Prague Prepares for Children and Youth Olympics, Tickets on Sale

Prague will host the Children and Youth Olympics for the first time this summer, bringing more than 3,500 young athletes to the capital for five days of competition. The nationwide event will run from June 21 to June 25, 2026, with the opening ceremony set for Sunday evening at Eden Stadium. Ticket sales for the ceremony have begun through the Czech Olympic Team website and the Ticketportal network. Admission is free for children under six. Organized by the Czech Olympic Committee in cooperation with the City of Prague, the Games are considered the highest level of domestic youth sport. More than 5,000 accredited participants are expected, including coaches, officials, volunteers and guests. The opening ceremony at Eden, home of Slavia Prague in the Vršovice district, will follow the format familiar from major international sporting events. Regional delegations will enter the stadium in procession, athletes will take the oath and the ceremonial flame will be lit. Organizers have also announced a live performance by a well-known Czech artist, whose name will be revealed later. Competition will take place across 33 venues selected in cooperation with national sports associations. Athletes will compete in 23 disciplines throughout the city. Track and field events...

Czech Republic Eyes Possible Winter Olympics in 2038 or 2040

The idea of hosting the Olympic Games has resurfaced in Czech politics after Boris Šťastný, the country’s minister responsible for sport, prevention and health, said he could imagine the event taking place in the Czech Republic. He indicated a clear preference for the Winter Games and suggested cooperation with Slovakia. As reported by Aktuálně, the minister said the earliest realistic timelines would be around 2038 or 2040. He argued that the country already has enough sports infrastructure to avoid excessive new construction, a key concern in past Olympic bids. Recent Olympic costs remain part of the discussion. According to media estimates, the Winter Games currently being staged in Italy required roughly €1.7 billion, or more than 41 billion Czech crowns. Šťastný said such figures do not discourage him, stressing that smaller-scale Winter Games could be more manageable. The minister also plans to raise the subject politically and publicly. He said talks with Slovak counterparts could revive earlier regional ambitions, recalling past Slovak interest in hosting the Winter Olympics in the High Tatras. Olympic ambitions are not new domestically. The city of Prague once pursued a Summer Games bid under former mayor Pavel Bém of the ODS, targeting the 2016 Games....

Prague, Tábor and Český Krumlov: Tour de France Start in Czechia Under Discussion

Plans to bring the opening stages of the Tour de France to the Czech Republic are again moving forward. A government-backed proposal targets 2029, linking the bid to the anniversary of the fall of communism. The current concept outlines three stages beginning in Prague, followed by starts in Tábor and Český Krumlov. Discussions intensified after Czech representatives met race director Christian Prudhomme in Paris late last year. He described the bid positively, noting both Prague’s international profile and the country’s experience hosting major sporting events. The draft route includes three stages designed for different rider types. If approved, the ceremonial team presentation would take place on Old Town Square. The proposed opening stage would be a demanding 188-kilometre ride around Prague with more than 2,500 metres of climbing. The route highlights historic landmarks such as Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, passes near Křivoklát Castle, continues below Karlštejn Castle, and finishes through central Prague at Wenceslas Square, Powder Gate and Hradčanské Square. Stage two would shift south. Starting in Tábor, a city known for cyclocross, the course heads through the Třeboňsko landscape, passes Hluboká Castle, and finishes in České Budějovice. With moderate elevation gain, the stage is expected to favour sprinters....

Speed Skating-Czech Teenager Jílek Wins Gold at Olympic Men’s 10,000m

Czech speedskater Metodej Jilek spoke with a straight face and not a hint of irony as he explained how he managed to win an Olympic gold medal in the men’s 10,000 meters at age 19 on Friday, adding to his silver in the 5,000 earlier at the Milan Cortina Games. Jílek followed up on the silver medal he claimed in his debut appearance in the 5,000 metres earlier in the Games, completing a standout Olympic campaign with a gold medal performance in the longer distance. When he won the silver medal the 19-year-old made no secret he was aiming higher, saying he had come to Milan for a gold medal. This season, he became the youngest-ever overall World Cup winner in long-distance events, triumphed in the 10,000 metres at the December World Cup stop in Heerenveen, and posted the second-fastest time of the season. “I feel incredible,” Jilek said. “This gold medal represents all the training I’ve been doing for years – everything I’ve been working towards. It’s amazing. “I knew even before I came to the Olympics that I could do really well in the 10,000m, that I could win it. It was just a matter of doing the...

Milano-Cortina: Eva Adamczyková Wins Olympic Silver in Snowboard Cross!

Czech snowboarder Eva Adamczyková secured silver in snowboard cross at the Olympic competition in Livigno, finishing just four hundredths of a second behind Australia’s Josie Baff in the final. Another Czech rider, Karolína Hrůšová, made her Olympic debut but exited in the round of 16. The result completes Adamczyková’s Olympic medal collection. She won gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics Sochi and bronze four years later at the 2018 Winter Olympics Pyeongchang. She missed the 2022 Winter Olympics Beijing because of broken ankles. Now 32, she returned this season after maternity leave and entered the Games without publicly setting medal targets. Her calm approach appeared to help. Despite a limited competitive build-up, she delivered one of the tightest finals of the event. The margin separating first and second place was minimal, yet enough to confirm another Olympic podium finish. Hrůšová, 18, gained early Olympic experience despite her elimination. Coaches describe her participation as part of a longer development plan for future international seasons.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Český olympijský tým 🇨🇿 (@olympijskytym) Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

First Gold for Czech Team at Winter Olympics! Maděrová Dominates Parallel Slalom

Czechia has its first gold medal of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics! Snowboarder Zuzana Maděrová won the women’s parallel slalom, confirming her rise among the sport’s top riders. The 22-year-old secured the biggest result of her career on her Olympic debut. The final placed her against Austria’s Sabine Payer. Maděrová chose the blue course again. The start was tense. She briefly lost balance but stayed upright. From the middle section onward she built a clear lead. She crossed the line 0.83 seconds ahead. Italy’s Lucia Dalmasso finished third. The podium confirmed a strong European presence in the discipline. Maděrová entered the knockout rounds in good form. She had qualified second earlier in the day. Only teammate Ester Ledecká posted a faster time in qualification. Ledecká was chasing a third straight Olympic title in the event but went out in the quarterfinals after a mistake against Payer. Maděrová’s route to the final was steady. In the round of 16 she beat Germany’s Cheyenne Loch by 0.36 seconds. In the quarterfinals she advanced after Germany’s Ramona Hofmeister crashed mid-course and failed to finish. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Český olympijský tým 🇨🇿 (@olympijskytym) The semifinal brought a...

Day-by-Day: When Czech Athletes Compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy will unfold across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo from February 6 to February 22, bringing two weeks of competition with Czech athletes spread across multiple disciplines. Here you can find the full program involving Czech athletes: 6 February Opening hours of the Czech House: 14:30–24:00 14:35–16:35 Curling – Mixed Doubles Round Robin #6 (Vít Chabičovský, Julie Zelingrová) 14:40–17:10 Ice Hockey – Women, Group #6: Czech Republic vs Switzerland 20:00–23:59 Opening Ceremony 7 February Opening hours of the Czech House: 11:00–23:30 11:30–13:50 Alpine Skiing – Men, Downhill (Jan Zabystřan) 13:00–14:50 Cross-Country Skiing – Women, Skiathlon 10 km + 10 km 14:35–16:35 Curling – Mixed Doubles Round Robin #8 (Vít Chabičovský, Julie Zelingrová) 16:00–17:50 Speed Skating – Women, 3000 m (Martina Sáblíková) 17:00–19:20 Luge – Men, Individual (Heats 1 & 2; Ondřej Hyman) 18:45–21:05 Ski Jumping – Women, Middle Hill Individual 19:05–21:05 Curling – Mixed Doubles Round Robin #9 19:30–21:05 Snowboarding – Big Air Final (Jakub Hroneš) 8 February Opening hours of the Czech House: 9:00–24:00 09:00–14:40 Snowboarding – Parallel Giant Slalom (Qual. & Finals) 10:05–12:05 Curling – Mixed Doubles Round Robin #10 12:30–14:00 Cross-Country Skiing – Men, Skiathlon 14:05–15:40 Biathlon – Mixed Relay 4 × 6...

Meet Bublinka and Hugo: Prague Unveils Mascots for 2026 Youth Olympics

The 2026 Children and Youth Olympic Games, set to take place in Prague this June, have revealed their official mascots: two sea lions named Bublinka and Hugo. The animals were introduced to the public at the Prague Zoo by Tokyo water slalom silver medalist Lukáš Rohan. The mascots will travel from the zoo to various sports venues across the city from June 21 to 25, 2026, accompanying young athletes and fans throughout the competitions. Their aquatic nature reflects the games’ emphasis on movement and activity, particularly in water sports. “The animal was selected by Prague City Hall in collaboration with the Prague Zoo. Local schools were involved in naming one of the mascots to raise awareness and encourage children to attend the games,” said Prague Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda. Bublinka’s name, for example, was suggested by a student from Jan Masaryk Elementary School in Prague 2. Twenty schools submitted fifty proposals in total during this stage of the program. Artists Petr Novák, known for his work in comics and illustration, and Martin Šinkovský, a screenwriter and author, designed the mascots and their communication concept. “The sea lion is sometimes clumsy, but it loves to move. The important thing is not to...

Ostrava Unveils Designs for New 20,000-Seat Football Stadium

Architectural designs for a new football stadium in Ostrava were presented on Tuesday. The project concerns the planned Nové Bazaly stadium, which is expected to seat about 20,000 spectators. From January 14, nine shortlisted designs will be displayed at an exhibition in the city hall of the Moravská Ostrava and Přívoz district. The exhibition includes a model of the winning proposal by the Barcelona-based studio L35 Arquitectos. City officials and representatives of FC Baník Ostrava announced the results of the international competition at a press conference. According to the city, construction could start in 2029. The stadium is expected to be completed two years later. The cost of the main structure is estimated at around 2.5 billion crowns. The new stadium is planned for the site of the former Bazaly ground, where Baník Ostrava played home matches from 1959 until the end of the 2014–15 season. The venue is intended to meet requirements for international matches. Plans also include a club museum, restaurants, and fan shops. Mayor Jan Dohnal said the city has begun talks with the winning studio about further cooperation on the project. Detailed design work could start in the first quarter of this year and is expected...

Prague Welcomes the World Chess Champion After 95 Years

For the first time in nearly a century, a reigning world chess champion will take part in a competitive tournament on Czech soil. Nineteen-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh is set to headline the 8th Prague International Chess Festival, bringing top-level chess back to the city in a way it has not seen since the interwar period. The festival will run from February 24 to March 6. Gukesh will compete in the closed Masters section, where he is scheduled to play nine classical games against an elite field that includes Czech grandmasters David Navara and Thai Dai Van Nguyen. For Czech chess, the appearance of the world champion marks a rare moment. “This is something our chess community has waited decades for,” said festival director Petr Boleslav. “Having the reigning champion here gives the event a weight it has not had in generations.” Alongside the Masters tournament, the festival will also host open competitions expected to draw around 400 players. Navara, the country’s most accomplished active player, knows Gukesh well. The two have faced each other three times, with the Czech grandmaster holding two wins and one draw. Their most recent encounter came in Prague in 2024, before Gukesh claimed the world title....

Free Sports Week Returns to Prague: Dozens of Activities Open to the Public

Prague will once again invite residents to stay active during the holiday period with the 17th edition of Free Sports Week. The event will run from Thursday, December 25 to Wednesday, December 31, 2025, offering free access to dozens of sports facilities across the capital. The initiative is aimed at encouraging people to spend the final days of the year moving rather than sitting at home. Swimming pools, ice rinks, gyms and outdoor sports grounds throughout Prague will open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to try a broad range of activities without paying an entrance fee. A detailed and regularly updated overview of venues, dates and conditions is available at prahasportovni.cz. More than 40 different sports are expected to be available during the week. In Prague 4, the Podolí Swimming Stadium will offer free access to both indoor and outdoor pools, while the HAMR sports complex in Braník will open its football pitches. Baseball and softball activities will be available at Eagles Park, and public skating will take place at the HC Kobra Prague rink. Prague 5 will join with free swimming at the newly renovated SK Motorlet swimming pool. In Prague 6, residents can use beach volleyball...

From Prague to Ostrava, Czech Football Is Planning New Stadiums

Plans for new football stadiums are gathering pace across the Czech Republic, with several clubs either preparing full rebuilds or outlining long-term construction projects.   Brno One of the most ambitious projects is taking shape in Brno. After years of uncertainty, Zbrojovka Brno’s prospects changed following the arrival of new owner Vojtěch Kačina. The club is now openly working toward a new stadium with a capacity of roughly 25,000 to 30,000 seats. The preferred location is the area behind Lužánky, where the club played its home matches until 2001. In November, Brno city councillors approved the basic terms for a concession process linked to the stadium’s construction. Under the proposed model, a private investor would purchase the required land, finance the build, and operate the venue. The city plans to launch the concession procedure in August 2026, a timeline that has drawn criticism from civic groups advocating a faster return to the historic site.   Ostrava In Ostrava, attention has turned to the planned New Bazaly stadium. Early designs were unveiled in November, sparking interest among supporters who have long relied on the municipal stadium in Vítkovice. The proposed arena would hold around 20,000 spectators and is expected to cost...

Stay Active This Winter: Viva Sports Launches New Leagues Across Prague

Viva Sports, Prague’s largest sports and social club, is inviting players to stay active this winter with the launch of its indoor beach volleyball and basketball leagues. Known for bringing people together through leagues, tournaments, and social events across the city, Viva Sports focuses on a friendly, social atmosphere that welcomes both experienced players and complete newcomers. The winter leagues are open to full teams as well as individuals. Many participants join on their own and are placed into teams, making it easy to meet new people and become part of the community. Viva Sports is offering two indoor social beach volleyball leagues at Sports Centrum Koráb in Prague 8. Both leagues run for eight weeks in a 5v5 social format, with matches played from 8:00 to 9:00 pm. The Wednesday league takes place midweek, while the Friday league is scheduled for the end of the week. Registration for both leagues closes on 12 January 2026.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram   Un post condiviso da VIVA Sports (@vivasports.cz) Basketball players can join the winter basketball league at Sports Centrum Řepy in Prague 17. The league runs for seven weeks, with 5v5 games played on Mondays from 9:00 to...

Padel Guide: Where to Find the Best Courts in Prague

Padel has become one of Prague’s fastest-growing sports, drawing newcomers and seasoned players to venues across the capital. Indoor and outdoor courts are appearing at traditional tennis clubs, multipurpose sports complexes, and even on the city’s outskirts. Prosek: A Rapidly Growing Hub SK Prosek has become one of the most active sites for padel in Prague. The complex now operates four high-quality courts and provides convenient parking next to the grounds. The management plans to expand further with a dedicated hall, a youth section, and a balanced line-up of indoor and outdoor courts. Pickleball facilities were recently added, attracting players interested in multiple racket sports. Smíchov: Indoor Comfort Near the Vltava Padel Powers Smíchov sits on the left bank of the Vltava and has invested heavily in indoor infrastructure. The venue hosts regular tournaments and offers a clean, modern environment suitable for both weekday training and weekend matches. For many players, its central location and consistent court conditions are the main advantages. Sparta: Quiet Courts in a Busy Sports Area The padel section at TK Sparta Praha may require a bit of navigation, as the courts are tucked inside a larger sports complex. Once there, players find a straightforward environment...

