Set to shine: spotlight on the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024
The chance to secure a spot in the FIH Pro League and claim a Poligras Magic Skill Award awaits!
The world of field hockey is abuzz with the return of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2024, set to unfold in the historic hockey cities of Gniezno, Poland, and Terrassa, Spain. This action-packed competition not only showcases top-tier hockey, but also offers a pathway for the winning teams to ascend to the FIH Pro League. This year it has the added benefit of providing essential pre-Olympic prep for many players. In the lead-up to Paris 2024, it’s an exciting taste of things to come.
A festival of hockey for European fans
The men's edition of the Nations Cup will capture audience attention from May 31 to June 9, in Gniezno, Poland. Gniezno, with its rich historical backdrop and modern sporting facilities, is hosting nine top international teams, including Poland, Korea, Malaysia, France, South Africa, Pakistan, Canada, Austria and New Zealand. Of these teams, France is the highest ranked (9).
Hockey history to the fore in Barcelona
The women's competition lights up at the Estadi Marti Colomer in Terrassa, Spain, from June 3 to 9. The stadium is the home of Spanish hockey club Linia 22 and features a Poligras hockey turf that was relocated after the 2022 World Cup which was held in the larger Estadi Olímpic de Terrassa.
Terrassa is one of the world’s great hockey heartlands; known for its unique cultural heritage and passion for hockey, it is an ideal location to showcase the skills of top-ranked women's teams from around the globe, namely Ireland, Italy, Korea, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand and top-ranked Spain (8).
Photo: worldsportpics.com / Frank Uijlenbroek
The path to glory
The FIH Hockey Nations Cup is more than a competition; it is a cauldron where determination, skill and heart are put to the test. The stakes are high, with the victor securing a spot in the prestigious FIH Pro League, offering teams the chance to compete against the best in the world on an ongoing basis.
India (women) and South Africa (men) clinched the first edition of the Nations Cup in 2022, and this year's teams will be eager to build on that legacy. Each match promises intense competition and displays of tactical prowess, making every game a must-watch event.
The Magic Skill Award: showcasing the best of spell-binding hockey
Adding an extra layer of enchantment to the tournament is the FIH Poligras Magic Skill Award. This award celebrates the most skilful and innovative plays of the tournament, underscoring the importance of creativity and technical excellence in the sport. The Magic Skill Award not only highlights individual wizardry but also inspires players to push the boundaries of what is possible on the field, furthering and growing the appeal of the game.
Photo: worldsportpics.com / Frank Uijlenbroek
Photo: worldsportpics.com / Frank Uijlenbroek
Good luck to all the teams
We wish all the teams the best of luck as they battle it out and their players vie for the Magic Skill Award, sharing the high-stakes fun with fans and highlighting the spirit of international hockey as we head towards the Olympic Games later this summer.