Hockey will be hosted on the Gold Coast for the 2032 Olympic Games, a decision seen as a win for the sport’s legacy.
The Gold Coast Hockey Centre was used for the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the news is a U-turn on the original decision which cited Ballymore, home of rugby union side Queensland Reds, as the Olympic venue for the 2032 Games.
Hockey Australia had been lobbying vociferously for the Gold Coast venue for four years, arguing that upgrades to the facility would ensure future international competitions to be held there.
Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles said: “By repurposing the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, we now have a clear path to bring international hockey back to Queensland before 2032 and beyond.
“Today’s decision ensures the Olympics delivers a lasting impact on our sport and it will allow us to provide meaningful pathway development opportunities for players, fans, and future Olympians in the decade ahead.
“Hockey is a top ten global participation sport, our global audience is enormous, and as a sport, we are champing at the bit to start delivering legacy outcomes for Queensland and Australia right now.”
Hockey Queensland CEO Alison Lyons said the announcement was “a win for hockey, a win for the Gold Coast, and a win for Queensland.”
The Hockeyroos last won Olympic gold at the 2000 Games in Sydney. The Kookaburras last won gold in 2004.
The Queensland Government also revealed its Olympic venue plan on Tuesday.
A 60,000-seat main stadium in Brisbane’s Victoria Park has been confirmed as the centrepiece.