Real Madrid Architects to Design New Baník Ostrava Football Stadium

Ostrava is set to bring football back to its historic Bazaly grounds with a brand-new stadium for Baník Ostrava, designed by the acclaimed L35 Arquitectos studio — the same team behind the renovation of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu. The winning design emerged from an international architectural competition organized by the city of Ostrava. Construction of the stadium, with a budget of 2.5 billion Czech crowns (about €100 million), is expected to start in 2029 and finish by the end of 2030. Mayor Jan Dohnal said the jury’s decision was unanimous. “The project offers a simple, compact, and elegant form that respects the site’s history while becoming a new landmark for Ostrava. It will serve not only football but also the wider public,” he explained. L35 Arquitectos, a studio with nearly 60 years of experience and over 200 completed projects on four continents, will oversee the design. The firm’s portfolio includes large-scale projects such as the Bernabéu reconstruction and new stadiums in La Paz and Dubai. The design jury — made up of international architects, city representatives, and Baník officials — was chaired by Irish architect Valerie Mulvin from Dublin. She praised the project’s balance between modern functionality and local identity....

Czech Republic Secures 80 Spots for 2026 Winter Olympics

The Czech Republic has already secured 80 quota spots for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, and that number is expected to grow. According to Martin Doktor, the Czech Olympic Committee’s Sports Director and Head of Mission, the national team could eventually reach 115 to 120 athletes by the end of the qualification period in mid-January 2026. Nearly two-thirds of the guaranteed places belong to men’s and women’s ice hockey players, thanks to the qualification of both national teams. Additional spots have been claimed in biathlon, figure skating, and men’s curling, while competitions are still underway to secure further entries in women’s and mixed curling and cross-country skiing. The biathlon team earned five spots each for men and women based on last season’s performance. In figure skating, two dance pairs — Natálie and Filip Tašlerová, and Kateřina and Daniel Mrázková — will represent Czechia on the Olympic stage. Czech Olympic Committee Chairman Jiří Kejval emphasized that the country continues to deliver strong results in both Summer and Winter Games. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Czechia sent 111 athletes, but the Milan-Cortina team is projected to be even larger. The main reason, Kejval said, is that several team...

Jaromír Jágr, 53, Starts his 38th Professional Season in Ice Hockey

At age 53, Jaromir Jagr began his 38th professional season by playing on the fourth line for his hometown Kladno Knights in a 3-1 victory over Vitkovice on Friday night in the Czech league. The former NHL great logged 10:08 minutes ice time and joined the power play unit in a season debut that had been delayed because of a muscle problem. It was Kladno’s 15th game of the season. Jagr was 53 years, 244 days old. Jagr made his debut for Kladno at age 16 and returned to the club in 2018 when the Calgary Flames released him. Jagr remains second on the NHL’s all-time points list, only trailing Wayne Gretzky. Jagr, whose 766 NHL goals rank him No. 4 all-time on that list, played 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, winning the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 1991 and 1992. Jagr didn’t talk to media after his season’s debut Friday. “He makes his presence felt in the locker room,” forward Jakub Konecny said. “We have a lot of fun with him.” Until early this year, Jagr served in dual roles as Kladno player and owner, splitting his time between chasing sponsors and dealing with administrative duties and ice time....

Czech Football Coach Fired After Shock Defeat to Faroe Islands

The Czech Football Association fired coach Ivan Hašek on Wednesday following a humiliating 2-1 defeat to Faroe Islands in World Cup qualifying. It was not immediately clear who would replace Hašek. Czech FA president David Trunda said a coach would be named to lead the team until the end of the qualifying campaign. A foreign coach is then likely to take over on a permanent basis. Former Czech great Pavel Nedvěd has been asked to compile a list of potential candidates. Sunday’s upset loss against the Faroes, a territory with a population of 55,000, was the biggest for the Czechs in qualifying for a major tournament since a 1-0 away defeat to Luxembourg in the European Championship 30 years ago. Back then, they still qualified for the finals in England. The Czechs can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup. They have to beat another minnow, Gibraltar, in their final match on November 17 to secure second spot in Group L and advance to the European playoffs in March. Under Hašek, the Czechs were eliminated at the group stage of the 2024 European Championship but then won their group in the Nations League and advanced to the top-tier League A...

4,500 Young Athletes to Compete in Prague’s First-Ever Youth Olympics

For the first time in history, Prague will host the Summer Children and Youth Olympics (CYO), scheduled to take place from June 21 to 25, 2026. The event will bring together around 4,500 athletes from all 14 Czech regions, competing across 23 sports disciplines. The opening ceremony will be held at SK Slavia Prague’s stadium in Eden, while the Prague Exhibition Grounds (Výstaviště) will serve as the central hub of the games, housing the Olympic House, competition venues, and public events. The city confirmed these details following a recent meeting of the ODM 2026 Steering Committee, which included representatives of City Hall, the Czech Olympic Committee, and Výstaviště Praha. “The Children and Youth Olympics is an opportunity for Prague to demonstrate that we can combine top-level sport, efficient logistics, and an enjoyable experience for young people and their families,” said Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS). “Preparations are on track, and in the coming months, we’ll release further information for schools, fans, and residents.” Venues, Logistics, and Support The Education Councillor Antonín Klecanda (STAN) added that the city is working with the Czech Olympic Committee and local organizations to coordinate sports schedules, logistics, and activities for schools. Preparations for accommodation and catering...

Czech Baseball Makes History With First-Ever European Championship Medal

In Rotterdam, the Czech Republic’s baseball team achieved a milestone that reshapes the sport’s history at home. By defeating defending champion Spain 9–2 in the third-place game of the European Championship, the Czechs secured their first-ever medal at the tournament — a bronze that felt as valuable as gold to players and fans alike. Just last year, the Czech squad made headlines at the World Baseball Classic, where they stunned China and earned a place in the 2026 edition. Now, in a European setting, they proved that momentum was no fluke. The bronze-medal match began with outfielder Willie Escala, whose early home run set the tone. “I’m so happy I got that one right at the start. It gave us energy,” Escala said after the game. His connection to Czechia runs deep: his mother was born in Czechoslovakia before moving to Cuba, where she met his father. Spain briefly rallied for a 2–1 lead, but Czech players responded with an offensive surge that Spain could not match. Escala finished with two hits, three runs, and a standout defensive performance.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram   Un post condiviso da Baseball Czech (@baseballczech) Spain threatened early, knocking Czech starter Jeff...

Prague Plans New Ice Hockey Arena on Štvanice Island

Hockey may once again return to Prague’s Štvanice Island. The University Hockey League has unveiled plans to build a new multifunctional stadium there by 2030, designed to serve as the home of university hockey and a venue for other major sporting events. University hockey in Czechia has grown quickly. Today, twelve teams from eight cities compete in the league, and the 2024/25 season marked a turning point. Spectator numbers climbed to nearly 80,000, an increase of more than a third compared to the previous year. The “Battle of Prague,” a showcase match between the capital’s universities, drew 9,200 fans and set a national record for university sports attendance. League officials argue that this growth demands proper infrastructure. Current facilities are either outdated or too small, forcing university teams, youth leagues, and women’s hockey to compete for limited ice time. A mid-size arena could close that gap while also accommodating other sports such as basketball and floorball. The Štvanice Proposal Štvanice has deep ties to Czech hockey history. The former stadium there hosted several Czechoslovak world championship medals, making the site symbolic for a modern revival. But challenges remain: the area lies in a floodplain, which means additional technical measures would...

Czech Republic Faces Montenegro in Crucial World Cup Qualifier

After a three-month break, the Czech national football team resumes its campaign for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. On Friday evening, Ivan Hašek’s men will face Montenegro, a side notorious for its physical play and fierce home support. The Czechs last faced the Montenegrins in June, winning 2–0 in Plzeň. But this time, with the heat, the atmosphere, and the opponent’s home advantage, the task looks considerably tougher. Schick in Form, Šulc Rising Fast Patrik Schick has rediscovered his scoring touch. After netting 29 goals for Bayer Leverkusen last season, he has already struck three times in the opening weeks of the new Bundesliga campaign. Alongside him, Pavel Šulc is emerging as one of Czech football’s brightest prospects. Since moving from Viktoria Plzeň to Olympique Lyonnais this summer, he has impressed in Ligue 1, scoring once and providing an assist in his first three appearances. Montenegro’s Fortress Montenegro may not rank among Europe’s elite, but in Podgorica the team is notoriously difficult to beat. Their home stadium is known for its fiery Balkan atmosphere, which often unsettles visiting sides. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, has struggled on its travels. Hašek’s men...

Champions League Draw: Slavia to Face Barcelona, Arsenal, and Inter

The draw for the UEFA Champions League group phase took place in Monaco, and Slavia Prague now knows the scale of the challenge ahead. The Czech champions have been handed some of Europe’s biggest names, ensuring Eden Arena will host several headline matches this autumn. Slavia will face Barcelona and Arsenal in front of their home fans, alongside matches against Norway’s Bodø/Glimt and Spain’s Athletic Bilbao, a club they already encountered in last season’s Europa League. The away schedule is no less demanding. The Prague side will travel to Milan to take on Inter at the San Siro, to Bergamo for Atalanta, and to London for Tottenham Hotspur, whose goalkeeper Antonín Kinský moved from Slavia during the winter. The group also includes a trip to Cyprus to face Pafos FC. 🏆 NAŠI SOUPEŘI V #UCL 🇪🇸 Barcelona (doma) 🇮🇹 Inter (venku) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Arsenal (doma) 🇮🇹 Atalanta (venku) 🇳🇴 Bodø/Glimt (doma) 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Tottenham (venku) ✌️ Athletic Club (doma) 🇨🇾 Pafos (venku) ℹ️ Přesné termíny a hrací časy budeme znát v sobotu. Informace o předprodeji lístků zveřejníme… pic.twitter.com/Bv6Ije5eW8 — SK Slavia Praha (@slaviaofficial) August 28, 2025 New Format, New Challenge The revamped Champions League features 36 teams, divided across four seeding pots....

EuroBasket 2025: Czech Republic Opens Against Portugal

The Czech Republic will begin their EuroBasket campaign in Riga with a difficult opener against Portugal. The two teams meet on Friday at the Xiaomi Arena, and although history favors the Czechs, recent results show that the game may be closer than statistics suggest. Portugal has not appeared at EuroBasket since 2011 but arrives with renewed confidence, strengthened by the presence of NBA center Neemias Queta, who recently won a championship ring with the Boston Celtics. Queta dominated in qualifying, averaging 18.5 points and 11.5 rebounds, and will be the key figure around whom Portugal builds its attack. For the Czechs, this tournament represents a transition. Long-time leaders Tomáš Satoranský, Jan Veselý, and Ondřej Balvín are all missing, leaving Jaromír Bohačík and NBA guard Vít Krejčí to carry much of the responsibility. Bohačík will be expected not only to provide scoring but also stability and leadership, while Krejčí takes on the role of primary playmaker. History suggests the Czech Republic should enter the game as favorites. They have won four of their last five encounters with Portugal, holding their opponents to an average of just 68.6 points per game in those matchups. Yet, Portugal won their most recent meeting in...

Roman Staněk: From F2 Podiums to Chasing the Formula 1 Dream

Czech racer Roman Staněk is making waves in Formula 2 and keeping alive the dream of becoming only the second Czech in Formula 1. Born in Valašské Meziříčí, the 21-year-old is now in his third F2 season and has stepped up with Invicta Racing, one of the grid’s strongest teams. With podium finishes, a maiden pole position, and his first feature race win, Staněk is showing he has the ability to move closer to motorsport’s top tier. Early path into racing Motorsport ran in the family. Inspired by his grandfather, Staněk first tried motocross at age six before switching to safer sports like football and tennis. At ten, he took up karting alongside his brothers, starting a path that quickly led to professional racing. In 2019, he debuted in single-seaters, finishing fourth in ADAC Formula 4 and fifth in Italian F4. Three seasons in Formula 3 followed, where steady progress culminated in fifth place in the 2022 championship. That result opened the door to Formula 2 with Trident in 2023. Though his rookie years brought only average results, he claimed his first sprint race victory in Melbourne in 2024. Everything changed this year with his move to Invicta Racing. Breakthrough...

Football: Slavia Prague Fans Celebrate Past Legends

Slavia Praha fans are honoring former players, such as the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer Josef ‘Pepi’ Bican, with the project aimed at maintaining his and other gravesites around Prague. Fans of Slavia have adopted Bican’s gravestone in Vyšehrad Cemetery, where the graves of famous Czech names are obscured by overgrown weeds. Although he played in the early 20th century, Slavia fans today have high regards for Bican. “I didn’t experience watching him, but I know that my grandfather played against him,” young fan Mirek said. “I also know he scored many goals during his career.” The group also adopted the grave of John William Madden, a former Slavia Praha manager who was buried in the Olšany Cemetery. Slavia Praha is one of the most successful football teams in Prague, winning the Czech First League last season. They were bought in late 2023 by billionaire investor and lifelong fan, Pavel Tykač. There are many tributes to Bican at Slavia Praha’s home ground, Fortuna Arena, including a memorial tile beneath the club’s wall-of-fame and ‘legend’ t-shirts available to buy in the club shop. Bican’s gravestone attracts many visitors. “We stopped by because we were intrigued by the football on the grave,” a...

Bouzková Triumphs in All-Czech Final to Claim Second Prague Open Title

Marie Bouzková captured her second career WTA title with a hard-fought comeback win over top-seeded Linda Nosková in the final of the WTA 250 Livesport Prague Open on Saturday. The 27-year-old fifth seed rallied to win 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 — lifting the Prague Open trophy for the second time after her maiden title in 2022. The final, an all-Czech affair, carried both emotional weight and historical significance. It was the ninth all-Czech final in Hologic WTA Tour history and the first since Kateřina Siniaková defeated Bouzková in Nanchang in 2023. It also marked the third all-Czech final in the history of the Prague tournament, following previous editions in 2015 and 2021. Nosková got off to a dominant start, taking the first set 6-2 with two key breaks of Bouzková’s serve. But Bouzková quickly turned the match around in the second set, regaining control with sharp baseline play and improved consistency. She held serve to start, broke twice, and raced to a 3-0 lead before closing out the set 6-1. The deciding set saw momentum shift repeatedly. Bouzková broke in the opening game but Nosková responded with back-to-back breaks to take a brief 3-2 lead. Bouzková then leveled at 3-3 and...

