Field hockey is a team sport played on grass or artificial turf, with origins tracing back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. The modern version was formalized in the 19th century in England, where the first official club was founded in the 1860s. It became an Olympic sport for men in 1908 and for women in 1980. Known for its fast-paced gameplay and emphasis on skill, agility, and teamwork, field hockey is a popular sport worldwide, especially in countries such as India, the Netherlands, Australia, and Argentina. The sport is governed internationally by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), which oversees major tournaments like the Hockey World Cup and the FIH Pro League.