Tayyab Ikram Re-elected FIH President: A Triumph for Pakistan’s Hockey

Tayyab Ikram has been re-elected as the President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for a second consecutive term, a significant achievement for Pakistan’s hockey. At the 49th FIH Congress in Muscat, Oman, Ikram secured 79 votes out of 126, surpassing his competitor, Marc Coudron of Belgium, who received 47 votes. His re-election not only signifies personal recognition but also reinforces Pakistan’s growing influence in global hockey.

Key Highlights

Tayyab Ikram’s Leadership

Ikram, the former coach of Pakistan and China, will continue his role for a two-year term, completing the mandate of the previous FIH president, Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, who resigned in July. Ikram’s gratitude towards the hockey community was evident as he promised to foster unity within the FIH. He also emphasized hockey’s transformative power in his life, pledging to bring the FIH together in a spirit of solidarity.

Executive Board Elections

The Congress also saw the re-election of Maureen Craig-Rousseau (TTO) and Elizabeth Safoa King (GHA) to the FIH Executive Board (EB). New members Hiroya Anzai (JPN), Piotr Wilkonski (POL), and Deon Morgan (RSA) were elected for the first time. Notably, Morgan’s term will be two years, coinciding with the remaining duration of Ikram’s presidency.

Membership and Governance Updates

The Indonesian Hockey Federation was accepted as a full member of the FIH, following the transition from the Indonesian Hockey Association. The Congress also approved the audited accounts for 2021 and amended certain FIH Statutes, while rejecting some proposals by the European Hockey Federation (EHF).

FIH Awards

The FIH President’s and Honorary Awards were also presented. Recognized for their significant contributions were individuals such as Gill Gemming (NZL), Chaiyapak Siriwat (THA), and Marissa Langeni (RSA), along with the French Hockey Federation and the Uganda Hockey Association for their exceptional governance and developmental efforts.

Summery of the News

Why in News	Key Points
Tayyab Ikram Re-Elected as FIH President	Tayyab Ikram re-elected as President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) with 79 votes.
FIH Congress Election Results	Total votes cast: 126, Ikram received 79 votes, Marc Coudron received 47 votes.
New Term Duration	Tayyab Ikram’s term: 2 years (to complete the mandate of Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, former FIH President).
FIH Executive Board Elections	Re-elected: Maureen Craig-Rousseau (88 votes), Elizabeth Safoa King (68 votes). First-time elected: Hiroya Anzai (72 votes), Piotr Wilkonski (70 votes), Deon Morgan (66 votes).
New Full Member of FIH	Indonesia’s Hockey Federation (PP FHI) granted full membership after meeting all FIH requirements.
FIH Statutes Amendments	Accepted: Amendments to Articles 7.2 (d), 7.2 (e), and 7.4 (a). Rejected: Amendments proposed by EHF.
FIH Honorary and President’s Awards	Pablo Negre Trophy: French Hockey Federation. HRH Sultan Azlan Shah Award: Tornike Tevdoradze (Georgia). Etienne Glichitch Award: Gino Schilders (Netherlands).
FIH Awards Details	FIH President’s Awards: Gill Gemming (NZL), Chaiyapak Siriwat (THA), Marissa Langeni (RSA), Margaret Hunnaball (ENG), Willard Harris (TRI), Shiraz Ali Yakub (KEN), Elena Norman (AUS).
Election Oversight Panel Role	EOP ensures the fair and transparent conduct of FIH elections, verifying candidates’ eligibility and compliance with FIH regulations.
Congress Format and Discussions	Virtual Congress included discussions on fan engagement, innovation, sustainability, and governance.
Tayyab Ikram’s Background	Former Pakistan and China hockey coach, FIH Executive Board member since 2016, elected FIH President in November 2022.