FIH

FIH, the International Hockey Federation, is the international governing body for the sports of field hockey and indoor hockey. It coordinates global competition, sets and maintains the official rules, and works to grow the sport worldwide. The federation was founded in 1924 in Paris and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the worldwide authority on hockey.

The FIH operates through five continental federations—Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Pan America—and national member associations. Through these members, it coordinates international competition, development programs, and standards for coaching and officiating, while promoting participation and accessibility across regions.

Governance rests with the Congress, the supreme decision-making body, and the Council, which implements policy. The federation is led by a president and a chief executive officer and supported by committees and professional staff who manage events, development initiatives, and day-to-day administration.

Major events organized or sanctioned by the FIH include the Hockey World Cup for men and women, held every four years, and the Hockey Pro League, an annual global competition featuring the top national teams. The federation also oversees the Indoor Hockey World Cup and various qualifiers, development tournaments, and regional competitions. It maintains the official Rules of Field Hockey and Indoor Hockey and accredits officials, coaches, and umpires.

In addition to competition governance, FIH emphasizes integrity, anti-doping, gender equality, and grassroots development to expand hockey’s reach. It collaborates with regional bodies and national associations to expand participation, improve competitive standards, and raise the sport’s profile on the Olympic stage.