The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has taken another step in its commitment to the well-being and safety of young athletes by confirming the appointment of child-protection experts for the upcoming Junior World Cups. Following the positive results achieved in the 2023 editions, the organization reaffirms its intent to strengthen an environment where integrity, trust and support are fundamental pillars for the development of the next generations of global hockey. This renewal responds not only to an operational need but also to a deep conviction: protecting athletes is an essential part of the sport’s progress.
In this new cycle, the FIH has appointed Marialoreto González (Chile) and Nirmal Kumar (India) as Safeguarding Officers for the women’s and men’s tournaments, respectively. Both figures bring solid experience in management, education and the prevention of situations of vulnerability, which will help establish a robust and sensitive protection framework. Their role will be to accompany, guide and respond to any concern or incident that may affect young athletes, always acting with independence, empathy and full confidentiality.
Experts dedicated to creating safe and educational environments
The mission of the Safeguarding Officers goes beyond control and supervision: it focuses on building a space where every athlete can feel emotionally and physically safe, promoting respectful environments that enhance performance and confidence. Through educational and preventive tools, young talents will have access to resources designed to strengthen their autonomy, their ability to observe, and their understanding of protection protocols. This comprehensive support aims to establish a culture of care that transcends tournaments and becomes a permanent practice in junior hockey.
Institutional support has been clear. The president of the FIH, Tayyab Ikram, emphasized that child protection is one of the most relevant topics in sports governance and that athletes must be at the center of every decision. His message reinforces the idea that sport cannot move forward without ensuring that every boy and girl competes in an environment free from threats or fears, where they can fully focus on their athletic and personal growth. This vision fuels the FIH’s commitment to upholding high protection standards across all its global events.
Trajectories that strengthen FIH’s mission
The selection of Marialoreto González reflects her extensive experience in issues related to gender, violence and abuse, as well as her active participation in international platforms connected to safe sport. Her work with the Chilean Olympic Committee and in multiple major sporting events has solidified her reputation as a leader in creating protection policies and implementing protocols that safeguard the dignity of athletes. Her legal and human-centered perspective contributes to the integration of clear, updated and effective tools.
For his part, Nirmal Kumar brings a complementary perspective rooted in direct experience with youth academies and daily engagement with young athletes. His work at FC Madras, leading programs on child protection, training and incident reporting, demonstrates proven ability to build sports communities based on trust and respect. His presence will help reinforce cultural sensitivity and the specific needs of junior men’s hockey in a global context.
