Antonio von Ondarza with his wife Maria Elena Celedon

Antonio von Ondarza, Vice-President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) since 1988 and President of the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) since 1987, received the individual Spirit of Sport Award 2010 of Sportaccord in Dubai.

Von Ondarza was given the award for his different contribution in favor of the ‘Spirit of Sport’.

As an FIH vice-president, Antonio von Ondarza played an instrumental role in helping the creation of a new unified hockey governing body in India, in negotiating and assisting with the election process of Hockey India. He helped the FIH in its efforts to revitalize hockey in India. This is a major priority for the FIH since, until 1972, India has been a medalist in every single Olympic Games, while for the first time in its history, it did not qualify for the Beijing Olympics. At the same time, he played a key role in the setup of a joint venture with the India Olympic Association to organize the FIH Hero Honda World Cup Men in Delhi taking place in March 2010.

Spirit of Sport Award received by Antonio von Ondarza