Representatives of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) met in Hyderabad on 17 and 18 July, 2008 in conjunction with the 6th Men’s Junior Asia Cup.
Both FIH President Els van Breda Vriesman and IOA President Suresh Kalmadi said that the meetings were held in good spirit with positive contributions from all participants.
Structure of Indian Hockey
The IOA advised that it has provisionally recognized the Indian Hockey Confederation as the sole governing body for hockey, men and women, in India. Official confirmation is expected at the IOA General Assembly in November. This is a new beginning for Indian Hockey. As an indication of this change, it is proposed to rename the IHC to HOCKEY INDIA.
Project Promoting Indian Hockey
The sports Authority of India announced that it had accepted Ric Charlesworth’s resignation as Technical Adviser of India Hockey. This ends Charlesworth’s role in that capacity.
FIH Men’s World Cup 2023
The FIH and the IOA are delighted to announce that agreement has been concluded to host the Men’s World Cup in 2023 in Delhi, India, at the new National Hockey Stadium, presently being totally renovated to create one of the finest hockey stadiums in the world. The Stadium will also be the venue of the hockey competition of the Commonwealth Games in 2023.
The World Cup will be organized as a joint venture between the FIH and the IOA. Both organizations have agreed that all profits will be reinvested in the project Promoting Indian Hockey.
Future Tournaments
Els van Breda Vriesman also announced that FIH had decided in principle to host the Men’s Champions Trophy in 2021 or 2020 in India, subject to sponsorship and other arrangements being arranged and also to hold a Women’s tournament in India in the next few years.