Marc Márquez Makes History in Brno with Fifth Straight Victory

MotoGP returned to the Automotodrom Brno this weekend, drawing nearly 220,000 spectators to the 5.4-kilometer circuit, known for its elevation changes and long, fast corners. Marc Márquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) delivered another dominant performance, taking his fifth consecutive Grand Prix victory — a new record for a Ducati rider. He finished with a time of 40:04.628, continuing a season that has seen him in top form. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) finished second, 1.7 seconds behind, while Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) reached the podium for the first time this year, finishing third after holding his position against pressure from Francesco Bagnaia in the final laps. The race began with Bagnaia in front, but Bezzecchi quickly moved ahead. In the early stages, Álex Márquez, currently second in the standings, crashed while attempting a pass at Turn 12, colliding with Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) and forcing both riders to retire. Enea Bastianini (Red Bull KTM Tech3) also crashed a few laps later, ending any hopes of finishing in the top five. The key moment came on Lap 8, when Marc Márquez overtook Bezzecchi between Turns 3 and 4. From there, he increased his pace and gradually opened a gap,...

Slavia’s Diouf Joins West Ham in Czech League Record Transfer

Slavia Prague defender Malick Diouf is set to join West Ham after the two clubs reached an agreement, according to the Czech club’s sporting director Jiri Bilek. Diouf has been attracting the attention of foreign clubs for a long time, with Crystal Palace reportedly keen in January, but failing to reach an agreement with Slavia. The Senegal international now looks set for a move to the Premier League with West Ham in what could be the most expensive outgoing transfer from the Czech league. According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, West Ham will pay €22 million, plus conditional add-ons. “We can confirm that El Hadji Malick Diouf has been at the training ground and the medical facilities all day,” stated a West Ham representative. “He has done some of the media work and will be finishing it off this afternoon. This should mean that if all goes to plan he will be confirmed as a West Ham player either this evening or within the coming days. The Senegal international scored seven goals in 27 league games last season from defence, contributing significantly to winning the title and qualifying for the Champions League. Diouf, who can play as a full-back and...

Siniaková and Verbeek Claim Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Crown.

Czech doubles specialist Kateřina Siniaková reached a new milestone in her already glittering career on Thursday, teaming up with Dutchman Sem Verbeek to win the 2025 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Championship. The pair defeated Brazil’s Luisa Stefani and Britain’s Joe Salisbury in a tight straight-sets final: 7–6(7–3), 7–6(7–3). The victory marks Siniaková’s first Grand Slam mixed doubles title, adding to an exceptional record that already includes 10 Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles and 30 career doubles titles overall. But the moment was perhaps even more meaningful for Verbeek, who was appearing in his first-ever Grand Slam final. The 31-year-old Dutchman, a relatively unknown name on the doubles circuit, rose to the occasion on Centre Court, keeping his cool in both tiebreaks and showing outstanding net coverage throughout the match. “Kateřina, thank you so much. It’s been an honour to compete alongside such a great doubles legend—one of the best to ever do it. Thank you for making this a Thursday I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” said a beaming Verbeek after the final.   Katerina Siniakova and Sem Verbeek, the Mixed Doubles Champions of 2025 🏆 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/cWtDZedpJM — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2025 Siniaková, now a Wimbledon...

June 24-25: UniCredit Relay Takes Over Stromovka Park

Thousands of professionals will swap office desks for running shoes this week as the UniCredit Prague Relay returns to Stromovka Park. Held over two days—Tuesday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 25—the event features 8,000 registered runners from across the banking, diplomatic, medical, aviation, and automotive sectors. Organized by RunCzech, the relay aims to bring corporate teams together in a more active setting. “We’re getting managers moving again, racing against others from their industries,” said RunCzech chairman Carlo Capalbo. Each team member runs a 5 km loop through Stromovka, passing landmarks like the Governor’s Summer Palace and the Prague Planetarium. The route stays entirely within the park, so public transport and city traffic remain unaffected. With warm weather expected, organizers are adding misting zones and refreshment stations along the course. Tuesday’s relays include a Diplomatic Cup and Bank Cup, with teams from embassies, ministries, and Czech banks. On Wednesday, professionals in medicine, aviation, commerce, and the automotive industry will take their turn at the starting line. Runners can unwind after the race with picnic boxes and DJ sets, with team tents available along the track for post-race hangouts. “It’s a way to get people moving before summer—and make some memories along...

Markéta Vondroušová Wins Berlin Open After Gritty Final Against Wang

Markéta Vondroušová captured the 2025 Berlin Open title on Sunday after a hard-fought battle against China’s Wang Xinyu, winning 7–6 (12–10), 4–6, 6–2 in a tense final. The Czech left-hander, ranked No. 73 and unseeded, claimed her third career singles title – and her first WTA crown on grass outside of Wimbledon – with a composed finish to a high-quality contest. On Saturday, she stunned World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets, 6–2, 6–4, with a display of fearless variety and smart serving. That match, a masterclass in tactical control, marked her most important win since Wimbledon. Vondroušová’s path to the title also included a tight opener against Madison Keys (7–5, 7–6 (8–6)), a three-set battle against Diana Shnaider (6–3, 6–7 (3–7), 6–3), and a dominant quarterfinal win over Ons Jabeur (6–4, 6–1). With each match, her confidence and level of play grew. The final against Wang proved her toughest test. The first set saw both players trading breaks and pushing through pressure-packed points, ending in a marathon tiebreak that Vondroušová edged 12–10. Wang bounced back in the second set with aggressive hitting, taking it 6–4. But in the decider, Vondroušová raised her level once more, pulling away to...

Two-Time Wimbledon Champion Petra Kvitova to Retire from Tennis

Kvitova, who won her two major titles at Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014, will hang up her racquet at the end of the year. Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has announced that the 2025 season will be her last as a professional tennis player, with the US Open set to be her final tournament. The Czech won Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014 and finished runner-up at the Australian Open in 2019, reaching a high of world No. 2 over the course of her lengthy career. She won 31 titles, including the WTA Tour Finals in 2011, and won Olympic bronze for the Czech Republic in 2016, as well as lifting six Billie Jean King Cup trophies. Writing on social media, Kvitova said: “Growing up in my hometown of Fulnek and hitting the first tennis balls with my father on the local courts, I never imagined becoming a professional tennis player, being able to travel the world, and playing in the most beautiful stadiums around the world. And sure enough…somehow all of that became a reality, and so much more. “As with all phases in life, there comes a day that it is time for a new chapter, and that time...

Czech Hockey Team Knocked Out by Sweden, Medal Hopes End

Sweden are through to the Semi-finals of the 2025 World Hockey Championship on home ice after gaining revenge on the Czech Republic, who knocked them out at the last four stage a year ago, by beating them 4-2 at Stockholm’s Avicii Arena and thus ending the Czechs’ title defence. The two teams arrived in the Playoffs having seen their respective six-match winning runs ended by North American sides on Tuesday – Sweden’s loss to Canada saw them slip to second in Group A, while the Czechs were beaten by the USA and finished third in Group B. The question of which side would dust themselves off the quicker was answered by Marcus Johansson and Mika Zibanejad coming close for Sweden in the opening minutes, before the hosts made their pressure count after David Pastrnak was called for holding. Rasmus Andersson controlled the puck in a central position just inside the blue line, then played a neat pass forward to Leo Carlsson, who deflected it into the net. For the rest of the first period, it was the Lucas Raymond show, as he put the Tre Kronor in full control. An interception at centre ice from Rasmus Sandin caught the Czechs...

Zdeněk Koubek: A Forgotten Legacy in Czech Sports and Gender Identity

In the 1930s, Zdeněk Koubek was one of the most dominant figures in women’s athletics in Czechoslovakia. He was fast, strong, and record-breaking–a rising star of international track and field. But behind the headlines and medals was a deeper, more complicated story: one of gender identity, public scrutiny, and ultimately, a choice between personal authenticity and athletic fame. Born Zdenka Koubková in the small Czech town of Paskov, she was raised in Brno. It was there that Zdena, in her late teens, joined the local chapter of Orel, a Catholic youth group focused on sports. She loved to ice skate, and but found she excelled in track and field. Koubek emerged as a gifted athlete in the early 1930s. At just 19 years old, he broke his first national record in 1932 and went on to set five more. By 1934, Koubková was one of Czechoslovakia’s most celebrated female athletes, winning two medals at the Women’s World Games in London and breaking two world records in the process. Zdena’s next world record came in the medley relay (2×100 metres, 200 metres and 800 metres), at 3:14.4. That August, she won the 800-metre event at the 1934 Women’s World Games, in...

Prague to Open Fan Zone if Czech Team Reaches Hockey Semi-Finals

If the Czech Republic reaches the semi-finals of the Ice Hockey World Championship, Prague will open a public fan zone on Old Town Square, allowing fans to watch and support their team together in the heart of the city. The tournament is currently underway in Sweden and Denmark, and should the Czech team advance, the fan zone will host free live broadcasts of both semi-final games on Friday, May 23 (scheduled for 14:20 and 18:20), followed by the bronze medal game and the final on Saturday, May 24 (15:20 and 20:20). A large LED screen (9×5 meters) will be installed, along with refreshment tents, toilets, and a stage for live music and presenters who will entertain the crowd between matches. City officials confirmed they are in talks with Czech Television to secure broadcasting rights for the public viewing. The Czech team is having a strong run at this year’s tournament, having won all five opening matches in Group B and already securing a spot in the playoffs. Their quarter-final opponent is yet to be determined. The fan zone initiative mirrors a similar setup during the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship, which took place in Prague and Ostrava. That year, the Czech Republic...

Nazi Salutes at Czech Cup Final: Sparta Prague Fans Under Fire

What was meant to be a celebration of football turned into a scandal on Wednesday night, as Sparta Prague supporters were filmed giving Nazi salutes and shouting racist slogans during the Czech Cup final against Sigma Olomouc. Footage quickly spread online, showing fans in the away section of Olomouc’s Andrův Stadium raising their right arms in what appeared to be fascist salutes. Other videos, filmed later in the city center, show 11 masked fans posing for photos, with three of them again raising their arms in the same manner. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for tougher responses to recurring extremism among certain groups of football fans. Sparta Prague swiftly issued a public statement distancing the club from the behavior. “AC Sparta Praha strongly distances itself from all forms of racism, extremism, and hatred. Such behavior is completely incompatible with the values we stand for,” the club wrote on its official social media channels. According to the statement, the club has already launched a process to identify the individuals involved, using CCTV footage and working closely with local law enforcement. Sparta said those found responsible could face lifetime bans from all matches and criminal prosecution.   Ano,...

Czechia Ready to Host the Start Tour de France, Says Fiala

Hosting a stage of the Tour de France in the Czech Republic is no longer just a dream discussed behind closed doors — it’s now a real possibility. Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed on Tuesday that the country is open to negotiating the chance to host the race’s Grand Départ, the prestigious opening stage of the world’s most famous cycling event. Speaking at the National Conference on the Promotion of Sport and Movement, Fiala said, “We’ve shown that we can organize tournaments at the highest level. There’s no reason to hesitate. I can confirm that the Czech Republic is prepared to negotiate the opportunity to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France.” While the idea has been informally floated for years, it gained new momentum after former footballer Petr Čech — whose agency Petr Čech Sport helps organize cycling events — publicly voiced his support. This summer, Tour legends Bradley Wiggins and Andy Schleck will be racing in the Czech Republic during the L’Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France series, further highlighting the country’s growing ties to the iconic race. Beyond cycling, Fiala expressed interest in co-hosting major football tournaments, such as the UEFA European Championship. “I...

Czechia Defeats Denmark 7-2 at Ice Hockey World Championship

Czechia’s national hockey team delivered a dominant performance Monday night, beating hosts Denmark 7-2 at the World Championship in Herning. The win keeps Czechia undefeated in the tournament so far, boosting confidence ahead of the next matches. Star players like Martin Nečas and David Pastrňák stood out, with Nečas scoring twice and Pastrňák adding a goal and two assists. Captain Roman Červenka also found the net, along with goals from Lukáš Sedlák, Daniel Gazda, and Daniel Voženílek. The Czech team controlled the second period, scoring four goals to take a commanding lead. Denmark managed to respond with two goals in the second and third periods, but it wasn’t enough to threaten the result. In goal for Czechia, Daniel Vladař impressed in his first start of the tournament with 29 saves. Denmark’s goalkeeper Frederik Dichow had a tougher evening, facing relentless pressure from the Czech offense. The home crowd in Herning gave Denmark strong support, but the hosts have now lost all three of their games and are still searching for a win. They’ll play Kazakhstan next. Czechia, meanwhile, will face Hungary on Thursday. 2️⃣ goals 4️⃣8️⃣ seconds Czechia was on 🔥 on day four of #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/yta2rHjZC6 — IIHF (@IIHFHockey)...

What a Start! Czechia Wins Overtime Battle Against Switzerland

Defending champion Czech Republic prevailed in overtime to open the men’s ice hockey world championship with a 5-4 victory over Switzerland on Friday in a rematch of last year’s final. Czechia began their title defense at the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship with a dramatic 5–4 overtime win against Switzerland. The game, played in Stockholm as part of the Sweden-Denmark co-hosted tournament, was a rollercoaster of goals, missed chances, and special teams play. Switzerland struck early, with Christian Marti opening the scoring just two minutes into the game. Later in the first period, David Pastrňák had a chance to level the score from a penalty shot but failed to convert. The miss proved costly when Damien Riat doubled the Swiss lead just 32 seconds later. Czechia responded at the very end of the opening period. With a 5-on-3 power play opportunity, Matěj Stránský found the back of the net just 19 seconds before the buzzer, narrowing the deficit to 2–1. The second period belonged to Radim Rulík’s squad. In the 27th minute, Filip Zadina tied the game with a confident finish. Just nine minutes later, Filip Pyrochta gave Czechia the lead with a sharp shot from the slot. To byla...

Jihlava’s New Multipurpose Arena Set to Redefine the Czech Sports Scene

A new chapter in Czech sports infrastructure is unfolding in the heart of Jihlava, where a multipurpose arena is nearing completion. Designed by Chybik + Kristof Architects & Urban Designers, the Horácká Multifunctional Arena is set to become one of the most versatile sports and leisure centers in the country. Construction began in the autumn of 2023 and will be completed later this year. With a capacity of 5,650 spectators, the arena is more than just a hockey stadium. “Located in the heart of Jihlava, this arena reflects a deliberate and forward-thinking decision by the city (Jihlava),” say architects Ondrej Chybik and Michal Kristof. It represents a bold reinvention of urban sports spaces–designed to blend into the city rather than stand apart from it. At its core, the new complex honors Jihlava’s passion for hockey. As it will be the future home for HC Dukla Jihlava, the city’s legendary club and 12-time Extraliga champions. Since its founding in 1956, Dukla has shaped Czech hockey history and cultivated generations of elite players. Yet, its vision goes well beyond ice. The arena includes an adaptable ice rink that can host everything from high-level sporting competitions to concerts and exhibitions, as well as...

