Litoměřice, Plzeň and Pardubice! What Is the History of World Championships in the Czech Republic?

The First Czech Championship? Litoměřice

Fans did not have to wait long for the first ball hockey world championship to be held in the Czech Republic. The second edition of the tournament took place here in 1998, hosted by Litoměřice, which took over organizing duties from Bratislava, Slovakia. At that time, however, it was only the men’s championship – the women made their debut at their own tournament nine years later in Ratingen, Germany.

Eight nations took part in the Litoměřice event: six from Central Europe and two traditional overseas participants, Canada and the USA. The teams were divided into two groups, with half advancing to the semifinals. There, the Czech Republic faced Canada, while Slovakia played the USA. The European teams were more successful, creating a Czechoslovak derby in the final. The Czechs claimed the gold medal with a 3–1 victory!

Several well-known ice hockey players appeared for the Czech team – among them Nagano Olympic champion Jan Čaloun, Prague World Championship gold medallist Vladimír Kameš, and three-time Czech Extraliga champion with Sparta, František Ptáček.

Record-Breaking Plzeň

The championship returned to Czech soil eleven years later in 2009. Plzeň took on the role of host, and over seven days the West Bohemian city welcomed 16 men’s and 7 women’s national teams. The biggest highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the breaking of the attendance record – the men’s final was witnessed by 6,544 fans.

Another interesting moment was the final matchup, where the home Czechs faced India, led by the now-legendary Smiter Kaila. He became so popular that he was featured in Czech media, which nicknamed him “Sandokan.” Even he, however, could not prevent a Czech victory – the hosts won 4–3 in overtime and claimed another gold medal.

The women’s tournament brought no surprises. Canada took the title after defeating Slovakia 5–2 in the final. The Czechs finished third after beating the USA.

72,520 Spectators

The most recent World Championship in the Czech Republic was held in Pardubice, hosting 18 men’s and 6 women’s teams. Pardubice again aimed to break the attendance record – and succeeded. The semifinal between the Czechs and Slovaks drew 7,592 spectators, and the women’s final another 3,256. In total, an incredible 72,520 fans attended the event, setting a new all-time record.

The Czech men hoped to bring home the gold, but in the semifinals they ran into Slovakia and a brilliant performance by goaltender Petrík. Despite heavy pressure, the Czechs fell in a shootout. They did, however, secure bronze by defeating the surprise team of the tournament – Greece. In the final, Slovakia faced Canada and proved unstoppable, earning a historic golden hat-trick.

Historic moments also came in the women’s tournament. The Czechs performed well in the group stage, losing only to Canada, and faced Slovakia in the semifinals – just like the men. This time, though, the Czechs prevailed and advanced to the final. There they met the USA, who proved to be an evenly matched opponent. The final went to overtime, but it did not last long – and the Czech women celebrated a golden triumph on home soil!

The most recent men’s and women’s World Championship took place in Pardubice in front of a record-breaking crowd. Photo credit: Andrea Jirásková.