The Asian Hockey Federation offers its condolences on the passing away of Mr. Theo Ykema, who is widely regarded as the pioneer of development in global hockey. He passed away on Friday, 09 September 2022.
Mr. Theo Ykema served in several key positions in the International Hockey Federation. He remained the member of the FIH Executive Board from 1990 till 2006. He became Honorary Member of FIH in 2006. He played a key role in promoting both coaching and development. Under his chairmanship, the FIH appointed a Coaching Manager and a Development Manager and later five Continental Development Officers. He established and chaired the FIH Development and Coaching Committee in the FIH. The “FIH Coaching Course” was created under his visionary leadership. He structured the FIH Development Pathway. Today, all the major development structures, initiatives and projects are bound in gratitude to Mr Theo Ykema. To honor Mr Ykema’s unique and most valuable contribution to the development of hockey around the world, FIH introduced Theo Ykema award.
The Asian Hockey Federation President Dato Fumio Ogura and the Asian Hockey Federation Chief Executive Dato Tayyab Ikram offered their hearty condolences on hearing about the sad demise of Mr Theo Ykema.
Offering words of condolence, President AHF Fumio Ogura said: “It is very saddening to learn of this untimely loss. Theo was a perfect example of leadership. He was intelligent, creative, an apt and complete professional. Indeed, hockey today has evolved immensely around the world, and I believe we owe a significant part of this evolution to Theo. May his soul rest in peace.”
Expressing his grief over the matter, AHF Chief Executive & Secretary General, Dato Tayyab Ikram said: “I am shocked to hear of this. This is indeed sad news. Theo was my mentor, he led me into the FIH development and coaching; I learnt a lot from him. I directly followed his visionary leadership and guidance to lead the FIH Development and Coaching. I have always admired the distinguished development work that Theo has accomplished in service of hockey. No doubt, he was a great leader, great mentor, and a huge benefactor of hockey. I pray that the departed soul finds peace, and that his family and friends can find the courage to cope with this immense loss. Theo was indeed a blessing for our global hockey family, and he will always live through the astounding legacy he left behind.”
