"VAN" (Sports Desk - 24.07.2026) :: While the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 is quickly approaching (15-30 August), another historic moment for our sport will unfold alongside it: the inaugural FIH Para Hockey World Cup, taking place also in Belgium and the Netherlands. From 20–24 August 2026 (with opening ceremonies in both host countries on 19 August), athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world will compete in mixed-gender teams. This landmark event represents a major step forward for inclusion in international sport and marks the beginning of a new chapter for hockey. The tournament will feature 16 national teams competing in a 6-a-side format at HC Myra (Amstelveen, Netherlands) and Louvain-la-Neuve HC (Belgium), with the finals staged in the iconic World Cup venues: Wagener Stadium and Belfius Hockey Arena. Para Hockey has been growing steadily for more than a decade, with over 30 National Associations now developing the sport. Following its successful debut as a demonstration sport at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, this World Cup is expected to accelerate the sport's global development and pave the way towards recognition at future Special Olympics World Summer Games.
On Fri, Jul 24, 2026