“JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE RIGHT DOES NOT MEAN I AM WRONG. YOU JUST HAVEN’T SEEN LIFE FROM MY SIDE.”
Beyond the Limits was founded in 2012 by Alyson Annan. It is also the title of a 2004 book by Nicole Jeffery about Alyson, published by Simon & Schuster Australia.
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HIGHLIGTHS
China win Asia Cup 2025
14 September 2025, China win the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 and qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium and Netherlands 2026.
Alyson Annan, coach of the Chinese team, speaking after their win said: “Qualifying for the World Cup directly through the Asia Cup was really important for us because there’s Pro League, Asian Games and the World Cup next year, so avoiding having to go through the qualifiers in a busy year is definitely good for us. This wasn’t an easy tournament for us despite the results, and the advantage of playing in home conditions with great fan support definitely helped us.
FIH Coach of the Year 2023-2024
(selected by the Expert Panel)
Women – Alyson Annan has been pivotal in transforming China into a formidable force in international hockey. Under her leadership, China achieved a historic silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, matching their best-ever Olympic finish. Annan’s tactical acumen and ability to inspire her squad were crucial in guiding China through a challenging tournament, culminating in a hard-fought final against the Netherlands. Additionally, China clinched gold at the 2024 Asian Games, reinforcing their dominance in the region. Annan’s influence was also evident during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 season, where China displayed a highly improved performance, consistently competing against the world’s best teams and further solidifying their rise in global hockey under her tenure.
As she received her award, Alyson Annan reflected on all that lies ahead of her and for hockey in China and said: “I think players are starting to dream bigger and once you start dreaming bigger it becomes easier to achieve bigger things. Over the last two years we have made big strides and I would like to thank the Chinese Hockey Association and my players who gave it their all. Without all of their support none of this would have been possible. My dream is for the Chinese team and other Asian and newer teams to start making their presence felt at the latter stages of the big tournaments and I hope that we see that soon.
Friendship Award
Alyson received the Chinese Government Friendship Award during an official ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijng on September 30, 2024.
Established in 1991, the Chinese Government Friendship Award is the Chinese government’s highest honor bestowed on foreign experts. It is presented to commend foreign experts who have made outstanding achievements and contributions to China’s social development, economic, technological, educational, cultural endeavors, and talent cultivation. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin presented the Award.
Silver at the Paris Olympics
China head coach Alyson Annan on the team’s silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris (2024):
“So very proud of this group of women. We almost pulled of the impossible. These women showed courage grace, determination. I am so very proud of them and the staff for this amazing achievement. We were so close.”
“Talent might make you good, but it’s your attitude and work ethic that will make you great.”