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Hockey receives major honours at World Fair Play Awards!

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Lausanne, Switzerland: The International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) has awarded the Thailand Hockey Association (THA) and international hockey umpire Victoria Pazos (Paraguay) with the World Fair Play Diploma in the categories of “Willi Daume – Promotion of Fair Play” and “Jean Borotra – Career of Fair Play” respectively, in order to recognize their exemplary achievements in the world of sport and on the field of promoting fair play. The awards were officially received at the 2024 World Fair Play Awards Ceremony that took place last night in Budapest, Hungary.

Their nominations for the prestigious award had been submitted by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on the following basis:

The Thailand Hockey Association has played a pivotal role in elevating the Cambodian National Hockey Team to new heights on the international stage. Their generous assistance has enabled Cambodia to compete in major continental events, particularly Asian Indoor Hockey competitions, and gain invaluable experience at the highest level of the sport. Through ongoing training, coaching support, and competitive opportunities, THA has provided a foundation for Cambodian athletes—men, women, and young players—to represent their nation with pride and improve their skills. THA has also hosted the Cambodian National Team multiple times, offering them essential training opportunities, matches, and coaching assistance. THA has also extended its assistance in infrastructure development.
Victoria Pazos embodies the true spirit of fair play, both as a highly respected young international hockey umpire and as a dedicated coach of the Intellectual Disability Hockey (Hockey ID) team in Paraguay. Known for her integrity, impartiality, and deep commitment to the sport, she consistently upholds the values of fairness and respect on and off the field. Her role extends beyond officiating. Through her work with the Hockey ID team, she promotes inclusion, sportsmanship, and equal opportunities for all athletes.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “It’s a great honour for our sport to be recognised by the World Fair Play Committee with such prestigious awards. And not only once, but twice! Congratulations to the Thailand Hockey Association and our international umpire Victoria Pazos for their magnificent dedication. I’d also like to express our gratitude to the World Fair Play Committee.

As an Olympic sport, we strongly believe in the role of sports to be a catalyst for change in society and to promote social values. Therefore, we’re leading and fostering concrete actions in this regard. After FIH won the IOC Climate Action Award last year, hockey now receives high recognition from the World Fair Play Committee. These acknowledgements are really encouraging.”

Thailand Hockey Association President Dato Seri Chaiyapak Siriwat said: “The Thailand Hockey Association is deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the World Fair Play Committee. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Committee and to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for their unwavering commitment to supporting developing nations in their pursuit of sporting excellence. We share a collective mission — not only to grow the game of hockey, but to foster a spirit of solidarity in which nations, regardless of size or status, extend a hand to uplift one another.

While we continue to navigate various challenges, the steadfast support of the FIH reinforces our commitment and further affirms our responsibility to assist in the development of others along this shared journey. We remain dedicated to advancing hockey in Thailand and throughout our region, using our beloved sport as a tool to empower, strengthen, and connect communities through mutual respect and collaboration.”

International umpire Victoria Pazos said: “It is an unexpected honour to receive this diploma. Being recognized on this level gives me more energy to keep developing our sport in my country and in my continent, promoting its values. I am grateful for my national association (APH), my continental federation (PAHF) and FIH that give me the space to do all this.”

For more information about FIH and hockey in general, please download the Watch.Hockey app or follow the FIH social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and website.

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