Menšík Stuns Djokovic to Win First ATP Tour Title in Miami

Jakub Menšík will never forget how he won his first ATP Tour title. Czech teenager Tomáš Menšík defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6, 7-6 to win the Miami Open presented by Itau title on Sunday. The 19-year-old became the second-youngest titlist in tournament history behind Carlos Alcaraz, who lifted the trophy in 2022 as an 18-year-old. “To be honest, I don’t know what to say. It feels incredible, obviously,” Menšík said in his on-court interview. “It was probably the biggest day of my life, and I did super, which I’m really glad [about], to show the performance and keep the nerves outside of the court before the match. I feel just super happy,y and I think that the feelings will come later.” The defeat leaves Djokovic, who appeared to struggle with an issue underneath his right eye, without a title on tour since the ATP Finals in 2023. His only success in 2024 came at the Olympics. “There is no harder task in tennis than to beat him in the finals,” said Menšík, who lost his only previous meeting with Djokovic in Shanghai. “You’re the one I idolised when I was young. I started playing tennis because of you. This is your...

Galaksia Praha 23: Where Football Unites 30+ Nationalities in Prague

Sport has the power to unite people, bridging cultures and fostering a sense of belonging. In Prague, one club is doing just that—Galaksia Praha 23. Since its founding in June 2023, Galaksia Praha 23 has grown into a dynamic football community, bringing together players and coaches from more than 30 nationalities. With over 60 active members, the club fosters inclusivity through a shared love of football, transcending borders and backgrounds. One of its biggest achievements to date is securing a spot in the Czech League of Football for the 2025/2026 season, where it will compete from the 9th tier. This marks a steady rise in the domestic football scene. Over the past two seasons in the Hanspaulka league, Galaksia has earned three promotions across two teams, underlining its competitive drive. Beyond league success, the club has made waves in tournaments. It claimed victory at the 2024 Summer Soccer Festival in Brno and notched an impressive beach soccer win against a Sparta Prague side—clear signs of its growing influence in Czech football. Expanding its reach beyond football, the club also offers weekly English-speaking 3×3 indoor basketball sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays, welcoming players from all backgrounds. This initiative reflects Galaksia’s broader...

MMA History Will Be Made – Végh and Vémola Face Off in Their Last Battle

On Saturday, June 14, Eden Stadium will host OKTAGON 72, where over 28,000 fans will gather for a night of world-class MMA action. This isn’t just any fight night – it’s the conclusion of the most intense rivalry in European MMA. In the main event, two legends – Karlos Vémola and Attila Végh – will face off for the third and final time. The score is tied at 1–1, and this fight will settle the question once and for all: Who is the greatest fighter in Czech and Slovak MMA history? Their story is legendary. Végh shocked the MMA world in 2019 when he knocked out Vémola in the first round of the original “Fight of the Century.” Vémola, driven by revenge, got his payback in 2024 at Eden Stadium, choking out Végh in the second round in front of a record-breaking crowd. Now, with both men declaring this their final fight, Judgment Day is here. Everything is on the line. This is more than a fight – it’s a legacy-defining moment. The co-main event features a fight we’ve waited six years to see. Two of the best middleweights in Europe – Makhmud Muradov and Patrik Kincl – will finally...

Prague Half Marathon to Take Place on April 5

The renowned Generali Prague Half Marathon is set to kick off in just two weeks, on Saturday, April 5. With 16,000 registered runners, it stands as the largest half marathon in Central and Eastern Europe. “We are thrilled to see such a high level of participation, highlighting the global appeal of this race. The event reached its full capacity exceptionally quickly, with all entries selling out nearly six months in advance,” said Jiří Nečásek, Marketing Director of RunCzech. This year marks the 25th edition of the race, which is once again part of the prestigious SuperHalfs series. This unique series has been guiding endurance runners through some of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Following Lisbon and Prague, SuperHalfs will move on to Berlin, before heading to Copenhagen, Cardiff, and culminating in Valencia—home to five of the fastest women’s half marathon performances and seven of the top ten men’s times in history. The 2025 edition of Generali Prague Half is set to deliver world-class performances, with realistic expectations of new race records in both the men’s (58:24) and women’s (1:04:52) categories. The women’s record, set eight years ago by Joyceline Jepkosgei of the RunCzech Racing Team, was a historic moment for the...

Ester Ledecká Makes History Again at 2025 Snowboard World Championships

Ester Ledecka added another trophy to her collection of silverware when she won the parallel giant slalom at the snowboard world championships Thursday. The three-time Olympic champion, who won bronze in the downhill at the Alpine Skiing Worlds in February, was in a class of her own. She dominated qualification then easily defeated all of her rivals en route to the final. There, she beat the defending women’s parallel giant slalom champion Tsubaki Miki of Japan. It was Ledecka’s first snowboard world title in eight years. The versatile Czech athlete already had two golds and a silver from parallel giant slalom races at the snowboarding worlds in 2015 and 2017. “It’s awesome,” Ledecka said. “I haven’t competed in a world championships since [2017] because it was difficult with timing because of skiing events.” Aleksandra Krol-Walas of Poland won the bronze medal race over Ladina Caviezel of Switzerland. Ledecka famously won Olympic gold in skiing’s super-G and snowboarding’s parallel GS at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and added another gold on her board in 2022 in Beijing. A scheduling issue at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics — where the parallel GS in snowboarding and the Alpine downhill are both set for Feb. 8...

Brno MotoGP Could Receive CZK 300 Million from Government

The Czech government is considering a substantial investment of 300 million crowns to support the return of MotoGP racing to Brno. The proposal could lead to public funding surpassing half a billion crowns, with additional contributions from local authorities. The championship is set to return to the iconic Masaryk Circuit this July after a five-year absence. Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed the revival of the event last summer, initially suggesting state support in the “higher tens of millions.” Beyond its economic benefits, the event is also seen as an important part of Czech cultural heritage. The South Moravian Region has already committed CZK 35 million annually for the next five years, amounting to 175 million crowns in total. Brno city is expected to match this figure, pending approval from the city council. With public expenditure potentially reaching CZK 650 million, the Grand Prix’s organization will be managed by Autoklub in partnership with Automotodrom Brno. Private entities are expected to cover a large portion of the overall costs, with the licensing fee alone set at around CZK 162 million. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Son of Legendary Italian Goalkeeper Buffon to Represent Czech Republic

Louis Thomas Buffon, the 17-year-old son of Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon and Czech model Alena Šeredová, has been named in the Czech Republic’s U-18 squad for its first training camp of the year. The Pisa midfielder, who holds dual citizenship, has received his first international call-up under head coach Václav Jílek. The Football Association of the Czech Republic (FAČR) confirmed the squad selection on its official website today. While his father made history as a World Cup-winning goalkeeper with Italy in 2006, Louis Buffon has taken a different path, playing as a midfielder in Pisa’s youth academy. Although he has only featured in Italy’s Primavera junior league so far, he was included in the senior squad for the first time last weekend. During Pisa’s Serie B match against Cesena (1:1), Buffon remained on the bench but gained valuable experience. Interestingly, Pisa’s head coach is Filippo Inzaghi, a former Juventus teammate of his father. The Czech U-18 national team, led by Václav Jílek, is set to reunite for the first time since November, when they played two friendlies against Austria, losing 0:2 and winning 1:0. Buffon isn’t the only foreign-based player called up for the squad. Defender Timothy Akindileni of...

Run with Your Valentine at the Prague Airport Valentine’s Run

This Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate in a fun and meaningful way by joining the 2025 Prague Airport Valentine’s Day Run? Whether you’re a beginner, or recreational runner and you are running the race for the first time, this event is designed to welcome everyone! It’s the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, have fun, and all of that in the name of Cupid. This year, the race brings something exciting: the route has been extended from 5 km to 7 km, giving you a little more to enjoy along the way. Runners will start and finish at the beautiful Stromovka Park, one of Prague’s most beloved green spaces. Plus, a complete results service will be available for the first time, so you can track your time and accomplishments and celebrate your personal progress and a medal. But the best part? Just like last year, the event will have a heartwarming charitable element, allowing runners to support a good cause while staying active and having fun. It’s a perfect reminder that love and kindness can be shared in so many ways. That’s why 10 % of your registration fees go to Pink Bubble charity which helps young people to fight against...

Czechia Beats Sweden 3-2 to Win Bronze at World Juniors

It took a shootout to decide the winner, but Czechia held on in the skills competition to beat Sweden 3-2 and take home bronze at the 2025 World Junior Championship. The bronze is Czechia’s third since the split from Czechoslovakia and their second in two years. The Czechs also took home silver in 2023 and finished fourth in 2022, so the team’s recent run is a sign that the program is thriving right now. Sweden, meanwhile, is 1-2 in the bronze game over the past four years. The team took third in Edmonton in 2022 before falling to the United States in Halifax back in 2023. The Swedes bounced back in 2024, taking home silver after once again losing to the Americans. USA and Finland will play in the gold medal game shortly after 7:30 PM ET. The Czechs struggled in the first 10 minutes, registering just one shot. Fortunately for them, they made it count as Jakub Stancl took Adam Jecho’s feed and fired it past Marcus Gidlof for the 1-0 goal. The Swedes were much more active on the attack, and at 12:31, David Edstrom got Sweden on the board after Czech goaltender Michael Hrabal lost track of...

Bohemians Praha to Modernize Historic Ďolíček Stadium by 2026

Bohemians Praha 1905 is set to start a significant renovation of their iconic Ďolíček Stadium in late 2025. The project, estimated to cost between CZK 300 and CZK 350 million, aims to modernize the facility to meet contemporary standards and enhance the fan experience. Historical Significance of Ďolíček Stadium Established in 1932, Ďolíček Stadium has been the home ground for Bohemians Praha 1905 for over nine decades. Located in the Vršovice district of Prague, the stadium holds a special place in Czech football history, witnessing numerous memorable matches and serving as a cultural landmark for the local community. Details of the Renovation Plan The renovation is structured into five phases, each focusing on different stadium sections to ensure that Bohemians can continue hosting matches at Ďolíček throughout the construction period. The current seating capacity of 6,300 is slated to increase to 7,795 seats, with the potential to accommodate up to 9,500 spectators by incorporating safe standing areas in the northern and southern stands. A notable addition is constructing a new southern stand behind the goal adjacent to the tram stop, which will complete the stadium’s enclosure. The design respects the height of the existing main stand, maintaining architectural harmony. Behind...

Hit the Slopes: Discover Czechia’s Top 10 Ski Destinations

Czechia, with its diverse mountain ranges and well-developed ski infrastructure, offers a variety of options for winter sports enthusiasts. Here are some of the top ski resorts to consider for your next winter getaway: 1. SkiResort Černá hora – Pec Located in the Krkonoše Mountains, this is the largest ski resort in Czechia, boasting over 50 kilometers of slopes. It offers modern facilities, including cable cars and chairlifts, and caters to both beginners and advanced skiers. The interconnected areas provide a diverse skiing experience. Buy your ski pass at home You need just one ski pass to have an access to all the 50 kilometres of slopes. You can buy it on-line and pick it up at any of the 9 sKiosk vending machines. 2. Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort Also situated in the Krkonoše Mountains, Špindlerův Mlýn is one of the most renowned ski resorts in the country. With approximately 25 kilometers of slopes, it offers a variety of runs for all skill levels. The resort is known for its vibrant après-ski scene and regularly hosts international competitions. Choose one of the 5 ski areas. The best-known area is Svatý Petr (St. Peter), followed by Medvědín, Hromovka, Labská, and finally...

From Paintball to Climbing: Free Sports Week Returns to Prague

Discover dozens of free sports activities during Prague’s annual Free Sports Week, running from December 25 to 31. Find out how to participate and explore new sports opportunities. The Free Sports Week returns to Prague this December, offering residents an opportunity to enjoy a wide range of sporting activities for free. Full details, including participating locations and schedules, can be found on the official website: prahasportovni.cz A Week of Active Opportunities Prague’s Free Sports Week aims to make sports more accessible while promoting a healthy lifestyle. “This event is a unique chance for residents to try not only traditional sports but also less conventional activities. It’s an excellent way to explore new sports facilities and embrace a healthier lifestyle,” says Antonín Klecanda, the City Councilor for Sports. He encourages residents to take advantage of the initiative to discover sports they might continue in the new year. The program includes both popular activities like football and tennis and non-traditional options such as climbing, martial arts, and paintball. Participants can choose from a list of several dozen sports to suit their interests. Important Reservation Details While many venues offer free access during this period, some require reservations due to limited capacity. Free...

OKTAGON MMA’s Biggest Night of the Year Comes to Prague

OKTAGON MMA returns to the O2 Arena in Prague for its annual end-of-year spectacular, which has become a ‘can’t miss event’ on the country’s sporting calendar. OKTAGON 65 takes place on Sunday, December 29, and features three world title fights—ending 2024 with an almighty bang. In the main event, Slovak star Ronald Paradeiser takes on top worldwide prospect Losene Keita to decide who will become the ‘Triple Crown King’ in the biggest fight the company has ever promoted. The bout not only serves as the final of the €1 million Tipsport Gamechanger tournament, but Rony’s lightweight belt and the #1 pound-for-pound ranking in the promotion are also up for grabs. This is a sensational rematch between two incredible athletes that simply can’t be missed! Czech superstar Karlos Vémola comes out of retirement in the co-headliner to defend his light heavyweight championship against surging Irishman Will Fleury. The pair’s rivalry began many years ago when ‘The Terminator’ injured Fleury during a sparring session and the Irishman has wanted payback ever since. The Irish talent has looked unstoppable as of late, but he hasn’t faced anyone on the level of Vémola. Only one man can leave O2 Arena as the best in...

Czech Talent Roman Staněk Joins Top Formula 2 Team

Roman Staněk, a rising star in Czech motorsport, has secured his place in Formula 2 for the upcoming season, joining the prestigious Invicta Racing team. Often seen as a gateway to Formula 1, Formula 2 is a proving ground for the world’s top young drivers. Staněk will be teaming up with this year’s Formula 3 champion, Leonardo Fornaroli, as they aim for success in 2025. “I’m thrilled to join Invicta Racing for the 2025 season,” Staněk shared. “The team delivered outstanding results this year and is one of the most sought-after names in the paddock. This brings a level of pressure for both me and Leonardo, but I believe we’re ready to meet this challenge head-on. I can’t wait to see what the new season holds.” Staněk moves to Invicta Racing after a stint with Trident. His new team is known for developing drivers for Formula 1, with Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto clinching the F2 championship with Invicta this year.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram   Un post condiviso da Formula 2 (@formula2) Invicta Racing team principal Andy Roche expressed his confidence in Staněk’s potential: “We’re delighted to have Roman join us for 2025. His previous experience in Formula 2...

