Both Smith and Sandison were re-appointed at the FIH Congress, which recently concluded in Moroccan city Marrakech, while Heidari's historic appointment makes her the first-ever female representative from the Middle East to join the Committee.

"I am really excited to join the FIH Athletes' Committee," said Heidari, who has played indoor hockey for 10 years, with the last three as a member of the Iranian national team.

"This is a great opportunity to be an ambassador for Iran and help promote the development of hockey, women and sport.

"I have the chance over the next four years to be a voice and ambassador for hockey."

Smith, Sandison and Heidari will now join South Africa skipper Marsha Cox, England's Annie Panter, German Moritz Fürste and Liam De Young of Australia, who were elected to the FIH Athletes' Committee in June by athletes participating at this year's World Cup in The Netherlands.

Germany's Michael Green will continue as chairman of the Committee for the next term as it serves as a consultative body that makes recommendations to the FIH Executive Board, FIH Committees, Advisory Panels and other bodies on behalf of athletes in the sport.

"As I said directly after the elections this is a big step forward," Green said.

"For the next term we have representatives from all five continents, an excellent gender balance and a very good knowledge transfer due to the re-appointment of Beth and Scott.

"In a couple of weeks' time we will have a Skype conference to define everybody's role and responsibilities.

"As the term will end for some members soon, I would like to thank them for the terrific job they have done."

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