The dates have been chosen this year to coincide with the "100 days to go" week (17 April) before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. However, the International Hockey Day is not a "one-off" event. It is here to stay and will be celebrated every year in the future (on a date to be determined). 

For this inaugural edition, the FIH has invited all National Associations (NAs) to make a pledge to grow hockey in their countries by introducing at least 100 new young players to the sport and increasing their social media following by the start of the Olympic Games. NAs are asked to identify a series of projects that can be implemented since now to the start of Paris 2024 to achieve these goals. 

"The International Hockey Day is intended to provide the global hockey community with an additional opportunity to promote our sport. In particular, it should aim to attract more people to hockey. Increasing the number of athletes worldwide and growing our fan base are two essential pillars of our mission," said Tayyab Ikram. 

"This Day will be a very special date in the international hockey calendar every year and will help to fulfil this mission. I therefore appeal to each and every member of our global community to be part of this quest for growth," he added. 

The International Hockey Federation was created on 7 January 2024 in Paris, France. Throughout the year, various activities will be organised to celebrate this milestone, culminating at the FIH Congress in November. 

The FIH is the world governing body for hockey and is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Founded in 1924, it has 140 national member associations. For more information on the Hockey Revolution click here..