In an honour for Narinder Batra, the Hockey India president has been included in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Executive Board as it concluded its 2014 Ordinary Congress in Marrakesh, Morocco.
During the event, a new ten-year strategy for hockey was launched and well-received by delegates.
The well-attended two-day event was titled the ‘Hockey Revolution Congress’ and delegates learnt about the Hockey Revolution — FIH’s ten-year strategy set to deliver a global sport, inspiring the next generation.
The FIH laid out ambitious goals for the next ten years for hockey around entertainment, professionalism, image and following. A clear strategy was outlined for hockey focusing on five key initiatives; fan-focused entertainment portfolio; world-class content creation and distribution; joined-up global marketing; commercial partners who share our vision and educate and empower programmes.
The 44th Congress welcomed five new national associations from three continents. From Africa — Burundi, Cameroon and Sierra Leone all became Sole Governing Member National Associations.
Vietnam join from Asia and Ha join from Pan-America, meaning FIH now has 132 National Associations.
Voting for Ordinary Members of the FIH Executive Board also took place for the positions of two female members, one male member and two open positions.
Of the two open positions, one is for the duration of two years only, to replace H.R.H. Prince Abdullah Shah following his appointment as the President of the Asian Hockey Federation, thereby automatically having a position on the Board.
The voting for the new Executive Board members began with the female vote. Maureen Craig-Rousseau from Trinidad and Tobago was elected and Pamela Stuper from the USA was re-elected to the Board.
The male place went to Dr. Narinder Batra from India. The two open positions saw the re-election of Marc Coudron from Belgium and Qasim Zia from Pakistan.
FIH president Leandro Negre said, “I am delighted that we have welcomed new National Associations to the FIH family.
The addition of these new members from all over the world, supports our new ambition, goals and strategy and ultimately, will help to raise the global status and popularity of hockey.
“My congratulations to the new Executive Board members and thanks to the members stepping down for their tireless effort and dedication. I am looking forward to the next two years of my tenure as FIH President, as we create a Hockey Revolution.”
