Alain Danet 1931-2006

The International Hockey Federation was deeply saddened at the passing of Alain Danet last month; a man who was a dedicated and admired ambassador for hockey for more than four decades.

One of the most influential personalities in French sport at international, continental and national level, Mr Danet passed away in Kenya, leaving an outstanding legacy of administrative excellence which stretched began in the early 1960s.

Born in 1931 in Paris, Mr Danet began his working career as a lawyer and at the same time he took on leadership roles in sports administration with the presidency of the Fédération Française de Hockey in 1962

Concurrent to taking the reigns of French hockey, Mr Danet was also elected to the French National Olympic Committee, where served many roles over three decorated decades of service.

Soon after his election to the presidency of Fédération Française de Hockey, Mr Danet’s career with the International Hockey Federation began, with his appointment to the FIH Council. This term lasted an extraordinary 38 years until 2001 when the executive arm of FIH was restructured.

Mr Danet's influence was most felt at continental and national level, with his presidency of the European Hockey Federation lasting 29 years from 1974-2003. His leadership of the French national body was conducted over two terms, the first from 1962 until 1966 and then again from 1972 until 1980.

He was Chef de Mission for France at five Olympic Games from 1964 to 1980 and in 2000 was named an IOC Honour Member.

A memorial service for Mr Danet will be held in Paris at the end of April.