International bandy is being celebrated in a special way this season. It is 70 years since the International Bandy Federation was founded in Stockholm on 12 February 1955 by 4 national federations in attendance from Russia, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
The anniversary was celebrated during the World Championship Men Group B in Uppsala last week and will continue to be celebrated during the World Championship Men Group A and Women in Lidköping next week.
Henrik Nilsson.
Henrik Nilsson was elected as the new FIB President on the Congress last summer. How do you feel about this anniversary season as the new President and what are your ambitions in the new role?
-I feel proud of the organization’s progress and importance for the sport of bandy globally. Together with everyone else within FIB and the national federations, I will continue to work to strengthen bandy internationally, and be responsive to all nations, not only the big ones.
Many people see bandy’s greatness in the world as bandy is the next biggest winter sport after ice hockey. But some see the sport as small. What is your image?
-Today, bandy is not only a popular sport in Sweden, Russia, and other European countries, but also has global recognition, and the sport is on the way to growing even more through initiatives such as new leagues, championships, and international collaborations.
-It is a sport with deep traditions, but also great potential for the future. Since the 2000s, there has also been an increased focus on inclusive sport, not least when FIB focuses on gender and equality.
A basic prerequisite for the development of the sport is of course resources. At the moment, when not all member associations are allowed to participate in our international tournaments due to the war in Ukraine, it is of course not beneficial to the economy.
-No, it is a difficult time in several ways. Many bandy clubs and countries that are members of FIB are also struggling to get sufficient resources to develop the sport at all levels, especially at youth and amateur levels. The association has an important role in ensuring that it has sufficient financial resources to support member countries, arrange international competitions, and develop the sport’s infrastructure, says Henrik Nilsson.
Many sports compete for media and sponsor attention. How will bandy gain ground in the future?
-In many countries, bandy competes with other popular winter sports such as ice hockey, skiing and curling. Creating awareness of bandy and attracting new players, both young talents and adults, is crucial to ensuring the survival and growth of the sport. FIB must find ways to market bandy and distinguish itself from other winter sports.
Not least within our World Cup and World Championship tournaments, we see large differences in the conditions for participation between different countries, even in the Nordic countries where bandy is most widespread. Sweden is well-positioned with lots of indoor arenas, but otherwise such arenas are only found in Russia. How can FIB work in the arena area?
-To play bandy at a high level, large frozen ice rinks are required, which can be a challenge in warmer climates or in countries where there is no tradition of outdoor winter sports. The FIB needs to work with the national federations to improve the facilities and ensure that there are sufficient facilities for playing and training.
Many people miss bandy in the Olympics. We all find it strange that such a big sport with a long history is kept out of the Olympic Games, while many small and almost strange sports are given a place. How are we going to achieve our ambitions in terms of getting into the Olympics for real?
-The FIB’s work includes holding discussions with the IOC and continuously updating its applications to become an Olympic sport. We will continue to achieve a greater presence at the world’s largest sports forum to demonstrate the sport’s potential.
Gunnar Galin, FIB first President 1955.
-It is a goal that the FIB continues to strive for, and the FIB is working to increase bandy’s global reach and recognition to improve its chances in the future, concludes FIB President Henrik Nilsson.