperative that an international governing body be formed. That was the start of the hundred-year journey which has taken hockey to where it is today.
Including Paris 2024, hockey has been played at 25 editions of the Olympic Games so far while 16 editions of both the men’s and women’s FIH Hockey World Cup have taken place.
Earlier this year, speaking on the day of the FIH’s 100th anniversary, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach said: “You can look back with so much pride on 100 years of great progress. Starting with only seven member associations, FIH has not stopped growing ever since. Today, your 140 national associations underline in an impressive way that hockey has grown to a truly global sport with worldwide appeal. As you look to this bright future, let me reiterate that FIH, under the great leadership of my friend Tayyab Ikram, can always count on the IOC as a partner by your side to promote our shared Olympic values of peace and solidarity.”
To watch the full message from the IOC President, please click here.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram added at the time: “We commemorate a century of resilience, progress, and the unyielding spirit of the hockey community. We pay tribute to our athletes, visionary leaders, dedicated volunteers, valued partners, and to all those who have been part of this incredible journey. Our journey, from seven member associations to a sport played in 140 countries, is a testament to the enduring power of hockey. It has been more than just a game; it has been a force for unity, resilience, and positive change marking a century of sporting excellence. I must express my appreciation and admiration for our heroes, our athletes of all times. They have shown great resilience and adaptability by adjusting to changing conditions, environments, equipment, rules, and officiating principles. Their unlimited capacity to perform have elevated the game to higher levels and they serve as role models for all of us.”
To watch the full message from the FIH President, please click here.
Read the full story on the FIH celebration on 7 January 2024, by clicking here.
