The stage is set as Kuala Lumpur prepares to host the 2012 FIH Congress in the heart of Malaysia’s largest city. This year’s Congress is particularly compelling with the Hockey World League will formally be introduced to all the delegates, a Forum focusing on the successful implementation of events and naturally the finale of the Executive Board elections.

The congress is being hosted by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, which is proud to bring this key event in the FIH Calendar to Kuala Lumpur. To kick off the Congress week FIH President Leandro Negre met the Malaysian press along with Malaysian HRH Prince Abdullah Shah.

"I am very pleased to be in Malayisa and know that the delegates will be delighted in Kuala Lumpur," said Negre. "I can tell how excited that the hockey family is to be here in Malaysia as we have a record number of delegaes registered with more than 90 countries expected to attend. It was my special wish to be back in Asia and I am sure that the hospitality extended by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation will be fantastic."

The last time a Congress was held in Asia was in Seoul in 1988.

HRH Prince Abdullah Shah echoed Negre's sentiments saying, "I am exicited to welcome the hockey family to Malaysia. I look forward to the opportunity to showcase Malaysia as a place for hockey in years to come and to get to know the hockey family better and affirm Malaysia’s standing in the world as a hockey nation."

The hockey family wil have a full week ahead of meetings, forums and activities.

While the Hockey World League was formally launched in conjunction with the London Olympics, the Congress is the first chance for all the delegates to get a first-hand experience of the newest global competition. There will be both an information booth along with a bounty of materials for delegates to better familiarize themselves with the World League.

On Friday, the day before the formal Congress, delegates can take part in an all-day forum with the theme ‘All About Events’, which is sponsored by Musco. This multi-faceted workshop will help nations of all sizes prepare, plan and implement events of all levels with expert presenters and interactive sessions scheduled to fill the agenda.

Finally, on Saturday, the delegates will take part in the formal Congress where the last two years of hockey activity will be presented together with the plan for the next cycle. The FIH will also present its annual and biennial awards to the individuals and National Associations that have earned merit.

The climax of the day will come when the Executive Board elections are held. President Leandro Negre is running unopposed, however several of the remaining spots on the Executive Board are up for grabs with several worthy candidates tossing their hats in the ring. The list of candidates includes (in alphabetical order):

Stephan Abel, Jan Albers, Dánae Andrada Barrios, Sue Catton, Sergey Chechenkov, Mary Cicinelli, Renita Garard, Sandra Susana Isola, Assuncao Pinto, HRH Prince Abdullah Al Haj Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah.

Following the Congress on Saturday, the new Executive Board will meet for the first time with its new members on sunday.