Field hockey on grass in Brazil is still a developing sport, but it has been gaining ground over the years. Introduced to the country by European immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century, grass field hockey began to become popular in schools and clubs, especially among the upper classes. Today you’ll learn more about the sport in our country, as well as meet the best grass field hockey players in Brazil today.
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Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in Brazil today.
It wasn’t until the 1990s and 2000s that grass field hockey began to have a more organized structure, with the creation of national leagues and competitions.
The Brazilian Confederation of Indoor and Grass Hockey (CBHG) was founded in 1996, marking an important step in the institutionalization of the sport in the country.
In recent years, Brazil has taken part in international competitions such as the Pan American Games and the South American Championships, achieving modest but significant results for the growth of the sport.
Read on to find out about Brazil’s best current grass field hockey players.
Best Grass Field Hockey players in Brazil today: rules, disciplines and curiosities
The rules of grass field hockey in Brazil follow the international standards set by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The basic rules include:
- Aim of the game: score goals in the opponent’s goal using a stick to drive and strike a small, hard ball.
- Duration of the game: four quarters of 15 minutes each, with breaks between quarters.
- Team: each team consists of 11 players, including the goalkeeper.
- Field of play: the game is played on a rectangular pitch measuring 91.4 meters long by 55 meters wide.
- Penalties: fouls can be punished with free hits, penalty corners or penalty strokes.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in Brazil today.
Modalities
In Brazil, the most practiced forms of field hockey include:
- Outdoor field hockey: the traditional version, played outdoors.
- Indoor field hockey: an adaptation of field hockey on grass, played on indoor courts with a smaller, heavier ball.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in Brazil today.
Curiosities
- Brazil is one of the few countries in South America that regularly competes in grass field hockey tournaments.
- The introduction of grass field hockey in public schools has been a strategy to popularize the sport among young Brazilians.
- The country has hosted important continental tournaments, such as the South American Championships, which has helped raise the profile of the sport in Brazil.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in Brazil today.
Best Grass Field Hockey players in Brazil today – Men
Bruno Mendonça
- History: Captain of the Brazilian national team, Bruno is a reference in national field hockey, known for his leadership on the pitch.
- Titles: several appearances at the Pan American and South American Games.
- Fun facts: As well as being a player, Bruno is an active supporter of popularizing grass field hockey in Brazil, working as a coach in grassroots programs.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in Brazil today.
Lucas Paixão
- History: Lucas is one of the main strikers in the Brazilian national team, with a distinguished career in continental competitions.
- Titles: bronze medal at the South American Games.
- Fun facts: Lucas started playing grass field hockey at the age of 12 and quickly stood out for his speed and ability to dribble past his opponents.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in Brazil today.
Matheus Borges
- History: One of the most promising players of the new generation, Matheus plays as a midfielder and is known for his vision and precise passing.
- Titles: participation in international competitions such as the Pan American Games.
- Fun facts: Matheus is one of the youngest players to represent Brazil in an international championship, having made his debut at the age of 19.
Read to the end to find out about the best grass field hockey players in Brazil today.
Best Grass Field Hockey players in Brazil today – Women
Thais Moreira
- History: Thais is one of the most experienced players in the women’s national team, with several appearances in international competitions.
- Titles: several medals in South American championships.
- Fun facts: as well as being an athlete, Thais has a degree in physical education and works as a fitness coach for young field hockey talent.
Ana Claudia Xavier
- History: Ana Claudia is a fast and skillful striker, known for her ability to score goals at decisive moments.
- Titles: medalist in continental championships.
- Fun facts: Ana Claudia started playing field hockey at school and quickly made a name for herself, being called up to the Brazilian national team at a young age.
Mariana Silva
- History: playing as a midfielder, Mariana is one of the leaders of the Brazilian national team, recognized for her consistency and defensive skills.
- Titles: participation in the Pan American and South American Games.
- Fun facts: Mariana is also known for her dedication off the pitch, promoting grass field hockey in underprivileged communities.
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