International Press Release Submissions

ASOIF governance review confirms FIH steady progress

Lausanne, Switzerland: ASOIF’s (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations) fourth governance review of its member federations – published yesterday – has confirmed the steady progress made by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) in terms of good governance. Indeed, FIH has scored higher marks than ever before in every section (Transparency, Integrity, Democracy, Development and Control Mechanisms), leading to an overall increase of 16 points compared to the last review (2019-20). With a total of 149 points, FIH tops Group B and is only 1 point away from Group A2. We’re particularly pleased with the following comments from ASOIF: FIH has done a significant work in important areas including gender equality, safeguarding and also outsourcing anti-doping to the ITA (International Testing Agency) FIH has successfully delivered an online Genery Assembly (Congress) FIH performed well on the new indicators for 2021-22: action is being taken to increase the diversity of the Executive Board, support is being provided to enhance the governance of members and there is an established risk management programme FIH achieved the “Top 10” in 9 out of 33 indicators assessed in this way Further, it’s worth noting that ASOIF cites FIH as an example of good governance practice in numerous areas such as gender balance, diversity at Board and Committee level, electoral process and rules, election campaigning rules, the implementation of a Code of Ethics or an Ethics Committee with independent representation. FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “This review confirms that the determination, work and efforts of FIH to become a leader in terms of good governance are being recognized. Of course, there is room for improvement. Therefore, we will keep on working on the areas where we can do better and will engage with ASOIF in this regard as well.” The aim of the ASOIF governance review is to promote and ensure a culture of good governance within the …


Source: MyPR International

South Africa to host inaugural Men’s Nations Cup!

Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has appointed South Africa as the host country for the inaugural FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup. The event will take place at the North-West University of Potchefstroom – which successfully hosted the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in April this year - from 28 November to 4 December 2022. The aim of this new yearly event is to offer a top-level competition to the best-ranked teams not participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League and give the winning team the option to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League the next season, precisely. Therefore, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup marks the start of the promotion-relegation principle for the FIH Hockey Pro League, with the winning team of the first FIH Hockey Nations Cup having the chance to be promoted to the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League (provided they meet the necessary requirements for it). The following eight teams - which include some of the powerhouses of world hockey! - will participate in the very first edition, having qualified based on their position in the FIH World Rankings of May 2021: South Africa, France, Canada, Japan, Korea, Ireland, Pakistan and Malaysia. FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “On behalf of FIH, I’d like to thank wholeheartedly the South African Hockey Association for hosting this inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup. Everyone could see how successful the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup – the first FIH World Cup to be staged on African soil – was, and we’re delighted to go back to Potchefstroom soon! With the Nations Cup, not only a true hockey festival awaits all hockey fans, but there’s a lot a stake for the teams, including a place within the FIH Hockey Pro League!” Shaune Baaitjies, Acting CEO of SA Hockey: "South Africa showed our capacity as a world class host with the hosting of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom earlier this year. The North West University facilities were …


Source: MyPR International

Netherlands seal second place with hard-fought win over China; India three-goal burst downs USA

Lausanne, Switzerland: While the titles of the men's and women's FIH Pro League may have been decided, there are still a number of matches to be played, with final places and individual awards to be decided. One team who .... To see the current women’s FIH Pro League Standings, click here. To see the current men’s FIH Pro League Standings, click here. United States v India (women) – HC Rotterdam, Rotterdam (NED) A moment of brilliance from Erin Matson just ahead of half-time saw the USA take the lead in a very closely contested match between the team at the bottom of the FIH Pro League and the team hoping for a top three finish. Despite India's Gurjit Kaur having three attempts from penalty corners in the first 30 minutes and Shamila coming close to defelcting a ball into the USA goal, it was the resolute Americans who took the lead. Matson sent an aerial from near the half-way sideline into the Indian circle. Danielle Grega got the faintest touch to bring the ball down and then diverted it past Savita in the India goal. India came out from the half-time break with an energy, vigour and directness that had been missing in the first half. It was a slightly shell-shocked USA 10 minutes later after Ekka Deep Grace, Kaur Navneet and Sonika all found their way onto the scoresheet within a 10-minute spell of attacking hockey. Grace's goal was a well-struck penalty corner, and both Navneet and Sonika were the recipients of some flowing attacking moves. USA came right back into it with a penalty corner rebound that Natalie Konerth shot smartly home after the quarter time whistle had sounded. Although India qestioned the goal, it was the result of a penalty corner that had not travelled 10 metres outside the circle and so the goal stood. The fourth quarter saw both teams come out with a clear intent to take all three points. India had the greater share of possession and chances but it was after a spell of USA pressure that India suddenly struck from a counter attack. …


