Hockey, a dynamic sport with ancient roots, has its origins in games played millennia ago in Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, as well as by the Romans, Greeks and Aztecs. However, it was in England in the 19th century that modern hockey emerged, thanks in part to the codification of its rules by the first hockey federation in 1876. Today, hockey is played by more than 30 million players around the world, with a remarkable parity: 51% women and 49% men.
On the field, hockey stands out for its speed, technicality and fun. Teams of eleven players compete in four periods of 15 minutes each, with the aim of scoring more goals than the opponent. The fast, modern game is made possible by the use of synthetic turf and wet pitches, favouring the rapid movement of the ball. At the Olympic Games, hockey has been around since 1908 and has become a major discipline, historically dominated by nations such as India, Pakistan and Great Britain. However, other countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands are also showing their excellence on the international stage, making hockey a truly global sport.
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