(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
World Beach Hockey: Expanding Horizons in the Global Hockey Family
MELBOURNE – Since gaining official recognition from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in October 2023, World Beach Hockey has rapidly established itself as one of the fastest-growing formats in the sport. In less than two years, 60 countries have joined the movement, with the ambitious goal of reaching 100 member nations by 2026.
Rapid Growth and Global Reach
The sport’s rise has been supported by several key milestones:
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Establishing an international structure combining sports and business expertise.
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Targeted social media campaigns to showcase the game’s accessibility and fun.
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Partnerships with equipment manufacturers in China and India.
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Exciting beach hockey events staged around the world, from Australia to Europe.
Beach hockey has also resonated with diverse communities. Initiatives include collaborations with indigenous groups in Australia and programs in Ukraine, where the game is helping introduce new activities to war veterans.
Why Beach Hockey Stands Out
Unlike traditional field hockey, beach hockey is safe, fun, and easy to learn. Players of all ages—from children to adults—quickly adapt, with many eventually moving on to indoor or 11-a-side hockey.
To attract younger and non-traditional audiences, the game is also promoted as Xtreme Beach Hockey, combining the thrill of a beach setting with fast-paced action. This vibrant version of the sport offers an accessible entry point for people looking for alternative sporting experiences.
Partnership with the FIH
Collaboration with the FIH is central to beach hockey’s future. Early talks with FIH President Tayyab Ikram and the Board have focused on:
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Coaching and umpiring education.
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Event management opportunities.
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Joint activations at major hockey tournaments.
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Alignment with development programs like Women in Hockey.
The shared vision is to grow participation by putting sticks in the hands of first-time players worldwide.
Challenges and Opportunities
As a new sport, challenges remain. Many National Associations need support to add beach hockey into their busy schedules. However, the infrastructure required is minimal—sand courts can be created on beaches, indoors, or even as standalone venues. Inspired by the success of beach volleyball, World Beach Hockey aims to replicate proven development models.
Looking Ahead: Melbourne 2025
The momentum continues with a landmark event—the inaugural Melbourne Xtreme Beach Hockey Cup on 1–2 November 2025. The tournament will feature 64 teams from Australia and overseas.
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Day 1: Men’s and women’s competitions.
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Day 2: Youth tournaments for boys and girls aged 9–14.
World Beach Hockey President Greg Hill sums up the vision:
“The beach is a wonderful place to play hockey—you have the sun, sea, and sand. We hope to make beach hockey the most exciting beach sport in the world.”
