In the heart of Catalonia, the vibrant city of Terrassa stands proud with its rich cultural heritage and a longstanding love affair with hockey. International hockey action returns to the city from 3-9 June via the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2024, which will cast a spotlight on its history and its passion for the sport.
Terrassa, with its population exceeding 216,000, boasts a blend of tradition and modernity against the backdrop of the Sant Llorenç Natural Park. Steeped in history, landmarks like La Seu d’Egara and the Torre del Palau weave tales of medieval splendor, while the remnants of industrialization speak of progress and innovation.
However, it’s on the hockey field where Terrassa truly shines. For over a century, the city has been inseparable from the sport, its roots entwined with the textile bourgeoisie of the early 20th century. With four clubs, 70 Olympic athletes, and an impressive haul of 100 medals, Terrassa proudly claims the title of the most Olympic city in the world.
At the heart of this hockey fervor lies the Martí Colomer Municipal Hockey Stadium. Rebuilt for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, this venue stands as a testament to Terrassa’s commitment to the sport. Named in honor of the 1992 gold medal-winning women’s Olympic hockey team, the stadium boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a meticulously maintained artificial grass field and seating for 1,300 spectators.
Among the local clubs gracing the field is Linea 22 HC, whose men’s and women’s teams compete in the Honor Division B of the Spanish League. Additionally, the stadium serves as the home ground for the Royal Spanish Hockey Federation, further cementing its status as a hub for hockey excellence.
As anticipation mounts for the upcoming tournament, Spanish captain María López reflected on the privilege of playing in front of the home crowd in Terrassa. “It’s always good news to play in Terrassa with the Spanish team,” she remarked. “The fans there know a lot about hockey and help us improve our performance. It’s an honor for us that the Hockey Nations Cup will be held in Spain this second year. We are sure that the rest of the teams will be able to play a good tournament.”
With the stage set and excitement building, Terrassa eagerly awaits the arrival of teams from around the world, ready to showcase their skill and passion on the hallowed grounds of the Martí Colomer stadium. As the city gears up to welcome players and spectators alike, the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup promises to be an unforgettable celebration of sport, culture, and camaraderie in the heart of Catalonia.
by Asia Hockey
