With just a few days to go before the start of the hockey tournaments at the Olympic Games, the International Federation interviewed its president, Tayyab Ikram, about the exciting atmosphere surrounding the sport. Ikram assured that everything is in place for a spectacular and well organised event.
The president also highlights the excellent form that hockey is experiencing in the lead up to Paris 2024, particularly emphasising the growth and professionalisation witnessed in recent years. For the president, this Olympic occasion represents an excellent platform to elevate the profile of the sport globally.
“It’s a mix of huge excitement and responsibility,” Ikram said ahead of the Olympics. “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!”
Ikram also shared his expectations for the Games and offered insights for fans unfamiliar with hockey, providing a deeper understanding of the sport’s dynamics.
“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.
“Frankly, I’m expecting a festival! Thanks to the efforts devoted to coaching, the professionalisation 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!
“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?” Ikram was asked, and he responded, “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.”
Regarding how hockey fits into the Olympic movement, Ikram said, ‘We are very proud to be part of the Olympic movement. We are an active, recognised 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.”
With the Summer Games returning to Paris 100 years after the last edition in France, and with the FIH’s centenary in Paris this year, Ikram added, “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!”
by Asia Hockey
