Field hockey is a popular Olympic sport in many countries around the world, with India, Pakistan, Germany, The Netherlands and Australia the most successful international teams. It is popular for both men and women in these countries. In these countries, where (with the exception of Germany) ice hockey is not common, it is generally referred to simply as "hockey". In the United States it is widely regarded as a women's sport, but there are men's leagues as well, mostly on a collegiate level.

Hockey for men was on the Olympic programme in 1908, returned in 1920 and has been on the programme ever since. Hockey for women is on the Olympic programme since 1980.