9 Sep 2025: International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram has called for deeper engagement and constructive dialogue to address ongoing conflicts and challenges affecting global hockey administration. Speaking at a recent press briefing, Ikram emphasized the importance of collaboration among member nations, players, and stakeholders to ensure the sport’s smooth development worldwide.
The FIH has been working to resolve disputes between certain national associations over issues such as governance, tournament scheduling, and resource allocation. Some federations have raised concerns about unequal access to international competitions and financial assistance, which has at times led to friction.
“Sport thrives when all stakeholders are aligned,” said Ikram. “Our goal at FIH is not only to promote hockey but also to create a fair, inclusive, and transparent ecosystem. That means open discussions, listening to member federations, and finding mutually beneficial solutions.”
The call for engagement comes at a critical juncture, as hockey continues to expand its reach into new markets. Ikram highlighted that resolving conflicts is key to sustaining the sport’s growth, especially ahead of upcoming global tournaments including the FIH Pro League and Junior World Cup.
Experts say the FIH’s proactive approach could help prevent long-term disputes from derailing development efforts. Sports governance analysts argue that communication gaps between international bodies and local federations often result in missed opportunities to promote the game at the grassroots level.
Ikram also urged federations to prioritize player welfare, fair play, and gender equality, which remain central pillars of FIH’s strategic roadmap. “Conflict resolution must not just focus on management issues but also on what’s best for athletes, coaches, and fans,” he added.
The FIH is reportedly working on creating a formal mediation framework that would allow national federations to raise concerns and find solutions under the guidance of independent arbitrators. This mechanism aims to speed up dispute resolution and foster a cooperative environment.
Global hockey fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these measures are implemented in the coming months. The success of such initiatives could serve as a model for other international sports bodies facing similar challenges.
Summary:
FIH President Tayyab Ikram urges stronger dialogue and collaboration among hockey stakeholders to resolve disputes, enhance fairness, and ensure the sport’s sustainable global growth ahead of key international tournaments.