With the Olympics less than a week away, FIH President Tayyab Ikram shares his thoughts on the upcoming Olympiad, his expectations for the sport and the position of hockey within the Olympic movement.
A few days before the start of the Olympic hockey tournaments, what feeling is prevailing?
It's a mix of huge excitement and responsibility. I have multiplied the contacts with the teams, the athletes, the officials, the International Olympic Committee, the Local Organising Committee, and it is clear that the fervour is rising!
At the same time, for us, as an International Federation, our responsibility is to make sure that the athletes will be able to express themselves in the best possible conditions.
Nevertheless, in view of the Test event organised in May at the Yves-du-Manoir stadium and the regular exchanges we have had with the organisers, I can assure you that all the lights are green!
What do you expect from these Games?
First and foremost, I expect the Olympic spirit to prevail throughout the Games. In today's troubled world, I am convinced that sport – especially mega-events such as the Olympic Games – can soften morals and bring people together. The Olympic Truce is a strong symbol that unites people.
And in terms of hockey?
Frankly, I'm expecting a festival! Thanks to the efforts devoted to coaching, the professionalization of all hockey structures, the physical, technical, tactical and mental preparation of athletes, the hockey quality keeps on raising. You only have to look at the last two World Cups – women and men –, the FIH Hockey Pro League, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup or the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups to see for yourself. It's striking!
What would you say to sports fans who will be following the Games but are not yet familiar with hockey?
Come and discover our sport! Witness its skilfulness, its velocity and its dynamism! Its fair play, too. I am convinced that these Games will be a great showcase for hockey and an ideal springboard for its development, especially in the host country, which will also inherit a very high-level working tool with this brand-new infrastructure!
What message would you like to send to the athletes?
First of all, I wish them to do everything possible to live this experience to the fullest! For some, it may be their only Olympic Games. Can you imagine that? The experience of a lifetime!
Then, I would tell them to do everything possible on the sporting level so as not to regret anything. Don't be inhibited by the stakes! Be convinced of your strength and talent. Express them!
Finally, I invite them to share their Olympic experience with their families, friends and fans. Social media are a great help for that! It's so important, not only for them but also for the promotion of our sport.
How does hockey fit into the Olympic movement?
We are very proud to be part of the Olympic movement. We are an active, recognized member, always willing to listen but also to share. Let's not forget that hockey made its first appearance in the Olympic Games programme in 1908. This longevity is not insignificant.
The Summer Games are back in Paris, 100 years after the last edition in France. The FIH was born in Paris ... exactly 100 years ago. What does all this inspire you?
A wonderful symbol! Frankly, we couldn't have dreamed of better! I have no doubt that these Games will be a huge success for us, for the entire Olympic world and for fans around the world! For this, I would like to express the sincerest gratitude of FIH and the entire international hockey community to the International Olympic Committee, the Local Organising Committee and the French authorities for their tireless efforts, professionalism and enthusiasm!
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