VIDEO: Krejčíková Calls for Respect After TV Comment About her Appearance

Czech Barbora Krejčíková on Sunday called for respect and professionalism in sports media as she hit out at “unprofessional” remarks made about her appearance during a broadcast on the Tennis Channel. Wimbledon champion Krejcikova was competing at the WTA Finals in Riyadh this week, where she was beaten 6-3 7-5 by Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals. During the Tennis Channel’s coverage of the event on Friday, journalist Jon Wertheim, seemingly unaware that he was on air, made a comment about Krejcikova’s forehead which was met with criticism on social media. pic.twitter.com/JX5mL3zYm8 — Missing 🎾 Media (@MissingTennis) November 8, 2024 “As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional commentary,” world number 13 Krejcikova wrote in a post on X. You might have heard about the recent comments made on Tennis Channel during the WTA Finals coverage that focused on my appearance rather than my performance. As an athlete who has dedicated herself to this sport, it was disappointing to see this type of unprofessional (cont.) — Barbora Krejcikova (@BKrejcikova) November 10, 2024 “This isn’t the first time something like this is happening in (the) sports world. I’ve...

Stunning! Macháč Defeats Alcaraz and Reache Shanghai Masters Semi-Finals!

Rising Czech talent Tomáš Macháč put on a brilliant display to upend world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz, beating the Spaniard 7-6 (5), 7-5 to move into the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters. Macháč reached his first Masters 1000 semi-final in style, playing decisive, clinical tennis executed at a consistently high level to rattle a somewhat subdued Alcaraz in two closely-contested sets. With world No 1 Jannik Sinner already safely through and awaiting the winner in the last four, most observers will have had one eye on a likely rematch between the tour’s best two players in the next round, with the pair having played yet another classic in Beijing last week in the latest instalment of their ever burgeoning rivalry. But Macháč had no intention of abiding by this script, instead laying down his intentions early with excellent serving and some breathless baseline rallies, clearly displaying his ability to go toe-to-toe with the Spaniard. As a very tight opening set barrelled towards a tiebreak finish, the only questions were around Machac’s mental fortitude and capacity to maintain his high standard for the duration. The first of these concerns was answered emphatically at the end of the first set, as the...

Ajax Fans Clashed with Prague Police in Stadium Break-In Attempt

Czech police detained several Ajax Amsterdam fans after a group of them tried to break into Slavia Prague’s Eden Park stadium without tickets ahead of their Europa League match on Thursday. “Policemen in heavy riot gear had to resolve the situation using coercive measures, and several fans were detained,” police said on social media network X. Earlier, several hundred fans gathered in Prague’s Old Town Square and police found knives, baseball bats and batons left on site before the supporters took the underground to the stadium. Several hundred police officers were deployed across the city to keep order before and after the match. 🎬 Sestřih remízového zápasu proti Ajaxu Podívejte se na nejdůležitější momenty prvního domácího utkání #UEL v této sezoně. O vyrovnání na 1:1 se postaral střídající Tomáš Chorý! ✨ pic.twitter.com/IUSCH8cSEt — SK Slavia Praha (@slaviaofficial) October 4, 2024 The Game After 20 minutes, Christian Rasmussen was brought down in the box and Branco van den Boomen made it 1-0 from the penalty spot. Ajax dominated the first half but they failed to add a second goal with Brian Brobbey missing a good chance. They also lost Kristian Hlynsson to injury. Slavia Prague improved in the second half and...

VIDEO: Sparta Prague Supporter Wins CZK 1 Million During Halftime Challenge.

Friday’s league match between Sparta Prague and Sigma Olomouc may not have ended in triumph for the home team (editor’s note: Sparta lost 3-2)., but one fan walked away with a victory worth celebrating. Sparta had the upper hand as they led 1-0 going into halftime, but the real excitement came when a fan took to the field to participate in a halftime contest. The task? To kick the ball from the centre circle into a small goal—a feat that had stumped every participant before. However, this fan pulled it off with a perfectly measured strike, sending the ball straight into the target and making him the first ever to succeed in this challenge. The crowd cheered loudly as the lucky fan, Pavel, was handed a cheque for one million crowns, courtesy of his remarkable kick. Unfortunately, the post-match atmosphere wasn’t quite as jubilant. Sparta ultimately fell to Sigma Olomouc 2-3. But for Pavel, the sting of defeat was likely softened by his impressive achievement. ⚽️ MILIONOVÝ KOP | Poprvé v historii poločasové soutěže s @Betanocz jsme našli úspěšného střelce 🥳 Podívejte se, jak sparťan Pavel získal jeden milion korun 💰 #acsparta pic.twitter.com/y8t9y5PISa — AC Sparta Praha (@ACSparta_CZ) September 28,...

Pardubice Could Build the Largest Hockey Arena in the World

Pardubice (around 100 km from Prague) is planning to build a new hockey arena that can hold up to 22,296 spectators, which would make it the largest one in the world. The ambitious project was unveiled by Dynamo’s owner, Petr Dědek, during a presentation to the Pardubice city councillors. Initially, in December last year, the approved plan proposed a capacity of 15,000. However, the updated design will significantly exceed that number, with completion slated for August 2027, as reported by sport.cz. “We outlined the economic benefits of the multifunctional hall for the city,” said Dědek on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “The arena will seat 22,000 hockey fans. Alongside the arena, the complex will include a smaller hall, hotel, and parking facilities, with a total investment of CZK 10.5 billion.” Dědek had previously estimated a lower investment of CZK 8 billion during earlier discussions in December. The design includes multiple levels: the lower section will feature 7,518 seats, 2,207 standing spaces, and 44 spots for disabled spectators; the middle section will have 5,699 seats, 50 standing spaces, and 20 spots for the disabled; while the upper section will offer 5,512 seats and 22 disabled spots. The arena will...

Velká Pardubická Steeplechase is Approaching

Just a few days remain until the Czech Republic’s most renowned horse race. Modeled after the Grand National in Liverpool, it’s actually the oldest and most challenging steeplechase in continental Europe. It’s set to start on October 13, 2024, so don’t miss it! The Velka Pardubicka Steeplechase or Grand Pardubice Steeplechase (the Czech Grand National) was first run on 4 November 1874, when 14 runners started the race. The winner, Fantom, ridden by Englishman George Sayers received 11,700 florins for his owner Count von Cramm. The race has been held every year since on the second Sunday in October – except during the two world wars and the 1968 Russian invasion, and it has been abandoned twice due to frost and snow. The length of the steeplechase is 6.9 km, with 31 obstacles. It usually takes 9–10 minutes to finish the course. The fastest time recorded was 8:58 minutes. Horses starting in the race must be at least 6 years old and Czech horses must qualify by finishing at least one of four qualifying races during the season. The most impressive obstacle is the so-called Velký Taxisův příkop (Great Taxis Ditch), which has the reputation of being the toughest obstacle of the race...

Sparta Prague 3-0 Salzburg: Czechs End 21-Year Wait for Champions League Win

Sparta Prague enjoyed a fine return to the Champions League on Wednesday, recording a 3-0 win over Salzburg in their first game in Europe’s top club competition in 19 years. Sparta grabbed an early lead that set the tone for the league-phase opener at the Epet Arena as home fans celebrated their team’s first win in the tournament since 2003. The hosts opened the scoring just two minutes in when Kaan Kairinen pounced on a loose ball after a great save by Salzburg goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, effortlessly slotting home the rebound. Victor Olantuji then doubled their lead in the 42nd minute, firing in from a tight angle after taking in a long ball over the top from captain Filip Panak. Olantuji then turned provider as the hosts killed the game off just before the hour mark, assisting Qazim Laci for a coolly struck finish after a cheap giveaway from Salzburg. ⭐⭐⭐ VÍTĚZSTVÍ Úspěšný vstup do Ligy mistrů 😍 #acsparta | #UCL pic.twitter.com/Uq1BtHEGZd — AC Sparta Praha (@ACSparta_CZ) September 18, 2024 Sparta’s victory, their first in the Champions League since beating Lazio 1-0 in December 2003, saw them halt a 14-game winless run in the competition (four draws, 10 losses). It...

Czech Republic Beat Ukraine 3-2 in Nations League

Two first-half Pavel Sulc goals guided the Czech Republic to a 3-2 win over Ukraine on Tuesday in the Nations League, with a late penalty ensuring the win for the hosts in a match in which both sides created a number of chances. The Czechs, with a revamped lineup following a 4-1 thrashing by Georgia, struck first when Sulc re-directed a Vaclav Cerny shot past Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Ukraine kept pushing forward and equalized in the 37th minute when Vladyslav Vanat headed home after Mykola Shaparenko whipped in a cross from the left flank. První úkol splněn ✅ Česko poslal do vedení ve 21. minutě Pavel Šulc a rozjásal Eden. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/dOom8eo8Ov — ČT sport (@sportCT) September 10, 2024 Sulc netted his second for the Czechs just before the break when he brought the ball down with his chest and hammered a volley into the net. Captain Tomas Soucek extended their lead with an 80th-minute penalty before Georgiy Sudakov pulled a goal back for Ukraine. Ukraine remain winless in Group B1 while the Czechs notched their first victory. The Czechs next host Albania while Ukraine face Georgia in October. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out...

Prague Welcomes a New Tribute to Gymnastics Icon Věra Čáslavská

A new statue of the iconic gymnast Věra Čáslavská, created by renowned artist David Černý, now stands in Prague. The statue, which originally made its debut at the Czech House during the Olympic Games in Paris, has been moved to the Czech Republic, where it was recently unveiled at the Tyrš House in Prague. The artwork was initially meant to be showcased at the Tokyo Olympics, but delays caused by unforeseen circumstances led to its unveiling three years later in Paris. “Věra was thrilled by the idea and said it was wonderful that there would finally be a piece of the Czech Republic in Tokyo,” Černý shared, recalling the gymnast’s words before her passing in 2016. Standing ten meters tall and painted in the colors of the Czech tricolour, the statue quickly caught the eye of both Czech and French spectators under the Eiffel Tower. Now, this remarkable tribute has found its way to Prague, where it was formally unveiled at Tyrš House in the city’s Újezd district, an area closely associated with Čáslavská, who trained there during her illustrious career. “The statue is fascinating because, depending on the angle, only one figure is visible while the other seems to...

MotoGP Returns to Brno After Five-Year Break

The World Motorcycle Championship, MotoGP, is set to make its much-anticipated return to Brno in 2025 after a five-year hiatus. Although the exact date of the race has not yet been announced, it is expected to take place in August, as is traditional. Under the current agreement, the Masaryk Circuit will host the World Championship until at least 2029. The Czech MotoGP event was cancelled in 2020 due to financial difficulties. However, with new organizers stepping in, the ownership of the circuit has undergone significant changes. The Autoclub of the Czech Republic, led by President Jan Št’ovíček, and Automotodrom Brno, now owned by Karel Hubáček, have taken over as the new co-organizers. They replace the previous organizers—a consortium between the South Moravian Region and the city of Brno. The city of Brno, the South Moravian Region, and the Czech state will all contribute financially to the championship. “We expect the city to contribute CZK 35 million annually to cover the event costs. The return of such high-profile races reinforces our commitment to positioning Brno as a leading destination for major international sporting events,” stated Brno Mayor Markéta Vaňková. The total budget for the event is estimated to be around CZK...

Sparta Prague Secures Champions League Spot After 19-Year Wait

Sparta Prague will return to the Champions League for the first time in 19 years, marking their ninth appearance in the elite tournament. The Czech side secured their spot by defeating Malmö 2-0 in a decisive home match, following a similar win in Sweden last week. Both teams missed penalties in the first half, with Sparta’s Veljko Birmančević and Malmö’s Anders Christiansen failing to convert. The deadlock was broken in the 80th minute when Lukáš Haraslín successfully scored his third penalty attempt of the match. Shortly thereafter, Albion Rrahmani, making his debut for Sparta, sealed the win with a second goal. Sparta previously eliminated Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers and Romania’s FCSB, earning around 18 million euros (approximately 466 million CZK) for advancing to the group stage. This season, the Champions League will feature a new league format with 36 teams competing in a single table. The draw on Thursday in Monaco will determine Sparta’s eight opponents, with each team playing eight matches—four at home and four away—against different clubs. The match began with a minute’s applause in memory of Swedish coach Sven-Göran Eriksson, who passed away on Monday at the age of 76. Early on, Malmö missed a key chance when...

From Domažlice to Paris: Javelin Thrower Haruka Kitaguchi Wins Gold

Domažlice, a small town in the Plzeň Region, is set to celebrate the Olympic gold medal win of Japanese javelin thrower Haruka Kitaguchi, who trains and lives there. Kitaguchi, who clinched the Olympic title in the javelin throw, has become an integral part of the community. She resides in Domažlice and trains under Czech coach David Sekerák. The townspeople have embraced her as one of their own and are rightfully proud of her achievements. Kitaguchi’s javelin soared to a distance of 65.80 meters, securing her place as Olympic champion. Czech fans also have reason to cheer, as javelin thrower Nikola Ogrodníková won bronze with a throw of 63.68 meters on her third attempt. Last year, Kitaguchi was honored with a commemorative medal from the local authorities, acknowledging her as a local hero. At a special ceremony in the Domažlice town hall, Mayor Stanislav Antoš praised her contributions and dedication. “Domažlice has become a second home for you, a base for your training and development. Thank you for your exemplary achievements,” Antoš said. Kitaguchi expressed her gratitude during the ceremony and spoke about her preparation for the Paris Olympics. She promised to work hard and encouraged the locals to support her,...

First Ever Sparta Prague Fan Shop Opens at Prague Airport

Passengers traveling through Terminal 2 of Prague Airport can now shop at the AC Sparta Prague fan shop. This makes Sparta the first sports team to have a shop at the airport. With over 200 products available, fans can even get their jerseys printed. “The opening of a fan shop at Václav Havel Airport Prague is a step to bring Sparta closer to the wider public, including international markets. Last season, we sold over 23,000 jerseys, which was a huge success for us. We believe the new fan shop will boost the growth and popularity of Sparta as a club and brand,” said Kamil Veselý, Sparta’s marketing director. The store covers 274 square meters and is located in Finger D of Terminal 2. It offers more than 200 products, including caps, special tourist collections, and jerseys with a unique Prague design patch. “Having fan shops of successful football clubs at international airports is a popular trend. We welcomed the opening of the first fan shop here and are confident it will be a success. Football fans might even choose our airport for trips to European competitions,” said Jakub Puchalský, a member of the Board of Directors at Prague Airport. Sparta...

Love Match? Czech Pair Win Olympic Mixed Tennis Gold

Czech pair Katerina Siniakova and Tomas Machac won the Olympic mixed doubles gold medal with victory in the final against China’s Wang Xinyu and Zhang Zhizhen on Friday. Doubles specialist Siniakova and Machac, who are in a relationship off the court, combined superbly and held their nerve in a tense finale to win 6-2 5-7 10-8. The Czechs hardly put a foot wrong in the first set but Zhang and Wang, the second Chinese pair to reach an Olympic doubles final, raised their level in the second, pushing the match into a superb tiebreak. “Super tight breaks are tough because they can go either way but I think the mindset was really good, we fought until the end,” Siniakova, a nine-times Grand Slam doubles champion, told reporters. The Czech also won a women’s doubles gold medal on her Olympic debut in Tokyo. “I don’t like to compare because every trophy, every medal is really amazing and has different emotion, different feelings,” she said. “I am proud and I’m happy that we could achieve the medal and we got the gold.” Siniakova and Machac started dating in 2020 but recently were rumoured to have split. “That’s our personal life so you...

