The Federation of International Bandy -FIB- has reinforced its institutional presence within the Olympic movement following the invitation of its president, Henrik Nilsson, to the Winter Olympic Games of Milano Cortina. As a sport recognized by the Olympic system, bandy is part of the group of international federations invited to attend the Games, maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the International Olympic Committee -IOC- and the organizing committees of future editions.
During his visit to Italy, Nilsson closely followed the organizational and technical delivery of the event, highlighting the overall operational structure of the competition. “The Winter Games have been a truly outstanding event, marked by exceptional sporting achievements. I would also like to pay tribute to the 18,000 volunteers for their tremendous efforts in making the Olympic Games possible. Throughout the event, they have consistently been friendly, professional and welcoming,” said the FIB president.
Viable infrastructure models strengthen bandy’s Olympic integration pathway
One of the key aspects observed by the FIB delegation was the infrastructure model implemented in Milan, where several competitions were held in venues specifically adapted for ice sports. These included the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena and the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, alongside other facilities hosting disciplines such as figure skating and speed skating.
“These arenas were established within exhibition halls, using portable grandstands and temporary ice installations. This clearly demonstrates that, with today’s technology, there is no longer a necessity to construct new dedicated bandy arenas to host bandy competitions,” explained Nilsson, adding that this model enables events to be staged “in existing facilities, supported by portable stands and temporary ice rinks.”
Second largest winter sport globally strengthens Olympic positioning
Olympic recognition represents a central element in bandy’s long-term strategy to join the official Winter Olympic programme. In terms of participation, bandy is the second largest winter sport worldwide by number of athletes, surpassed only by ice hockey, reinforcing its position among disciplines seeking Olympic inclusion.
“With this image, we can imagine what an Olympic bandy final might look like. Hopefully in the foreseeable future. We will take these experiences into account in our discussions with the IOC and local Olympic organizing committees regarding future events,” said Nilsson, referring to the infrastructure solutions implemented during the Milano Cortina Games.
Uppsala World Championships reinforce international expansion
Alongside its Olympic strategy, the FIB continues to develop its international calendar with the organization of five World Championship tournaments in Uppsala, Sweden, during March. The competitions will take place at the Serwent indoor arena, hosting the Men’s and Women’s Group B World Championships as well as the Youth World Championships in the Women’s Under-17, Men’s Under-17, and Men’s Under-19 categories.
A total of nine national teams will compete in the senior Group B tournaments, including Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Netherlands, while the youth competitions will complete a schedule featuring 41 matches across two weeks. It will mark the first time in bandy history that five World Championship tournaments are staged in the same city and indoor venue.
The FIB considers this international activity a key component of the sport’s global development alongside its institutional engagement with the Olympic movement. “The FIB is now fully focused on the Youth World Championships and the Group B World Championships in bandy, both of which will be held in Uppsala, in March,” said Henrik Nilsson, referring to the next major events in the international calendar.
