Schedule set for bright, bold and blue Games with a proud green foundation
Above: France vs Spain training game at Yves du Manoir Stadium.
FIH announce Paris 2024 Hockey schedule in an event that promises big sustainability gains.
The announcement of the field hockey tournament schedule by the Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram and IOC President Thomas Bach at Olympic House in Lausanne on March 6 marks a pivotal moment, setting the stage for thrilling matches and historic moments on the world’s first carbon-zero hockey turf.
Matches and moments to anticipate
The schedule release has field hockey enthusiasts circling dates on their calendars, eagerly anticipating clashes that promise to captivate audiences worldwide. The action starts on 27 July with the opening clash (10h00 UTC+1) between the men’s teams of Great Britain and Spain and the women’s tournament kicking off later the same day (19h45 UTC+1) between Argentina and the USA. The competition continues through all pool matches until the knock-out phase begins on 4 August, culminating with the men’s and women’s finals on 8 and 9 August respectively.
Both the men’s and women’s competitions, with 12 teams each, are brimming with potential for unforgettable moments.
In the men’s, some of the standout matches include Tokyo 2020 Gold Medal winners Belgium against Tokyo 2020 Silver Medallists, Australia on Tuesday July 30th and powerhouse team the Netherlands against rival Great Britain, also on Tuesday the 30th. However, with Tokyo 2020 Bronze medallists India and strong teams Germany and Spain in the mix, amidst South Africa, Argentina, France, Ireland and New Zealand, it truly is anyone’s game!
In the women’s competition, the first match between Tokyo 2020 Silver medallists Argentina and strong Team USA promises to be a great contest. Day two is also set for excitement from Tokyo 2020 Bronze medallists Great Britain facing the ever strong Spanish team. However it will be a question of longevity for the mighty Dutch, who have won three Olympic gold medals since Beijing 2008, as they will be tasked with fending off spirited challenges from the rest of the field that includes Australia, Germany, France, South Africa, China, Belgium and Japan.
Historic venue to meet sustainable goals
The historic Yves du Manoir Stadium served as the main venue for the Paris 1924 Olympic Games a century ago, hosting the Opening Ceremony and the athletics competition. For Paris 2024, this significant location will be the battleground for the Hockey events.
At the heart of the historic venue lays three Poligras Paris GT zero turfs – two match turfs and one warm-up turf. Designed specifically for the event to support its environmental ambitions, the Poligras Paris turf is crafted from 80% sugar cane and stands as the world’s first carbon-zero hockey surface.
Utilising Poligras’s ground-breaking Turf Glide technology, the surface has a unique wet/dry capability whereby when dry, it plays better than a sand pitch and has been certified by FIH Innovation standards for dry hockey but when lightly irrigated it plays to the highest, Olympic standard. Obviously, for Paris 2024 the surfaces will be irrigated during the Games, but because of this Turf Glide technology they will require much less water than previous turfs.
The Poligras Paris GT zero is not just a surface — it’s a statement, saving 73 tonnes of CO₂ compared to conventional turfs and aligning perfectly with Paris 2024's ambitious environmental goals.
France vs Spain training game at Yves du Manoir Stadium
France vs Spain training game at Yves du Manoir Stadium
Embracing the challenge
The global hockey community's enthusiastic adoption of the Paris GT Zero turf mirrors a broader commitment to environmental stewardship. As we gear up for Paris 2024, it’s clear that the event is more than just a gathering of the world's best athletes; it’s a platform that will showcase how major sporting events can make a positive contribution to local communities and the planet’s well-being. The Paris GT zero turf is a vivid example of this shift, embodying the Olympic spirit of pushing boundaries, not only in physical achievements, but in forging a sustainable legacy.
Celebrating a legacy: Sport Group’s 11th hockey selection at the Olympics
Paris 2024 is the 11th Olympic Games for which Sport Group’s AstroTurf, Polytan and Poligras have been selected to provide hockey surfaces, marking an enduring legacy of excellence and innovation. With our surfaces having played a foundational role in facilitating world-class competition, it’s a testament to our commitment to quality and the trust placed in us by the global sports community.
Wishing all 24 teams the best
As preparations for Paris 2024 continue, we extend our heartfelt wishes to the participating teams. May this Olympic Games be a celebration of their skills and dedication as well as the strides we're making together towards a more sustainable sport.
The hockey competition of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place from 27 July to 9 August.