Zelkin Earns Prestigious FIH Order of Merit

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – During the recent International Hockey Federation (FIH) Statutory Congress, which took place on November 6 to 9 in Muscat, Oman, the FIH honored award recipients in different categories for those who have made significant contributions or shown dedication to the sport.

USA Field Hockey is pleased to announce that René W. Zelkin was one of the five recipients of the Order of Merit award.

The Order of Merit is awarded to individuals, whether members of FIH or not. In the case of FIH members for distinguished service over a period of at least ten years, or for exceptional achievement or contribution that is important in the international field. In the case of those who are not members of the FIH, constructive and positive activity over a period of at least 15 years, or unique personal achievement or contribution which has benefited international hockey.

René is the fifth individual from the United States to receive this honor. The others are E. Newbold Black IV (1984), Aaron Sher (2010), Allan Woods (2001) and Fook Wong (2006).

“I am truly honored to receive the FIH Order of Merit award and become one of the prestigious few to receive this award in the USA,” commented René. “When I first picked up a hockey stick in elementary school, I fell in love with this amazing game. Over my hockey career, I have played, umpired nationally, am a technical official internationally and continue to give back to the game with service to USA Field Hockey, the Pan American Hockey Federation and the FIH.”

“As an FIH Academy Educator, I get to train the next generation of officials. I am thankful for all of the opportunities hockey has given me over the years, the ‘hockey family’ that supports me at every level and my family that has allowed me to follow my passion. I look forward to continuing to grow the game in the coming years.”

“This high honor is so well deserved by René,” added Simon Hoskins, USA Field Hockey’s Executive Director. “She has achieved so much and contributed so much to the sport. She continues to be an inspirational figure in field hockey, especially in the officials community.”

René is a staple in the world of international technical officiating, also sitting on the Outdoor Technical Officials Leading Panel. She most recently served as a technical official at the 2024 Pan American Challenge in Hamilton, Bermuda, but other recent appointments include the 2023 Hockey5s Pan American Cup in Kingston, Jamaica (technical delegate), 2024 FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman (technical official) and 2024 Junior Pan American Championships (technical delegate). René also served as a judge at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and technical official at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Simon accepted this achievement in-person in Oman on behalf of René.

Join USA Field Hockey in congratulating René on this honor!