Tayyab Ikram to lead Hockey Federation

Pakistan's Tayyab Ikram has been elected president of the International Hockey Federation (IHF) for an eight-year term.

The official announcement was made at the IHF Congress in Muscat, Oman, confirming his leadership until 2035, Express News reported.

Ikram's presidency has been extended from the previously approved four years to eight, following his unanimous election. There were no competing candidates during the election process.

A resident of Lahore, Ikram had been serving as the acting president of the IHF for the past two years after the resignation of Narinder Batra.

With the completion of the interim period, the elections were held, with Ikram emerging as the sole candidate.

Speaking after his election, Ikram expressed his honour in leading the global hockey community, stating, "It is a great privilege to be appointed as president of the world of hockey. I now have the opportunity to contribute even more, and I will do everything I can to advance the sport of hockey."

Previously, Ikram was poised to be re-elected unopposed at the 49th FIH Congress.

This marks Ikram's second consecutive term as FIH President. He is currently serving in the role, having first been elected in 2022 after India's Narinder Batra resigned.

Ikram won the 2022 election by defeating Belgium's Marc Coudron, securing 79 votes to Coudron's 47. His unchallenged re-election highlights his significant contributions to international hockey.

IHF had confirmed the nominations received by the deadline of 31 August 2024 (midnight CET) for the positions to be elected by the National Associations that are members of the FIH at the 49th FIH Statutory Congress on 9 November 2024.

While Ikram is the sole candidate for the president's post representing Hong Kong Macau, there is a fight between Danae Andrada Barrios of Uruguay, Germany's Katrin Kauschke and Zambia's Hazel Kennedy for the two positions of FIH Ordinary Executive Board Member female.