President’s View

A pair of Champions Trophy tournaments highlight the coming month as teams battle for one of hockey’s most prized gold medals.

This year’s events in Amsterdam and Terrassa are important and prestigious tournaments in their own right but, importantly, they will also play a pivotal role in the World Cup preparations for all but one of the competing teams.

Major tournaments in the Netherlands are always a highlight of the hockey calendar and the women’s Rabo Hockey Champions Trophy promises to keep that tradition alive. The first women’s world level event to be held in the Netherlands for five years comes at an opportune time for the home team as it chases a third successive Champions Trophy title.

Spain has become a powerhouse of men’s hockey and the Sahara Hockey Champions Trophy promises to help maintain the momentum they have generated from recent successes.

While Australia’s all conquering outfit are the defending champions, the list of legitimate contenders will ensure that this tournament is played at an extremely high standard.

FIH again acknowledges the committed support of our Global Hockey Partners. Our partnership with Sahara, BDO, Rabobank and Samsung over the past four years has played a crucial role in the successes achieved and has helped hockey develop and flourish around the world.

Good luck to all participating teams and officials at each tournament. I am sure the local organisers will produce successful and entertaining events for the international hockey family.

Els van Breda Vriesman
FIH President