A Tribute to Věra Čáslavská: Giant Statue by David Černý in Paris

The monumental, almost ten metres high, dynamic statue of the legendary Czech athlete Věra Čáslavská will be an unmissable symbol for all visitors to the Czech House in La Villette Park in Paris. The tribute to Věra Čáslavská will be on display from 26 July, when the Czech House in Paris opens. It is a symbol of the gymnast’s movements and a reference to the sporting achievements and life attitudes of Věra Čáslavská, a seven-time Olympic champion. “Věra was an amazing person. She was a great athlete, but most of all a wonderful person, with whom it was a pleasure to spend time, as she transferred her enthusiasm to everyone. She loved sport and cheered on all the athletes. That is why we want to remember her again – to our fans and to the whole world,” said Jiří Kejval, President of the Czech Olympic Committee. The statue is made of stainless steel, weighs 7.5 tonnes and reaches a height of over 9 metres. The individual parts travelled from the Czech Republic to Paris in three trucks and were built by a team of technicians on site for a week.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared...

Highjump Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Top Jumpers and Unique Atmosphere

The Highjump event, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, will take place at the Hřiměždice quarry near Příbram on August 2 and 3. Visitors will enjoy performances by water jumpers from around the world, a rich music program, and plenty of entertainment. Tickets are still available here. Highjump stands out for its unique atmosphere and venue. As always, there will be several categories to compete in. Participants will dive from 12- and 16-meter high towers. A major highlight will be the splash-diving competition, where the winner is determined by who creates the biggest splash. The organizers have prepared a captivating musical lineup across several stages. The main acts include rapper Yzomandias, rising star Rohony, rapper Rest with the band Champion Sound, legends PSH, singer 7krát3 with a live band, and DJs Matamar, TK27, Magenta, Roxtar, and many others. On Friday and Saturday, visitors can look forward to performances by Yzomandias from the Milion+ label and the popular Rohony. PSH, consisting of Orion, Vladimir 518, and DJ Mike Trafik, will deliver their usual outstanding performance. Rapper Rest, a hit last year, returns this year with the live band Champion Sound, fresh from their victory at the Red Bull Soundclash. Also performing...

Barbora Krejčíková Reaches Wimbledon Final

Czech 31st seed Barbora Krejčíková will face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final after battling back for a shock 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over former champion Elena Rybakina on Thursday. Just hours after Paolini beat tearful Croatian Donna Vekic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) in the longest women’s semi-final at the All England Club, it was Krejčíková’s turn to dig deep for victory against fourth-seeded Rybakina in two hours and seven minutes on Centre Court. Krejčíková faces seventh seed Paolini on Saturday in what will be the second Grand Slam final of the 28-year-old’s career after her French Open triumph in 2021. The Czech started 2024 with a run to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, but a first round exit at the French Open was a major setback. She struggled with a back injury and illness, winning just three singles matches in the five months before finally finding her form in remarkable style at Wimbledon. Krejčíková shocked 11th seed Danielle Collins in the fourth round and former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the quarter-finals, before turning her sights on Rybakina. In her first Wimbledon semi-final, Krejcikova turned the tide in the second set, landing a priceless break in...

Meet the 113 Czech Olympians Heading to Paris 2024

The Czech Olympic Committee has announced the final list of 113 athletes who will represent the Czech Republic at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The team was completed with the addition of long-distance runner Petr Meindlschmid and 3000m steeplechase national record holder Tomáš Habarta. The 2024 Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 8 in Paris. Here is the full list of Czech team members: Athletics (30): Jakub Dudycha (800m), Tomáš Habarta (3000m hurdles), Patrik Hájek (hammer throw), Vít Hlaváč (mixed relay walking), David Holý (pole vault), Tereza Hrochová (marathon), Michaela Hrubá (high jump), Nikoleta Jíchová (400m hurdles), Radek Juška (long jump), Matěj Krsek (400m), Eduard Kubelík (200m), Ondřej Macík (200m), Karolína Maňasová (100m), Lurdes Gloria Manuel (400m), Eliška Martínková (20km walk, mixed relay), Petr Meindlschmid (distance), Vít Müller (400m hurdles), Volodymyr Myslyvčuk (hammer throw), Tomáš Němejc (200m), Nikola Ogrodníková (javelin throw), Tereza Petržilková (400m), Kristiina Sasínek Mäki (1500m), Petra Sičaková (javelin throw), Tomáš Staněk (shot put), Moira Stewartová (marathon), Matěj Ščerba (pole vault), Jan Štefela (high jump), Amálie Švábíková (pole vault), Jakub Vadlejch (javelin throw), Lada Vondrová (400m). Badminton (4): Ondřej Král, Jan Louda, Adam Mendrek, Tereza Švábíková. Cycling (7): Ondřej Cink, Adéla Holubová (mountain bikes – cross...

NHL Unveils 2024-25 Schedule with Season Starting in Prague

The National Hockey League revealed its 2024-25 season schedule on Tuesday, with the campaign set to begin October 4-5 with games in Prague before the North American slate starts October 8. The Buffalo Sabres will face the New Jersey Devils in Prague for two games in the NHL Global Series to launch the 1,312-game regular-season schedule. The return of the NHL to Prague after two years was announced on March 12. The last time two games between San Jose and Nashville were played at the O2 Arena was in 2022. The premiere in Prague was in 2008, featuring the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning. Two years later, Boston Bruins faced the Phoenix Coyotes twice at the O2 Arena. In 2019, the Philadelphia Flyers played the Chicago Blackhawks. This year, the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers will also be in Europe, playing in Tampere on November 1 and 2. The first North American contests will be October 8 when the Florida Panthers raise their first Stanley Cup championship banner in a home opener against the Boston Bruins. Other games that night find Utah, the relocated Arizona Coyotes franchise, playing host to the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis at Seattle....

Czech Olympic Uniforms for Opening Ceremony in Paris Revealed

In just a few weeks, Czech Olympians will debut their modern collection at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris. This year, however, their outfits will feature unique details on their coats, shoes, and scarves, which the president of the Czech Olympic Committee, Jiří Kejval, praises highly. “Even in the crowd, no one will miss us. This is what we want to achieve in the heart of Paris, the capital of fashion,” said Kejval. The most striking element of the distinctive and modern collection is a blue and white trench coat, also inspired by the Czech “baloňák” coat, which the head of the Czech Olympic Committee, Jiří Kejval, said in a press release was meant to honour the host country due to the clothing item’s popularity in France. This item was created in collaboration between the Czech Olympic Team, ALPINE PRO, and designer Jan Černý. “My generation may be surprised by the design of the Opening Ceremony collection, but it will be worn mainly by young people who appreciate Jan Černý’s work. If the athletes feel comfortable in the clothes, they will have the confidence needed for their sporting performance, which we are all looking forward to,” added Kejval. The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will take...

Czechs Sweat on Schick’s Availability for Turkey Game

Czech Republic may have to do without key striker Patrik Schick for their decisive last Euro 2024 Group E game against Turkey on Wednesday, coach Ivan Hasek said on the eve of the match. The 28-year-old Schick, who was joint top scorer at Euro 2020, hobbled out of their last match against Georgia in Hamburg on Saturday with a calf injury and has not trained since. “Patrik has been with the physios and doctors for the last two days. He wasn’t training. He’s getting better, but we will see tomorrow,” Hasek told a press conference. “Schick is a key player, one of the best scorers in Europe. But if he’s not able to play, we need to replace him. And we have players who are able to replace him and they are ready and been working hard, added Hasek. Schick´s absence would be a serious blow to Czech hopes of progressing to the last 16. They lost to Portugal and were fortunate to avoid defeat by Georgia to earn a point. That means the Czechs must win on Wednesday to stand any chance of progressing and Hasek said they wanted to play for those squad members who have not yet...

Experience EURO 2024 at Rohan BeerGarden: Craft Beer, Food, and Footbal

As the temperature rises and the breeze warms, it’s the perfect time to relax after work and watch football outdoors with friends over a beer. Rohan BeerGarden understands this well and has set up a large LED screen for sports fans to watch their favorite teams while socializing in the heart of Prague. From June 14th to July 14th, the UEFA EURO 2024, will be in full swing. All matches will be projected on the big screen, and you can get your tickets directly on their website. Today’s program features Germany vs. Hungary at 18:00, followed by Scotland vs. Switzerland at 21:00. Other exciting matches include France and Italy, along with many other top teams. The Czech Republic will play on June 22nd and 26th, so book your tickets fast before they sell out. Tickets cost 100 CZK per person, and you can reserve a seat at any available table on the seating map. The beer selection is vast, including the classic Pilsner, the popular and bitter Radegast 12, and a variety of craft beers from the local Počerňák brewery. Food and snacks will also be available. The beer garden is located near the Invalidovna metro station, by the Libeň...

Prague to Host 2026 Children and Youth Olympics for the First Time

Representatives from Prague and the Czech Olympic Committee (COC) announced on Tuesday that the city will host the Children and Youth Olympics in 2026. This event will be held in the capital for the first time and is expected to attract up to 4,500 young athletes from across the Czech Republic. The opening ceremony will take place at the Slavia Prague football stadium in Vršovice. “Our collaboration with Prague universities will ensure we have the necessary facilities. I am pleased that SK Slavia Praha is also involved, offering its sports facilities for the event,” said Prague Councillor for Education, Sport, and Leisure, Antonín Klecanda. On April 8, the Prague City Council approved the application to host the XII Summer Olympiad of Children and Youth of the Czech Republic in 2026. The event will run from Sunday, June 21, to Friday, June 26, 2026. The first day will include the arrival of teams, accommodation arrangements, and the opening ceremony. The following four days will feature sports competitions, concluding with the closing ceremony on June 25. Teams will depart on the final day. The specific sports disciplines will be finalized after discussions with various sports associations. The opening ceremony will be held...

Portugal vs Czech Republic, the First Game at Euro 2024

Closing the first day of the European Championship will be Portugal, which will face the Czech Republic this evening in the Group F match. The team led by coach Roberto Martinez is ready to respond to the other competitors and wants to prove to be a serious contender for the final victory. Leao is expected to start, with Cristiano Ronaldo favored from the first minute over Gonçalo Ramos. The Czechs want to surprise and rely on Schick. Coach Ivan Hašek’s team will then face Georgia, who are considered outsiders, and Turkey. Portugal and Czechia have got used to meeting at EURO final tournaments; this will be their fourth such encounter since 1996, with the Czechs winning the first 1-0 at EURO ’96 and Portugal prevailing in the other two – 3-1 in 2008 and 1-0 in 2012. Recent tussles would suggest another success for Roberto Martínez’s side given that Portugal have won the last four meetings, keeping clean sheets in the last three. Expert predictions Ondřej Zlámal, Czechia reporter To win this game, the Czechs will need to put in a performance for the ages: great teamwork, tight defending and probably a few solid saves from the goalkeeper. The main...

Formula 1 in Prague: David Coulthard to Drive Red Bull Racing Car

Red Bull Racing has announced that legendary Scottish driver David Coulthard will pilot a Formula 1 car in Prague’s Karlín along Rohanské nábřeží. On Saturday, August 17, the F1 car will be showcased in Prague, and the driver is just as noteworthy. Coulthard is returning to a city he knows well. “I have many friends here and visit Prague more often than my native Scotland. It’s a beautiful city, with great sights, cuisine, and people. I believe we’ll put on a memorable show,” says Coulthard, who last year launched a project in Prague to support women in motorsport. The F1 car, an RB7, dates back to 2011 when Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber won twelve out of eighteen Grands Prix. Vettel became world champion, and Red Bull Racing clinched the Constructors’ Cup. “The RB7 is a 750-horsepower car with a 2.4-litre V8 engine that can reach up to 18,000 rpm, weighs about 650 kilograms, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds,” explains Chris Gregory of the race team. These V8 engines are known for being some of the most exciting in Formula 1 history, unlike the current turbocharged cars. Coulthard, now 53, competed in Formula...

Plan Ahead: L’Étape Czechia Bike Race to Cause Traffic Restrictions on Saturday

The fourth edition of the L’Étape Czech Republic by Tour de France road bike race will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Organizers anticipate up to 3,500 amateur cyclists participating in this year’s event. The race will start at Prague’s Strahov, and cyclists will journey through Beroun, Kladno, Rakovník, and then return to Prague. Due to the race, some roads in Prague and the Central Bohemian Region will have restricted traffic. The race features three routes: the Long route of 130 km starting at 9:30 am, the Medium route of 106 km starting at 10:30 am, and the Short route of 60 km starting at 12:00 pm. The final rider is expected to cross the finish line at Strahov in Prague by 4:00 pm. L’Etape by Tour de France is a global race series under the umbrella of Tour de France, geared towards the cycling public, with competitors both local and global. There will be traffic restrictions in the following streets in Prague: Vaníčkova, Atletická, Skokanská, Tomanova, Bělohorská, Ankarská (Vypich intersection), Karlovarská, Slánská, Drnovská, Na Hůrce, Sobín/Sobínka, Zličín, Hrozenkovská – Strojírenská intersection, Strojírenská, Zličín railway crossing, Strojírenská – Engelmullerova intersection, Makovského – Plzeňská intersection, Plzeňská – Kukulova, Kukulova/Roentgenova intersection,...

Czech Republic Euro 2024 Squad: Who is Ivan Hasek Bringing to Germany?

Which 26 players is Czech Republic head coach Ivan Hasek taking to the 2024 European Championship in Germany? Arguably the surprise package of Euro 2020, where they reached the quarter-finals, the Czech Republic maintained their perfect qualifying record for every Euros since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. They finished second in their qualifying group – and will face Portugal, Turkey and Georgia at Euro 2024 in Germany. Having said that, Czechs did not have the ideal preparation ahead of the Euros in the summer though, as their manager Jaroslav Silhavy resigned after a string of poor performances that nearly cost them a qualifying spot. After that underwhelming qualification, he submitted his resignation and was replaced by Ivan Hasek, who temporarily led the national team in 2009. GOALKEEPERS Although Bayer Leverkusen absolutely flew in the Bundesliga this season under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso, Matej Kovar was largely restricted to the cup goalkeeper role with veteran Lukas Hradecky maintaining the No. 1 spot at BayArena. However, the stopper has a chance of being the No. 1 for his nation. Slavia Prague’s Jindrich Stanek has been the starter for Narodak during recent qualifying matches, though, whilst former Stockport County and Notts County loanee...

