Sunday, December 3, 2023

How long can patched-up Hockey Pro League continue in current format?

Twenty five years ago, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) concocted plans for an annual global competition. Called the World Hockey Series, the first men’s season was planned for 1997/98 with the women joining a season later. Els van Breda Vriesman, then secretary general of the FIH, said: “We hope to achieve a more global distribution of international competition and generate substantial television, spectator and sponsor interest.” Ring any hooters?

Two decades later and the FIH Pro League – a new annual global league – was conceived.

This correspondent was initially an advocate of the competition. Finally, here was a global league which may set off meaningful storylines, meaningful Test matches, lift the sport’s profile and bring eyeballs to the game. 

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1 COMMENT

  1. Is there any coincidence between the two blocks hampering the EHL in Europe….absolutely not. A deliberate attempt by Batra (not India) to undercut and undermine the European strength of the club game.

    Why the Euro nations dont just pull out i dont know. Are they receiving any financial award from the FIH? Do we make any money?

    I bet we would if we played a 6 nations type event with NED/GER/BEL/ENG/ESP/FRA (or IRE)

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