Hockey in Australia primed for green and gold runway

Hockey Australia shares the Australian Olympic Committee’s (AOC) excitement and anticipation with today marking the 10 year countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The green and gold runway for Olympic sports, including hockey, over the next decade leading into Brisbane 2032 has the ability to make a long-lasting positive impact on Australian society.

“The AOC’s theme of ‘Our Time Starts Now’ certainly resonates with hockey in Australia,” said HA CEO David Pryles.

“The work being done in terms of the strategic direction hockey is heading in, the continual development and enhancement of our pathway system, the focus on participation and our HookIn2Hockey introductory program, plus the intention to create the best possible environment to achieve long term success on the world stage are all key objectives as we look towards Brisbane 2032.”

“The acknowledgment of this day shines a spotlight on the amazing opportunities that Brisbane 2032 presents, not only for aspiring youngsters wanting to represent Australia on home soil in the Olympics, but also for officials and volunteers to look ahead to this event.”

“Sport has so many physical, mental and social benefits, and as one of Australia’s most gender equal sports and one that can be played at all ages levels, I encourage anyone to give hockey a go and get involved in this momentous period for Australian sport.”

“The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos are two of Australia’s most successful national teams and we look forward to playing our part in this increased focus on Olympic sports in Australia over the next decade.”

Major international hockey events currently scheduled in Australia over the next ten years include home matches in the annual FIH Pro League (a global tournament featuring the world’s best hockey nations), coupled with the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria.

Technical Lead for Hockey Australia’s Men’s National Athlete Pathway Program, former Kookaburras legend and proud Queenslander Mark Knowles says the Brisbane 2032 Games provides an incredible opportunity for hockey.

“Players who are currently in the mid to late teenage bracket will be in their prime come Brisbane 2032, so the prospect of competing at a home Olympics is a huge incentive for these athletes,” said Knowles, who is currently in Perth for the Hockey Australia Under 21 Championships.

“There is so much potential in what can be done in the hockey pathways system over the coming years leading up to a home Olympics.”

“We know how important the next decade is and we need to do everything we can to provide the opportunities for young players to develop and improve and inspire them to stick at it.”

The Hockey Australia club finder can assist anyone in locating their nearest hockey club.