Saturday, July 19, 2025

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. 

Continue reading...

Unlock ALL our premium content for 3 months for only £1...and get use of our subscriber-only app for a better reading experience.

Simply select Monthly or Yearly subscription and use coupon 3FOR1 when prompted.

Already a subscriber to our website? Login

Do you agree? Join our forum for free and keep the discussion going

Hockey Factory Shop

spot_img

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)

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More from Author

Hockey at LA 2028 Olympics to start before opening ceremony

The hockey competition at LA 2028 will start two days before...

England’s Maddie Axford praises hockey coaching duo

Forward Maddie Axford has praised two leading British coaches, John Shaw...

‘Dad taught me to be curious and not be satisfied’, says rising England Hockey star

Rohan Bhuhi has hailed his father as the “real inspiration” behind...

We need to be better at EuroHockey and World Cups, says Ralph

David Ralph says England Hockey needs to look at how it...

- A word from our sponsors -

spot_img