With less than a week to go until the Olympics, FIH President Tayyab Ikram shares his thoughts on the upcoming Games, his hopes for hockey and its place within the Olympic movement.
Just days before the Olympic hockey competition begins, what feelings are prevailing?
It's a mixture of great excitement and a sense of responsibility. With more interactions with teams, athletes, officials, the International Olympic Committee and the local organizing committee, the excitement is palpable.
At the same time, our responsibility as an international federation is to ensure that athletes can express themselves in the best possible conditions.
However, given the test event that took place at the Yves du Manoir Stadium in May and regular communication with the organisers, there is no doubt that everything is in place.
What do you expect from these games?
First of all, I hope that the Olympic spirit will permeate the Games. I am convinced that in today's difficult world, sport, and especially a mega-event like the Olympic Games, can soothe morals and bring people together. The Olympic Truce is a powerful symbol that brings people together.
What about hockey?
Frankly, I'm looking forward to the festivities. Thanks to the efforts put into coaching, the professionalization of all hockey organizations, and the physical, technical, tactical and mental preparation of the players, the quality of hockey continues to improve. Just look at the last two World Cups (women's and men's), the FIH Hockey Pro League, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup or the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup. It's amazing.
What would you say to sports fans who are planning to watch the Olympics but aren't yet familiar with hockey?
Come and experience our sport. Witness the finesse, speed and dynamism. And the fair play. We are convinced that this tournament will be a great showcase for hockey and an ideal springboard for the development of the sport, especially for the host country, which will also inherit a very high level of working tools thanks to this modern infrastructure.
What message do you want to send to athletes?
First of all, I want them to do everything they can to make the most of this experience. For some, this may be their only Olympics. Can you imagine? It's a once in a lifetime experience!
And I tell them to do everything they can at the sporting level and never regret anything. Don't be afraid of the stakes! Believe in your strength and talent and express it!
Finally, we encourage everyone to share their Olympic experience with their family, friends and fans – social media can help them do that a lot. Social media is so important not only for them, but for promoting our sport.
How does hockey fit into the Olympic movement?
We are very proud to be part of the Olympic Movement. We are active and recognized members, always ready to listen and share. Hockey first appeared in the Olympic Games in 1908, so this is no small thing.
The Summer Olympics are returning to Paris, 100 years after they were last held in France, and the FIH was born in Paris…exactly 100 years ago. What inspires you from all this?
“What a fantastic symbol! To be honest, we couldn't have dreamed of anything better! We have no doubt that this tournament will be a great success for us, for the entire Olympic world and for fans all over the world! In this regard, on behalf of the FIH and the entire international hockey community, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the International Olympic Committee, the local organizing committee and the French authorities for their tireless efforts, professionalism and enthusiasm.”
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