IOC president Jacques Rogge visited the International Hockey Federation office today for the first time since FIH became the latest member of the Olympic family to establish its headquarters in Lausanne.

The IOC President, his personal staff and IOC Sports Director Kelly Fairweather, were hosted by FIH President and IOC Member Els van Breda Vriesman and a delegation of FIH officials including Vice President Tony von Ondarza.

During his visit, the IOC President was given a progress report on planning for the 2006 men’s and women’s World Cups and was also shown the new FIH development project which aims to increase membership across the five continental federations.

World Cup presentations were given by Mercedes Coghen, FIH Executive Board member and Athlete’s Panel Chair, and Stefan Abel, Deutscher Hockey Bund President.

The Samsung Hockey World Cup and BDO Hockey World Cup will be held in Spain and Germany, respectively, and Dr Rogge confirmed that he will attend the finals of the men’s tournament in Mönchengladbach in September next year.

The IOC President also congratulated FIH on the quality of its organisation and the work being undertaken, the strength of the hockey ‘family’, as well as the purpose-built office that houses its professional staff.

FIH moved its operations from Brussels to Lausanne into its new headquarters in the heart of the Olympic capital in January this year. The new building was officially opened by IOC Life President Juan Antonio Samaranch in March.