Source: MyPR International

Women’s World Cup: squads are at the ready!

Lausanne, Switzerland: Excitement is building across the international hockey community as the squad lists for the 16 participating nations at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Spain and Netherlands 2022 are announced. Participating in a World Cup is the pinnacle of any athlete’s career and for the nations conveying on Amsterdam and Terrassa in just over two week’s time, things couldn’t get much more exciting. Speaking to FIH, New Zealand’s Megan Hull said: ‘We honestly just can't wait. We haven't had a whole lot of international test matches over the last few years because of COVID. Everyone is just so excited. We're really looking forward to putting up some good competition results and getting onto it.’ The New Zealand Black Sticks arrived in Spain in the middle of June, their first time in Europe for three years. Head Coach to England women, David Ralph, acknowledged that the weeks leading up to selection are tough for the players as they wait to hear if they have made the 18-player squad. ‘We are delighted to announce the squad of players selected to represent England this summer. Selection is never an easy situation for the players, and I would like to thank all of them for their efforts during the last few months. Despite the challenges we have faced, they have worked hard and supported each other remarkably well. Congratulations to those selected, who now face a really exciting summer ahead.’ For India, the opportunity to play in the FIH Hockey Pro League this season has proven an immeasurably valuable experience, particularly as the final games are in Europe. India captain and goalkeeper Savita says: ‘Because of these tournaments a lot of players got the chance to play at the highest level against good opposition, irrespective of the position and experience. Our priority was to give players opportunities in the Pro League. Thanks to the Pro League we now know how to come back if something didn’t work in the previous game. These things will definitely help …


Source: MyPR International

Dutch men secure Pro League title, Leonas sweeten their title going undefeated as USA women and Belgium men also find victories

Lausanne, Switzerland: Argentina became the first women’s team to go undefeated in Pro League play after their 3-2 win over India today. Meanwhile, the USA showed the result of their constant improvement with a 2-1 win over China, also the Americans’ first win in the season. The Belgian women also dropped England 4-1 to overcome yesterday’s result. The standings are set as a 2-1 win for the Dutch men over India secured them the top of the FIH Pro League, while Belgium sit second and India finish third. Belgium had a convincing 5-0 win over England in today’s match after scoring three goals in the final minutes on an untended English goal China v United States (women) – HC Rotterdam, Rotterdam (NED) The United States women stormed back from a day ago to take the game 2-1 over China and earn their first win of the 2021-22 FIH Pro League. The game was a milestone for umpire Céline Martin-Schmets, of Belgium, who was awarded her Golden Whistle after the match for her 100th international match. China looked to take control early in the game with a series of penalty corners and certainly had their chances to nab a considerable lead. Struggling to beat Kelsey Bing, in goal for the USA, it took a deflection off defender Jillian Wolgemuth for China to get on the board. Credit to Zhang Ying as her powerful flick made it difficult to control and China took the 1-0 lead in just the sixth minute of play. On USA’s first attack into the Chinese circle it was Lauren Moyer who charged her way through. Chasing from behind, captain Li Jiaqi made a desperate attempt, but her stick tackle was penalized and the Americans were awarded a penalty stroke. Ashley Hoffman finished from the spot to tie the game before the end of the first quarter. The USA came out strong in the second half. Alexandra Hammel’s slap from the top of the circle lifted the USA 2-1 on a penalty corner and the momentum kept on rolling for the Americans. A long hit smashed to the top of the circle was brilliantly …


