David Balbirnie to make bid for FIH presidency

Hockey in Ireland has enjoyed a resurgence in the past few years, culminating in a historic first appearance at the Olympic Games in more than 108 years. On the administration side of the sport that run of fortune may soon continue.

Dublin's David Balbirnie has thrown his name into the hat for the top job in international hockey. The well travelled former Avoca player is running for president of the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

He has been actively involved with national and international hockey for more than 40 years, holding positions as manager of the Irish senior outdoor and indoor teams and the under-21 teams as well as becoming the honorary secretary of Hockey Ireland from 1987 to 1993. He is a honorary life member of the Irish association.

At European level Balbirnie has been on the executive board of the European Hockey Federation (EHF) for a number of years and also served as secretary general for the EHF.

The presidential bid, as in any election, is not going to be straight forward with candidates from India and Australia also hoping to get the top job. India's Dr Narinda Batra and Australian Ken Read are also in the running.

Election voting

Narinda is an FIH board member and president of Hockey India, while Read is a former Australian international player, coach and team manager.

The election voting will take place on day two of the Hockey Revolution Conference on November 12th via secret ballot e-voting.

During his tenure as EHF secretary general, Balbirnie was involved in the launch of the hugely successful Euro Hockey League as well as the integration of the former Soviet Union Republics into the European hockey structure.

A well-known figure in the sport around Ireland he grew up in Monkstown and went to Avoca School in Blackrock. He now lives in Dublin city centre.

If he gets the job he will become one of the highest ranked sports administrators in Ireland. While hockey is perceived to be a small in Ireland at world level it is large sport.