As France prepares to host the 2024 Paris Olympics, the spotlight is on hockey, with its glorious history and promising future. The Yves du Manoir Stadium was the venue for the 8th Olympic Games in 1924.The hockey match will be played on the hallowed grounds where every athlete stepped during the 1924 Olympic opening ceremony.
Hockey has been steadily growing in popularity in France over the past few decades. French Hockey Federation (FFH) With the growing anticipation of the upcoming Olympic Games, a key milestone in the history of French hockey, we have been committed to promoting the growth of the sport and professionalising its governance.
The origins of hockey in France date back to the early 20th century. The sport was introduced by British immigrants and quickly gained popularity among French athletes. The first official club, the Racing Club de France, was founded in 1897, marking the beginning of organized hockey in France.
The 1920s and 1930s saw a surge in soccer's popularity, with many clubs forming and competitive leagues being established. It was during this period that the French national team made their international debut, demonstrating the nation's growing talent and passion for the sport.
In the aftermath of World War II, hockey in France underwent a revival. Founded in 1920, the FFH played a key role in revitalizing the sport, organizing national leagues and promoting hockey at grassroots level. The creation of regional clubs and the introduction of youth programs helped to identify and develop young talent.
France were regulars at the Olympic Games throughout the 20th century, appearing in the men's competition nine times between 1908 and 1972. Their performance declined in the second half of the century, with the men's team appearing in the World Cup twice, finishing seventh both times (1971, 1990), while the women's team appeared three times, finishing seventh (1974), sixth (1976) and ninth (1981).
In the early 21st century, France returned to its status as a regular in international hockey. The French men's and women's teams consistently performed well in European Championships and World Cup tournaments. Notably, the French men's team reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament in 28 years.
France's commitment to excellence is evident in its state-of-the-art training facilities and robust development programs. With a focus on youth development, coaching education, female participation at the grassroots level and infrastructure investment, the FFH is laying a strong foundation for the future of the sport. Its progress has been particularly evident at the junior stage, where the France men's junior team has won medals in three of the last four World Cups, winning silver in 2013, bronze in 2021 and silver in 2023.
As the host nation for the 2024 Olympic Games, France is ready to showcase its rich hockey tradition on the world stage. The Stade Yves du Manoir has been meticulously renovated to provide a world-class platform for Olympic hockey competition. This iconic venue symbolizes the sport's enduring traditions and bright future in France.
With a passionate fan base, the French national team is poised to make a name for themselves at the Olympic Games. With a mix of experienced players and rising stars, the French national team is looking to win the hearts of the nation and bring glory to French hockey.
Emma Ponthieu, captain of the French women's team, spoke about the future of hockey in France: “I hope that the Olympics will help French hockey develop, raise awareness and fascinate people. It's still a relatively unknown sport in France, but we hope to ride the Olympic wave and raise awareness of our sport.”
Victor Lockwood, captain of the France men's team, added: “The impact on French hockey will be unique, as the last time France was represented in the men's category was in Munich in 1972. Also, it's been 100 years since France hosted the Olympic Games, so this will be the first time that the France 2 national team will represent hockey at the Olympic Games and play for France!”
“In addition, after the Olympics, we will have for the first time a 'Clairfontaine', a national hockey centre, just like in football, at the Yves du Manoir stadium. A unique opportunity! We (women and men) must strive to make the biggest impact with our performances!”
The 2024 Paris Olympics will take place from July 27th to August 9th. For more information about the contest, Olympics Hockey.
