Brazil Set To Host First 3x3 Tournament For Women As IIHF Targets Olympic Event

The IIHF is continuing to promote and push for the inclusion of 3x3 hockey in time for the 2030 Olympic Games. Next on their agenda is a 3x3 hockey tournament in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Women's 3x3 Event will include six teams from five nations who will also participate in week-long training activities. The participating nations include Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Iran.

Scheduled to drop the puck from November 7-13, the event will take place on a 26m x 18m rink specifically designed for 3x3 hockey.

At a recent IIHF congress in Greece, president Luc Tardiff clearly stated the goal of 3x3 hockey joining the 2030 Olympic schedule. The IIHF is set to present a proposal to the International Olympic Committee in January with a decision slated for March.

“The boost that 3x3 basketball, rugby sevens or beach volleyball had on the original discipline was something that they never expected. It had a huge impact on recruitment and financial opportunity,” Tardif said. “There is an open door for hockey. This is our time.”

Related: 3x3 Olympic Hockey Targeted For 2030

According to the IIHF, 3x3 hockey will benefit developing hockey nations with smaller rosters, including a maximum of 12 skaters and two goalies, that will make "it easier to assemble teams and get people playing the game."

The IIHF is also promoting the fact that shorter games are easier to schedule, and that teams will be able to play up to two games per day during group phases of events, much like Rugby 7s has allowed.

The IIHF first developed 3x3 hockey in 2017-2018 including hosting tournaments at the 2020 and 2024 Youth Olympic Games.

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