International Hockey Federation extends partnership with surfacing supplier Polytan

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced the extension of its long-running partnership with sport surfaces company Polytan until 2024.

The extended partnership, which highlights the development of sustainable sports facilities, will see the Sports Group subsidiary provide surfaces for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Hockey World Cups in 2022 and 2023 and the Hockey 5s World Cup in 2024.

Announcing the extended partnership, the FIH advised of its hopes that the arrangement will fit in with its three sustainability pillars - people, planet and prosperity.

Polytan, which is committed to ensuring its Poligras hockey turfs are leaders in green technology, first became involved in hockey in 1976, when it provided the turf for the Olympics in Montreal.

The existing partnership between the FIH and Polytan saw climate positive turfs for Tokyo 2020 made from 60% sugar cane.

Commenting on the partnership, FIH Chief Executive, Thierry Weil stated “we are delighted that our trusted partner Polytan, which continues to innovate and invest in hockey, has extended its partnership with FIH.

"Over the years Polytan has repeatedly delivered world-class facilities for the Olympics and Hockey World Cups.

"They are leaders in sustainable sports surfaces and construction, so we are very happy to have their support in hockey's sustainable future, in particular for producing water-free elite pitches in the years to come."

The FIH said it hoped for "high quality, durable hockey facilities that maximise precious space by withstanding thousands of players on a weekly basis".

Polytan Asia Pacific Chief Executive, Stephen Niven noted “it is a pleasure to be part of the sport.

"Hockey is exciting, welcoming, and is equally amazing for men and women, girls and boys.

"Shifting our partnership focus to sustainability will further progress the sport and our Poligras hockey turfs will continue to be the leader in player and environmental performance."

Developing Hockey 5s, a short format version of the sport which requires less space, will be an important part of the link-up going forward.

Additionally, Polytan and FIH have successfully created a new category for hockey turf - Temporary Overlay Pitches (TOP) - which provides a cost-effective means of hosting top-level hockey in existing sports stadia and other venues.

For further information about Polytan, click here to visit their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

Main image: Hockey pitches at Tokyo 2020 were made with 60% sugar cane. Credit Polytan Asia Pacific.