Euro 2024: Czechia’s Michal Sadílek Out After Freak Accident

FC Twente and Czechia midfielder Michal Sadílek will not play in the European Championship in Germany after falling off a bike and hurting his leg, the national team’s spokesperson said on Sunday. The 25-year-old featured in the last Euros in 2021. He has played 24 matches for his country and scored one goal. On Friday, Sadílek captained the side and played the full 90 minutes in a 7-1 victory over Malta in a warm-up friendly. “Sadílek unfortunately fell while riding his bike and suffered a laceration in the leg,” the national team’s spokesperson said in a statement. “This is a big setback for us, because Michal is one of our experienced players,” Czech Republic coach Ivan Hasek said. “It was not without reason that he wore the captain’s armband during the match against Malta.” The Czech Republic will play North Macedonia in a friendly on Monday before starting their Euros 2024 campaign against Portugal in Group F on June 18. They were knocked out by Denmark in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

It’s Official: Sparta Prague Will Relocate to Strahov with a New 35,000-Seat Stadium

Sparta Prague football club will leave Letná after over 100 years to build a new home in Strahov by 2035. This move marks a significant change for the club. The General Assembly of the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FAČR) took a major step towards this change. At a meeting in Olomouc, the Association approved Sparta as the winner of an international competition to utilize the dilapidated Evžen Rošický Stadium in Strahov. The club, owned by one of the wealthiest Czechs, Daniel Křetínský, plans to build a new 35,000-seat arena at its own expense. The new arena, set to be the largest in the country, is expected to be completed by 2035. Sparta will gradually pay for the land over 30 years, with an initial payment of CZK 95 million upon signing the contract. AC Sparta Prague’s CEO, Tomas Krivda, discussed the plans for the new stadium more openly in the past year and a half. “The new stadium is crucial for the club’s future. Infrastructure is vital for sustainability and longevity. The new stadium is a huge opportunity for us, especially since last season we had the highest attendance in over 40 years,” Krivda said. The club won...

Czechia Beats Switzerland to Win the 2024 World Championship!

The IIHF men’s World Championship is over, but the party has just begun in Czechia! In front of their home fans in Prague, Czechia won gold at the Worlds for the first time since 2010 in a tightly contested 2-0 win over Switzerland. It is the first time Czechia has won the World Championship on home ice, with the former Czechoslovakia winning in Prague back in 1985. Both nations pulled off upset wins in the semifinal to get to the gold medal game, with Czechia beating Sweden 7-3 and Switzerland eliminating Canada 3-2 in the shootout. Czechia also upset the Americans with a 1-0 quarterfinal victory. This is Switzerland’s first medal at the World Championship since 2018 when the Swiss lost to Sweden in the 2018 gold medal game. The Czechs won their second medal in three tournaments after getting bronze in 2022, their first medal since 2012. Switzerland and Czechia had their fair share of scoring chances in the first two periods of play, with the Czechs outshooting the Swiss 13-7 in the first period before splitting the second period 10 shots apiece. The third period had another layer of intensity and suspense when Czechia’s Ondrej Palat hit Switzerland’s...

Large Screen to Broadcast Hockey World Championship in Old Town Square

Prague is set to transform its historic Old Town Square into a hub of hockey this coming weekend. The city’s municipality has announced plans to install large screens for broadcasting the hockey world championship, delighting fans who will gather to support the Czech national team. Should the Czech team reach the semi-finals, fans will gather in the square on Saturday, May 25, to show their support. And if the team advances to the finals, the event will continue into Sunday, May 26. The initiative received approval from Prague councilors on Monday. Councilor Antonín Klecanda (STAN) announced the news, emphasizing that the municipality has sanctioned public screenings for the semi-finals, finals, and potentially even the bronze medal match if the Czech team qualifies. The city awaits final approval from the International Hockey Federation for broadcasting rights. Should permission be granted, this will mark the first time since 2014 that Old Town Square hosts such a public viewing, reviving a tradition from the last time the Czech Republic hosted the championship. With the schedule set, the semi-finals are on May 25, with matches at 2:20 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. On Sunday, May 26, the third-place match will begin at 3:20 p.m., followed...

Formula 1 Will Return to Prague! World Champion’s Car to Be Displayed

Gear up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for motorsport enthusiasts! The Red Bull Racing Team is bringing the Red Bull Showrun to Prague on August 17th, 2024, a unique motorsport event that showcases the raw power of Formula 1. “When we bring the whole show to a city, it’s usually the first time most spectators see a racing monoplane live. When they first see and hear it up close, they are shocked at how fast and loud it is. And we’re thrilled to bring the Red Bull Showrun to Prague,” Chris Gregory of the Red Bull Racing team said about the upcoming event. “Part of the brief is to go to places which don’t have an F1 touchpoint, somewhere which doesn’t have a race or a market where it’s much harder to actually go a race or get tickets,” explains Gregory. “We want to be connecting with that audience, we want to be showcasing what the sport can do, what the cars can do, and I think that’s really awesome, to be able to facilitate that.” The exact location of the event will be announced soon. Fans can secure their spot in the grandstand for an unforgettable close-up view. Ticket sales...

The 87th Ice Hockey World Championship Kicks Off Today

The 87th Ice Hockey World Championship kicks off in Prague and Ostrava today, May 10, and Czechia will play one of the two opening matches. This year, Czechia is in Group A, which is played in Prague. The Czechs will challenge Austria, Canada, Denmark, Great Britain, Finland, Norway and Switzerland. After nine years, Czechia will again host the Ice Hockey World Championship, bringing 16 top national teams to the center of the action to compete for the title. The organizers are expecting a large turnout of home fans. But it is certain that the fans of foreign teams will not be missing either, whether it is Canada, the United States of America, or the Scandinavian hockey giants, Sweden and Finland. Opening ceremony on Friday 10 May at 20:00 The official start of the 2024 IIHF WM, full of ice hockey history and emotions, will take place 20 minutes before the start of the evening game between Czechia and Finland, in Ostrava before the duel between Slovakia and the United States. “The first part of the opening ceremony consists of a clip accompanied by the voice of world-respected commentator Gord Miller and deals with how ice hockey has evolved over its...

Prague Marathon: Runners Take Over the City, Expect Traffic Delays

The Prague Marathon on May 5th will cause temporary road closures and public transport disruptions. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid delays. The 29th edition of the Prague International Marathon takes place this Sunday, May 5th, impacting traffic flow in the city center. Expect temporary road closures and changes to tram and bus routes throughout the event. The marathon starts at 9:00 am from Old Town Square, with runners traversing a 42.195 km course across various Prague districts. The race concludes around 4:00 pm, with most closures lifted shortly after. Police will manage traffic flow from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, gradually closing and opening streets along the route. Normal traffic resumes outside this timeframe, except for specific areas near construction zones like Pařížská, Old Town Square, and Václavské náměstí. Several streets in Prague 1 will be completely closed, including Edvard Beneš nábřeží, U plovárny, Kosárkovo nábřeží, Jan Palach Square, Malostranské náměstí, Tomášská, and Valdštejnská streets. Similar closures are planned for specific streets in Prague 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8. A full list of affected streets can be found on the official marathon website. A parking ban will be in place along the entire race route on both Saturday...

16,000-Seat Arena to Host Winter Hockey Games Spectacle in Prague

Mark your calendars for a spectacular hockey celebration in Prague this December! As the web portal Hokej.cz reports, from December 5th to 8th, the Letna plain in Prague 7 will transform into a winter hockey showcase, hosting a unique event called the Winter Hockey Games. You can attend a mix of university games, top-tier league clashes, a Slovak league match, and even an exhibition featuring hockey legends. The German DEL league will also join the event. A special arena with a capacity of over 16,000 will be the epicenter of this hockey celebration. “We’re excited to offer Czech fans the chance to witness top-level hockey from three Central European countries,” says Andrea Barsony from the organizing agency Eniva. The event kicks off on Thursday, December 5th, with the Czech and Slovak university teams battling for the Prague Cup. Friday brings an extra-league game between Škoda Plzeň and Motor České Budějovice, followed by a Saturday showdown between Sparta Prague and Kometa Brno. Sunday promises an unforgettable finale: a battle of hockey legends. “Expect high-quality play and intense emotions,” says Barsony, “as traditional rivals face off on the ice.” The organizers are also aiming to bring in some NHL stars. Former Czech...

OKTAGON MMA Take Over 27,000 Seat at Eden Stadium for History Making Event on June 8

Europe’s leading promotion are staging the biggest MMA event in Czech history – OKTAGON 58 – with a record-breaking crowd of over 27,000 set to be in attendance. On Saturday, June 8, fans of the sport all around the world will have their attention firmly fixed on Eden Stadium (the home of Slavia Prague) for a live spectacle like no other! The biggest stars in OKTAGON MMA will compete for ultimate glory and recognition on an absolutely loaded fight card. In the main event, Czech superstar, Karlos Vémola, will collide with Slovak hero, Attila Végh, for ‘The Rematch of the Century’. The popular pair first met inside O2 Arena, Prague, five years ago in what was then the largest event in OKTAGON MMA history. Végh knocked out ‘The Terminator’ just over two minutes into their contest in one of the most shocking finishes ever on the continent. This summer, they will clash once again with the stakes even higher than they were before. Vémola’s light heavyweight title will be up for grabs this time around which Végh is determined to capture in his return to the sport after many years away. In what is likely to be both men’s final...

Slavia Prague Fined 87,000 Euros for Crowd Violence at Europa League Game

Slavia Prague was fined by UEFA 87,000 euros for crowd trouble during a Europa League game against AC Milan. The punishment was for throwing objects, illicit chants, and blocking passageways on March 14 in Prague during the round of 16 second leg. Milan won 3-1 and advanced 7-3 on aggregate. The fans were throwing cups at Milan players and an assistant referee, chanted “UEFA Mafia,” and blocked staircases. Also, Slavia captain Tomáš Holeš received a red card in the 20th minute and was banned for one game in European competitions. Slavia has already been fined 100,000 euros for crowd behavior in the Europa League group stage this season against another Italian club, Roma, in November. That was the biggest fine for the Czech club.   Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

Prague International Marathon Offers a Last Chance for Olympic Qualification

The Prague International Marathon is one of the final opportunities for athletes to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It’s no wonder that the elite start list for the race includes athletes from several countries looking for a chance to qualify for Paris. While everyone is wondering who the men’s and women’s winners will be, this year The Prague International Marathon is about much more, it’s about athletes looking to fulfill their Olympic dream. Among the participants, we will see runners from China, Brazil, Mongolia, Peru, Jordan, Ecuador, and India, as well as from Portugal and Bulgaria. Most of these countries have set the standard at 2:08:10 for men and 2:26:30 for women. A maximum of 3 places are available per country, and it will vary according to existing qualifiers in each, but there will still be places up for grabs! China is sending 2 athletes to Prague, runners from Brazil also have high hopes in Wendell Souza and Grazi Zarri, who will be striving to achieve Olympic qualification (after all, the well-known runner Paulo Paula qualified for the Rio Olympics in Prague Marathon 2016). Grazi Zarri could become the first Brazilian woman to represent her country in the...

How to find an online casino accepting Polish players?

With the rapid advancement of technology and the widespread availability of the internet, the realm of online casinos has flourished, offering a plethora of opportunities for players around the globe to indulge in thrilling gaming experiences. Polish players, much like their counterparts, are on the lookout for reputable platforms that not only provide a secure gaming environment but also cater to their unique preferences and requirements. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key aspects that Polish players consider when selecting an online casino, all while ensuring a seamless and tailored gaming journey. One such crucial element for Polish players is access to a Polish interface and customer service in their native language, ensuring clear communication and support. Additionally, the availability of the Polish złoty (PLN) as a currency option and popular local payment methods like BLIK streamline financial transactions, enhancing convenience and accessibility. Moreover, the inclusion of diverse game selections, including renowned international titles and local favorites like darmowe automaty barowe, ensures a captivating gaming experience that resonates with Polish players’ preferences. Together, let us embark on a journey through the world of online gaming, where Polish players are empowered to explore, indulge, and thrive in a...

Jaromir Jagr Makes Hockey History at 52 Years Old

At 52 years old, the NHL legend is still playing professional hockey. And on Thursday, he became the oldest player to score a goal in a professional league, setting a record that was previously held by Gordie Howe. Jaromir Jagr is playing today for his Rytiri Kladno and is 52 years and 63 days old. Gordie Howe was 52 years and 11 days old when finishing his NHL career. Jagr made his NHL debut in 1990. Let that sink in. In other words, he’s been playing pro hockey for technically 36 years because he was playing in the Czech Republic before the NHL jump. The Pittsburgh Penguins selected Jagr fifth overall in 90′, becoming the first Czech player to be drafted without having to defect to the West. He went on to be a key player for the Pens for 11 seasons, helping them win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992. Jagr played for a ton of teams during his NHL career, though. He also suited up for the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, and Dallas Stars. 😱😱😱 Jaromír Jágr (@jj68jaromirjagr) naskočil po svých 5⃣2⃣. narozeninách do prvního střídání a...

Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe Breaks Course Record to Win Prague Half-Marathon

Kenyan long-distance runner Sebastian Sawe has clinched victory at the Prague Half-Marathon smashing the course record with a sensational time of 58 minutes and 24 seconds. The reigning World Half Marathon champion outpaced a competitive field to secure his triumph improving his personal best and setting a new benchmark in the event’s history. Sawe, 29, entered the race on the back of a seventh-place finish at the recent World Athletics Cross Country Championships. Despite this, he arrived in Prague with confidence, buoyed by a previous personal best of 58:29 from his victory at the 2022 Bahrain Royal Night Half Marathon. His performance in Prague not only surpassed his own expectations but also broke the course record of 58:47 set by Ethiopia’s Atsedu Tsegay. The race saw Sawe taking a decisive lead from his compatriots, Geoffrey Toroitich Kipchumba and Patrick Kabirech Mosin, at the 10km mark. Kipchumba and Mosin, known for their performances in previous marathons, could not match Sawe’s pace, finishing second and third with times of 60:02 and 60:15 respectively, securing a Kenyan 1-2-3 finish. Before the race, Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing committee expressed his anticipation stating to Athletics Weekly. “Every year, star endurance athletes come...

The Prague Half Marathon is Getting Closer! Over 15,000 People Set to Take Part

The anticipation surrounding the 24th edition of the Prague Half Marathon has reached fever pitch, as the city prepares to welcome an impressive cohort of more than 15,000 runners from across the globe. With a new start and finish location, this year’s half marathon, (which is one of the prestigious SuperHalfs) promises to bring a new perspective to the scenic beauty of Prague’s streets. The lineup this year boasts an eclectic mix of participants, each with their own story to tell. It will be run by several well-known personalities, such as the most influential sports influencer of 2023, Lisa Migliorini, aka @thefashionjogger. Martin Fiz, the Spanish marathon world champion from 1995, will also take on one of the most beautiful courses in the world in an attempt to win all six SuperHalfs races in the 60+ category. In addition, Slovak national Maroš Kudlík, known as @marosh_the_spartan will be taking part. Maros is a runner who has beaten cancer three times, and only has one leg. Participants can also take part in the vibrant Running EXPO which offers an immersive experience with cutting-edge gear, nutrition essentials, and running innovations. This year, more than half of the participants, comprising 115 nationalities, are...

