Hockey5s is officially stepping onto one of the biggest international multi-sport stages after earning a place as a medal event at the 2029 World Games in Karlsruhe, Germany. The fast-paced version of hockey will make its historic debut on the main programme, marking a huge breakthrough for the sport’s global growth and popularity.
The World Games, held every four years, showcases elite sports and disciplines that are not currently part of the Olympic Games. With thousands of top athletes from around the world competing across multiple sports, the event has become a major international platform for emerging and rapidly growing competitions.
For Hockey5s, this announcement represents a landmark moment. The shortened and more explosive format of traditional 11-a-side hockey has continued gaining attention for its speed, entertainment, and high-scoring action, making it attractive to younger audiences and international sporting events.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) celebrated the decision as a massive victory for the future of Hockey5s after successfully securing its place through a competitive bidding process. According to the governing body, inclusion in a global multi-sport event like the World Games is expected to significantly boost the format’s visibility worldwide.
Although indoor hockey appeared as an invitational sport back in 2005, and Hockey5s featured as a demonstration event during the 2022 World Games, the 2029 edition will mark the first time official medals are awarded in the format as part of the event’s main competition schedule.
FIH president Tayyab Ikram described the development as an important step toward expanding hockey’s international reach and creating new opportunities for athletes to compete on prestigious global stages. He emphasized that participation in multi-sport events helps grow fan interest while also introducing the sport to entirely new audiences around the world.
The World Games themselves continue growing in scale and popularity. Previous editions were held in Birmingham, Alabama, and Chengdu, China, attracting worldwide attention and showcasing a diverse range of sports outside the Olympic programme.
The 2029 Games in Karlsruhe are expected to feature around 4,000 elite athletes representing more than 110 countries and regions across approximately 35 different sports. With Hockey5s now officially included among them, the format is set to receive its biggest international spotlight yet.
For hockey fans and players alike, the announcement feels like a major turning point — proof that Hockey5s is rapidly evolving from an experimental format into a globally recognized competitive sport capable of standing alongside some of the world’s biggest international events.
