FISpT Recognizes Federation of International Bandy as Committee Member, Strengthening Global Sport for All Movement

The International Sport for All Federation (FISpT) is pleased to announce the official recognition of the Federation of International Bandy (FIB) as a Committee Member, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of accessible winter sports within the global Sport for All community.

This recognition formalizes the collaboration between FISpT and FIB, bringing together two organizations committed to promoting inclusive, accessible sports participation across all age groups and backgrounds. The partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange, joint promotional initiatives, and the development of programs that leverage bandy's unique characteristics to advance the Sport for All mission worldwide.

Bandy is a team winter sport played on ice, where skaters use sticks to direct a ball into the opposing team's goal.

The contemporary version of bandy began taking shape in England during the late 19th century, with the establishment of the National Bandy Association in 1891 and the creation of the first formal rules by Charles Goodman Tebbutt in 1882. The sport grew steadily throughout the early 20th century, particularly in Scandinavia and Russia, where it became deeply embedded in winter sports culture.

Bandy was first introduced to the Winter Olympics as a demonstration sport in 1952 in Oslo, featuring teams from Norway, Sweden, and Finland. This historic moment brought international attention to the sport and set the stage for its global development.

A defining moment in bandy's international development occurred on February 12, 1955, in Stockholm, when the Federation of International Bandy (FIB) was established. The organization united the national associations of Finland, Norway, the Soviet Union, and Sweden, becoming the sport's global governing body. Gunnar Galin from Sweden was elected as the first President.

The first World Championship was arranged in Helsinki, Finland, from February 28 to March 3, 1957, drawing 14,369 spectators to the stands during the final game between Finland and the USSR. Since then, World Bandy has overseen the organization of 40 World Championship tournaments for men, 11 World Championships for women, more than 50 World Cup tournaments for club teams, Youth World Cups, World Championships, World Cup for Old Boys, and Rink Bandy Championships.

Originally named the International Bandy Federation (IBF) from 1957 to 2001, the organization adopted its current name at the request of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) when bandy became a recognized sport. The acronym IBF was already in use by the International Badminton Federation. In 2004, FIB achieved full recognition from the IOC and became a member of ARISF, further strengthening bandy's status as an internationally recognized sport.

The Federation of International Bandy (FIB) is the international governing body for the sport of bandy, recognized by the International Olympic Committee since 2004. With 28 member national federations across multiple continents, FIB oversees World Championships, World Cups, and development programs that promote bandy and rink bandy globally. The organization is committed to growing the sport while preserving its traditions and values.

From its founding with 4 national member associations in 1955, World Bandy has grown to include 28 national member federations today, with Italy being the most recent addition in 2024. The organization celebrated its 70th anniversary on February 12, 2025, marking seven decades of continuous development and expansion of international bandy.

Bandy and its other disciplines, rink bandy and short bandy, offer exceptional characteristics that make them ideal for Sport for All promotion and community sports development. All disciplines emphasize teamwork, physical fitness, and technical skill development while remaining accessible to participants of varying ages and ability levels.

The outdoor nature of traditional bandy, played on large ice surfaces, connects participants with winter environments and promotes outdoor physical activity during colder months when many people become less active. The sport's flowing, continuous play style mirrors football and hockey, making it intuitively understandable for newcomers while offering deep tactical complexity for dedicated players.

Rink bandy and short bandy.

All formats emphasize fair play, respect, and community values that align perfectly with the Sport for All philosophy. The relatively low barrier to entry—requiring only skates, a stick, and appropriate winter clothing—makes bandy accessible to communities across economic backgrounds. Additionally, the sport's strong traditions in multiple countries provide established pathways for knowledge transfer, coaching development, and international exchange programs.

Attila Adamfi, Secretary General of FIB, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership: "This recognition by FISpT represents a tremendous opportunity for bandy to reach new audiences and communities around the world. Our sport has always embodied the values of inclusion, teamwork, and outdoor activity that are at the heart of the Sport for All movement. We look forward to working closely with FISpT to develop programs that introduce bandy, rink bandy and short bandy to people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly in regions where winter sports participation can make a meaningful difference in public health and community cohesion."

Marco Tomasini, CEO of FISpT, commented on the significance of welcoming World Bandy: "The addition of Federation of International Bandy as a Committee Member strengthens our federation's capacity to promote diverse, accessible sports opportunities globally. Bandy's rich history, combined with its adaptability through the rink bandy and short bandy format, makes it an ideal sport for our mission. We are particularly excited about the potential to leverage bandy's strong presence in Northern Europe and its growing footprint in other regions to create meaningful partnerships that advance Sport for All objectives. This collaboration reflects our commitment to expanding the range of sports we support while maintaining our focus on inclusion, accessibility, and community development."

For further info on FISpT, visit: https://www.sportforall.sport/

For further info on FIB, visit: https://www.worldbandy.com/