2024-10-05 15:51:07
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is set to propose inclusion of men’s and women’s 3×3 hockey in the 2030 Olympic Games in the French Alps.
As reported by İdman.biz, the IIHF has been developing a 3×3 tournament format since the 2017/18 season, having tested various variations at the Lausanne 2020 and Gangneung 2024 Youth Olympic Games. More recently, test events involving senior players were organized in various countries, and another tournament scheduled for Brazil in November.
The International Olympic Committee is seeking proposals for new disciplines for the 2030 Winter Games in France, and the IIHF is preparing its bid ahead of the January 2025 deadline. A decision is expected to be made in March.
IIHF President Luc Tardif told the organization’s recent congress that the 3×3 hockey tournament would mean 16 teams (eight men’s and eight women’s) and more than 240 athletes competing for medals in the Winter Olympics. Following the success of similar ‘smaller’ sports such as 3×3 basketball and rugby sevens at the recent Paris Games, there is a belief that 3×3 hockey could be a great way to attract new audiences and increase participation around the world. It will also double the number of medals on offer in the largest sport at the Winter Olympics in terms of number of participants and competition time.
İdman.biz