Source: MyPR International

Shootout victories favour India women and Netherlands, England men, while China and England women find victories over USA and Belgium

Lausanne, Switzerland: It was a busy day of FIH Pro League action both at HC Rotterdam and the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London. In women’s competition, two goals from Hong Li propelled China 3-2 over the USA on neutral soil, while the Indian women charged back to take the Argentina Leonas to a 2-2 tie and ultimately earn a 2-1 shootout victory. The England women rallied back with an exciting second half to beat Belgium 2-1. On the men’s side both games of the day needed a shootout to decide the winner. Netherlands and India went to a 2-2 tie after a last second Harmanpreet drag flick forced the tie. Four-straight shootout goals gave the Dutch the 4-1 shootout win and extra point. In London, England drew 2-2 with Belgium and then the home side put on a classy shootout performance to score three and take the bonus point. China v United States (women) – HC Rotterdam, Rotterdam (NED) Two late goals were not enough for the United States women who fell 3-2 to China. China tested Kelsey Bing in the American net but were unable to find a way past her in the opening quarter. Alyson Annan’s team China were able to grab a 2-0 lead in the second quarter with goals just one minute apart. Li Hong picked up an aerial in space and charged the American circle. She took Bing to her stick side and finished on a reverse-stick sweep for China’s opener. Another aerial set up the second goal as Yuan Meng brought the ball down all alone in the circle and controlled it past Bing to double China’s lead. Erin Matson had a chance to cut China’s lead in half but her penalty stroke was fabulously saved by a stretched out Liu Ping. A ball from Luo TianTian split the American defence and allowed Yuan Meng to one-time her second of the game and give China the 3-0 lead in the fourth quarter. The USA stayed focused and were able to draw a penalty corner after a strong run from Jacqueline Sumfest on the Chinese baseline. The flick from Elizabeth Yeager was saved and the ball ricocheted …


Source: MyPR International

South Africa bidding for 2026 FIH Hockey World Cups!

Lausanne, Switzerland: After completion of the bidding process for hosting the 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s and Women’s World Cups, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) is glad to announce that bids from four continents (Africa, the Americas, Europe and Oceania), to host either one or both World Cups, have been received. The bids are as follows: 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup: Australia (host city: Melbourne/Geelong, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane/Gold Coast – to be confirmed) South Africa (host city: Potchefstroom) Uruguay (host city: to be confirmed) 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup: England, in partnership with Wales (host cities: to be confirmed) Germany (host city: to be confirmed) South Africa (host city: Potchefstroom) 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup and 2026 FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup combined (= being played at the same time): Belgium/Netherlands (host cities: Wavre and Amstelveen) South Africa (host city: Potchefstroom) The hosts will be decided at the Executive Board meeting on 3 November and announced at the FIH Congress which will be held virtually on 4-5 November this year. FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “On behalf of FIH, I’d like to thank all National Associations who are bidding for our flagship events. We’re looking at really strong, and also diverse, bids here. We will now conduct a thorough analysis of each dossier so that the Event Bidding Task Force is fully informed of all aspects when making their recommendation to the Executive Board.” The FIH Hockey World Cup, for Women like for Men, is the pinnacle of FIH events. Being played every 4 years, both the Men’s and the Women’s World Cup involve sixteen teams amongst the best ones in the world. It will be the sixteenth edition of the World Cups in 2026. The next FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup will be played next month (from 1 to 17 July) in Terrassa, Spain and Amsterdam, Netherlands, whilst the next FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup will take place in January 2023 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, …


