Thank You FIH President Tayyab Ikram: Hockey5s Set for Historic Medal Debut at The World Games 2029
FIH hails “outstanding outcome” as shortened format joins elite multi-sport event for first time with medals on offer
The World Games will feature Hockey5s with medals at stake for the first time when the 13th edition of the elite multi-sport event is staged in Karlsruhe, Germany from 19–29 July 2029.
The International World Games Association (IWGA) confirmed Hockey5s as part of the official Sports Programme following ratification at its Annual General Meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. The decision marks a major milestone for the fast-paced, 5-a-side format of traditional 11-a-side hockey.
The World Games, held every four years for sports and disciplines not included in the Olympic Games, will welcome around 4,000 athletes from more than 110 countries and regions to compete across 35 sports in 2029.
FIH: “Outstanding Outcome”
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) said the inclusion was an “outstanding outcome” for the development of Hockey5s and followed a formal bidding process by the sport’s world governing body.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram welcomed the decision: “Participating in multi-sport events presents a great opportunity for our athletes and to further develop the reach and popularity of Hockey5s. Being a part of The World Games aligns perfectly with this vision.”
From Demonstration to Medal Event
Hockey’s journey at The World Games began in 2005 when indoor hockey featured as an invitational sport. Hockey5s then appeared as a demonstration sport at The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama.
The 2029 edition in Karlsruhe will be the first time Hockey5s is contested as a full medal event on the main programme.
The previous edition of The World Games took place in Chengdu, China in 2025, while the 2022 Games were hosted by Birmingham, Alabama.
World Games Focus on Innovation
The IWGA said the 2029 Sports Programme reflects its commitment to diversity, innovation and sustainability, combining popular, emerging and traditional disciplines while prioritizing existing venues and limited temporary sites in the host city.
Hockey5s, with its smaller pitch, reduced team size and high-scoring format, has been positioned by the FIH as a key driver for growing the sport globally, particularly in new markets and urban settings.
- The World Games is an international multi-sport event for sports not contested in the Olympic Games. Held every four years, it is organized by the IWGA.
- Hockey5s is the FIH’s official shortened format, played with five players per side on a smaller field with perimeter boards.
- Karlsruhe 2029 will run from 19–29 July 2029. Around 4,000 athletes from 110+ countries are expected across 35 sports.