Source: MyPR International

United States and Kenya Discuss Further Trade Engagement

June 13, 2022: GENEVA – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Kenya's Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina met today on the margins of the World Trade Organization's 12th Ministerial Conference. This followed a successful consultative meeting of experts from the two countries held in Kenya in May 2022 on ways to enhance trade and investment relations between the two countries. Ambassador Tai and Cabinet Secretary Maina agreed to explore pathways towards a deeper bilateral trade and economic relationship that: promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth; benefits workers, consumers, and businesses (including micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises); and supports African regional economic integration. They discussed a number of issues where the United States and Kenya could develop an ambitious roadmap for enhanced cooperation and, where appropriate, explore negotiating high-standard commitments. The issues discussed include trade facilitation and customs, standards, services digital trade, environment and climate change, and agriculture. As a next step, the two countries will work to finalize a list of areas for cooperation to deepen economic engagement, and the two ministers agreed to meet again in the coming weeks to announce next steps. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. United States and Kenya Discuss Further Trade Engagement Submission Details Author: Africa Media from The Africa Regional Media Hub. More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact The Africa Regional Media Hub Facebook: Twitter: …


Source: MyPR International

Session of the WTO 12th Ministerial Conference

June 12, 2022: GENEVA – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today delivered remarks during the opening session of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 12th Ministerial Conference. Ambassador Tai highlighted the opportunity to revitalize the WTO and respond to today’s challenges while seizing opportunity to undertake a reform effort that is open, inclusive, and repositions the WTO to deliver on its foundational goals. The full text of Ambassador Tai’s welcome remarks is below: Hello, everyone. It has been a long road to get to this point, including two plus years of grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of variants, and more recently the Russian government’s decision to wage an unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine. However, as we gather for MC12, we are presented with an opportunity to work together to bring new life and new conversations to this institution that match the new challenges we are all facing. While the pandemic has created significant challenges to the work at the WTO, it can also be the impetus that sharpens our focus on the institution. It is our responsibility to prove to our citizens that global engagement and diplomacy can produce real results that improve their lives and address their day-to-day needs. This means taking on the challenges of widening inequality, economic insecurity, and incentives that degrade working and living conditions for our people on this planet. This is, after all, the vision of the Marrakesh Declaration and Agreement, on which the WTO was founded. As I said when I was here in October, the United States is committed to the WTO. But we need to be clear-eyed about the challenges we face today, and rise to meet this moment. We have seen in real time the effects of global supply and demand shocks. Economists forecasted a dramatic collapse in trade. But governments and stakeholders have rallied to keep trade flowing under challenging circumstances that we did not anticipate we would …


Source: MyPR International

Joint Statement from WTO Members in Support of Ukraine

June 12, 2022: GENEVA – We, the trade ministers/heads of delegation of the undersigned WTO Members, have met in Geneva today on the occasion of the 12th Ministerial Conference of the WTO, to reiterate our full support for, and solidarity with, the people of Ukraine. We express our deep sadness at the devastating human losses and profound suffering caused by the aggression against Ukraine. In so doing, we reiterate our support for the UN General Assembly Resolutions of 2 March 2022 (A/RES/ES-11/1) and 24 March 2022 (A/RES/ES-11/2). The war is also having a devastating impact, including on Ukraine’s economy and ability to trade. The destruction of a significant part of Ukraine’s transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, ports and railroads, is substantially impeding Ukraine’s ability to produce, export, and import. We are gravely concerned about the consequences of this destruction for Ukraine and for global trade, in particular as regards the supply to international markets of a number of key commodities produced by Ukraine, including agricultural and food products, fertilisers, sunflower oil, and critical minerals. We are also deeply concerned by numerous reports of grain being plundered from Ukraine. These actions are at odds with the principles and values of the WTO. We underline the importance of maintaining open and predictable markets, and Ukraine’s ability to trade. Given this, we strongly condemn any actions targeting the means of supply, production, and transportation necessary for Ukraine to produce and export to the world, including agri-food products. We stress the need to ensure that the trade routes, especially sea routes and ports, are not blocked by the threat of the use of force. The food security impacts are dramatic for those directly affected in Ukraine but are not just restricted to Ukraine and its citizens. Ukraine is one of the world's top exporters of key agricultural products like wheat, maize, barley, and sunflower …


Source: MyPR International