Czech Football Coach Gets Record Eight-Month Punishment for Racism

Petr Rada, the coach of Prague Dukla (the second league), has been given a record eight-month sentence by the disciplinary committee for a racist insult. In addition, he will pay a fine of CZK 80,000. Rada, who used to coach the Czech national football team, cannot attend Dukla’s matches until the end of the autumn season. The unprecedented punishment comes in response to Rada’s racist remarks during the second league match against Zbrojovka Brno, in which he called Zbrojovka’s coach Tomáš Polach a “desperate gypsy” (“ty zoufalej cikáne”). Rada joined Jablonec as manager in October 2003 and led the team to the final of the 2006–07 Czech Cup, where they lost against Sparta Prague. After nearly four years at the club, Rada decided to leave the club in 2007. In 2009, he was sacked as coach of the Czech Republic national team and returned to coaching in 2010 as the new coach of FC Slovan Liberec. In June 2011, it was announced he was returning to coach FK Teplice for his third spell. Rada became manager of Slavia Prague in 2012. He left Slavia in April 2013 with the club in eighth place in the league, with five matches of...

Czech Breaks World Record for Fastest Barefoot Half Marathon Run on Ice

Josef Šálek is the proud new Guinness World Record holder for the fastest half marathon completed barefoot on ice/snow, a feat he accomplished in 1:50:42 clad in nothing but a pair of short tights and an ecstatic grin. The Czech therapist, lecturer, and personal development coach bested the previous record of 2:16:34 set by Dutch runner Wim ‘The Iceman’ Hof in 2007. It’s not his first world record either. In 2023, the fitness enthusiast proved his extreme abdominal strength by holding a plank for 9 hours, 38 minutes, and 47 seconds, besting the previous record by more than eight minutes. The new record for the fastest barefoot half marathon on ice was set on an open circuit in a valley near the highest mountain in Czechia, measured by a professional surveyor. Technically, Šálek’s preparation for the record began back in 2013, before he even became a runner. He started hosting workshops where he would walk barefoot over hot coals and glass shards. “I needed to show people how to manage their fears and lack of self-confidence in practice,” he wrote on his website. Then in 2017, after going through a breakup and struggling with unhealthy eating and alcohol and cigarette...

NHL Global Series Returns to Prague on October 4-5

The Buffalo Sabers and New Jersey Devils will play two matches at the O2 Arena on Oct. 4 and 5, marking the start of the 2024/2025 regular season. The last NHL games in Prague took place in October 2022, featuring the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators. Previously, the O2 Arena has hosted legendary teams like the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes (now Arizona Coyotes), Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks. Tickets start at CZK 1,990 and go on sale March 21. This upcoming series promises an exciting showcase of talent, potentially including several Czech players. Forward Ondrej Palat, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning, will be a crowd favorite on the New Jersey Devils. Joining him on the Devils is fellow Czech, Tomas Nosek, although his contract ends after the season. The Buffalo Sabres roster boasts young Czech forwards Lukas Rousek and Jiri Kulich. Palat expressed his enthusiasm: “Seeing how much playing in Stockholm meant to my friend Victor Hedman made me imagine how special it would be to play in the NHL here in the Czech Republic, surrounded by family and friends. This dream is finally coming true, and I...

Sparta Prague to Face Liverpool in Last 16 of Europa League

Sparta Prague are to meet Liverpool in the Europa League last 16 after the draw took place on Friday morning, following the final matches of the play-off round. Jurgen Klopp‘s side earned their place in the last 16 having finished top of their group by a single point, leaving Toulouse, Union SG, and LASK to occupy the spots below them. This will be the second time the two sides have faced one another in the Europa League, with their last tie in 2011 seeing the Reds emerge as 1-0 victors, on aggregate, in the round of 32. Slavia Prague has been pitted instead against AC Milan. Milan booked their place in the next round of the competition with a 5-3 aggregate win over a Rennes side who have been on a real resurgence recently, winning every game in 2024 except the first leg at San Siro. The Rossoneri won 3-0 at home to make things seemingly a formality for the return game in Brittany, but in the end they were made to sweat a bit as they went behind three times and ended up losing 3-2. When are the Europa League last-16 ties? The first legs are scheduled to take...

Prague Raptors Academy Opens Doors for FREE Until the End of 2024

Calling all girls under 15 and 18! Join the Prague Raptors Football Academy for FREE until the end of 2024! The Prague Raptors Football Academy, part of the Prague Raptors Football Club, is seeking new members for its girls’ football teams. Girls under 15 and under 18 are welcome to join and play for free until the end of the year. Founded in 2017, the Raptors Football Club launched its highly successful kids’ football academy in spring 2022. The academy, a standalone unit, offers twice-weekly sessions for boys and girls, separated by age and divided into three categories: under 9, under 11, under 15, and under 18. Girls teams only into U11, U15, and U18. Additionally, international schools like PBIS, ISP, and Park Lane have incorporated Raptor-led football sessions into their after-school activities. And if that’s not enough, join the exciting Raptors Summer Camp in July and August! Academy head Jan Veselý, a lifelong football enthusiast since his 4th birthday, began his playing career in Liberec before moving to football powerhouse England at 15. While he didn’t follow the traditional professional path, he successfully carved his own niche in the sport. “Amateur and semi-professional football are the heart of the...

Czech Team Scraps Friendly After Top Slovak Football Club Plays Russians

Slavia Praha football club has pulled out of a friendly match against current Slovak league champions Slovan Bratislava after the latter played a game against a Russian club. Slavia Praha were due to face Slovan, but backed out when they decides to play Dinamo Moscow in a game arranged as part of a training camp in Qatar this month. Slovan lost the game 2-1. The move drew criticism, including in Ukraine where Ukrainian football teams called on Slovan to not go ahead with the match. Taking to social media, FC Karpaty Lviv posted a photo of a stadium hit by Russian rockets. But speaking to the Denník N daily, club owner and business tycoon Ivan Kmotrík defended the decision. He said: “Who should we have played when Dinamo was there as well? We wanted an equal rival, we could have played against Zlaté Moravce at home.” Zlaté Moravce are bottom of the Niké Liga, the top division in the country’s league. However, when Slavia Praha announced they would not play the match, it was FC ViOn Zlaté Moravce that stepped up and offered to play them instead. The match between the two is set to be played in early February...

INTERVIEW: Carlo Capalbo, the Game Changer

Running as an activity, says Carlo Capalbo, will never die. As a sport, however, he believes it is facing big challenges. That’s what keeps him up at night. The passionate Neapolitan has long found himself under running’s spell and is now a key figure in the world of road racing. He is the founder and head of RunCzech, a Prague-based organization which organizes and stages a range of major international running events but also, under Capalbo’s motto of “All Runners are Beautiful”, aims to connect and grow running communities. It’s that key element of connection where he believes the real issue lies. His chief concern is that there is nothing of substance tying the recreational participant in the pack to the elite athlete on the front line. “In the long term, if we fail to bring the front of the race closer to the back of the race, we risk losing the masses,” he says. “We lose the spectators, but as a consequence we also lose the fans who then want to take part in the races. If we fail to bring champions closer to amateur runners and communities, we risk the interest in endurance sport disappearing.” Capalbo is less...

Top 2024 Sports Events in the Czech Republic You Can’t Miss

J. T. Boe, Lisa Vitozzi or Connor McDavid are just a small taste of the list of famous names you can look forward to this year on Czech sports circuits. Fans of skiing, ice hockey, athletics or water sports will all find something to look forward to, which includes top motor races and world cyclo-cross events. Biathlon World Championships: The white trail leads to Czechia The Biathlon World Championships will return to Czechia after eleven years. The modernised Vysočina Arena in Nové Město na Moravě with a capacity of just under thirty thousand spectators will welcome top world biathlon athletes from 7 to 18 February. The current World Cup rankings will determine the numbers of competitors for individual countries. This means spectators can look forward to leading biathlon stars – J. T. Boe and Johannes Dale-Skjevdal  from Norway, the French Braisaz-Bouchet, Vitozzi from Italy and more. Despite the great interest of sports fans, there are still tickets available. And you can visit interesting places in Vysočina or the nearby city of Brno to fill in the time between races.   Tábor: The Mecca of Czech cyclo-cross will be hosting the prestigious World Cup The Mecca of Czech cyclo-cross, the picturesque historic town of Tábor...

Ivan Hašek to Coach Czech Republic at Euro 2024

Ivan Hašek returns for a second stint to coach the Czech national team at Euro 2024, the Czech Football Association (FACR) said today. Hasek replaces Jaroslav Silhavy, who quit in November after the Czechs had secured automatic qualification for Euro 2024 with a second-place finish behind Albania in Group E. “The FACR’s Executive Committee unequivocally approved the appointment of Ivan Hasek as the head coach of the Czech national team,” FACR chairman Petr Fousek told reporters. Hašek will sign up until the end of the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign in November 2025. “It’s a great honour to lead the Czech national team, because it’s the top of the career for any coach,” Hasek said. “We’re meeting the analytical team tomorrow to divide the work. On Sunday we are going to Hamburg to see our (Euro 2024) camp,” he added. The 60-year-old Hasek played for Sparta Prague before joining Strasbourg in 1990-1994 and then moving to Japan to play for Hiroshima in 1994-1995 and Ichihara in 1995-1996. He scored five goals in 56 games for the then Czechoslovakia and its successor the Czech Republic. Hašek also led Czechoslovakia as captain to the World Cup quarter-finals in Italy in 1990. As a...

Prague Launches Annual Sports Week

Prague has launched the Sports Week (Týden sportu zdarma) project under which residents have free access to sports facilities. Headed by the Mayor of Prague Bohuslav Svoboda, city authorities noted that residents can choose different offers from sports clubs and venues that will be available in the last week of the year. Among the disciplines traditionally available are badminton, squash, beach volleyball, floorball, big and table tennis, football, swimming, fitness, climbing, hockey and others. Councilor for Education and sports noted that “Prague has prepared a small Christmas present for all sports enthusiasts in the form of a week of sports in all kinds of sports venues, completely free of charge.” He pointed out that it offers an opportunity to try a new sport, get back in shape after Christmas feasts and be more physically active, calling on the residents to take advantage of the offers. More than 30 sports venues have registered for the project thus far, with city authorities stressing that more venues can still apply. Last year, 47 venues took part in the project and allowed residents to try out more than 60 sports. Prague stressed that tens of thousands of residents took advantage of the offers in recent...

Czech Republic’s Longest Ski Slope Unveiled in Dolní Morava

On December 8th, the Dolní Morava mountain resort, nestled in the picturesque village of the same name in the Pardubice region, marked a milestone by unveiling the longest ski run in the country. Stretching an impressive 3.7 kilometres, this newly inaugurated slope promises a unique experience for winter sports enthusiasts. Connecting the mountain’s summit, Slamník, with the lower section of the U Slona resort, the trail’s expansion involved both lengthening and widening the pre-existing slope, a cherished resource for skiers since 2018. Boasting a unique altitude difference from 1,232 metres to 666 metres above sea level, guests can anticipate an extraordinary skiing adventure. Emphasizing safety as a top priority, Martin Palan, the general manager of the resort, assured that the piste is at least 25 metres wide, clearly visible, and equipped with all necessary safety features. “Dolní Morava aims to provide skiers with a diverse winter experience, offering a total of 10.4 kilometres of interconnected pistes with various difficulty levels throughout the upcoming winter season,” commented Palan. As winter sports enthusiasts prepare to conquer the extended slopes, the Dolní Morava mountain resort emerges as a prime destination for those seeking a thrilling and safe skiing escapade.        

Czech Manager Quits After Qualifying for Euro 2024 as Three Players Banished Amid Scandal

Czech Republic manager Jaroslav Silhavy sensationally announced his resignation just minutes after qualifying for Euro 2024. The Czechs beat Moldova 3-0 in Olomouc on Monday to book their ticket to Germany, but the match was marred by Silhavy’s decision to send three players home for ‘breaking internal rules’ in the lead-up to the game. West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal, Aris defender Jakub Brabec and Sparta Prague forward Jan Kuchta were all axed after they’d been spotted in a nightclub on Saturday. Silhavy, 62, had been in charge of the Czech Republic for more than five years but won’t lead his nation at the Euros next summer. The former Slavia Prague boss was heavily criticised throughout qualification, as his side routinely struggled to beat supposed weaker opposition and failed to play an attractive style of football. “Even though we are happy now, we had already decided before the game not to continue,” Silhavy stunningly revealed post-match. “I informed the president [of the Czech Republic football association] Petr Fouska about it. The pressure was already enormous – sometimes I didn’t even understand it. This also contributed to our decision.” The 62-year-old later added: “It’s not just about me, but I have the entire...

Three Czechs Sent Home After Night Club Trip Ahead Of Euro Qualifier

Three players have been sent home from the Czech national soccer squad, one day before a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier.  Vladimir Coufal as well as sweeper Jakub Brabec from Greek side Aris Thessaloniki and Sparta Prague striker Jan Kuchta were sent home after being caught in a night club ahead of their final Euro 2024 qualifier against Moldova, the team said on Sunday. The three players “fundamentally violated the internal rules on Saturday night”, the national team said on X (formerly Twitter). “They have left the national team camp with immediate effect,” it added. The website of the DNES broadsheet said the three players were caught in a nightclub in the central city of Olomouc where the team will take on Moldova on Monday. It said a photo taken in the nightclub depicted the three alongside Tomas Neumann, a member of the Czech Football Association’s executive committee. The Czechs need at least a point from the Moldova game in Group E to qualify for the tournament in Germany next year.

Czech Football Club Claims Record With 16 Booked At Once

A Czech football club playing in the lowest division has made the sports pages across the country after 16 of its players were booked at the same time last weekend. TJ Sokol Upohlavy’s players decided to make a splash as they were trailing TJ Sokol Libochovany 6-0 in their game in the lowest district tier last Saturday. When Martin Blizil scored to make it 6-1 in the 82nd minute, all 11 of the team’s players on the pitch took off their shirts in celebration — a deed punishable by a yellow card. Five substitutes came off the bench to celebrate with them, also taking off their shirts and earning a booking. “The last game didn’t really go our way, but our players maybe set a world record,” the team said on Facebook after losing the game 6-2 in the end. “When you underperform, what’s left is a sense of humour,” it added. The referee did not book each player individually — also because with the players’ shirts off, he could not see the numbers. But he did enter the bookings in the match report. The transcript, with a yellow rectangle next to each Upohlavy player’s name, has since gone viral on...

Slavia Prague, Severe Clashes in Rome: Six Policemen Injured and Four Arrested

Six policemen were injured, and four Czech ultras were arrested during the events surrounding Slavia Prague’s away match in Rome, which took place in the Europa League against Roma. The incidents unfolded in the Via Cavour area, near the Viminale police station. A spontaneous gathering of fans in the Colosseum area was disrupted, with ten fans separated from the main group, which was subsequently loaded onto buses bound for the Stadio Olimpico. The situation escalated with the use of firecrackers and paper bombs, resulting in injuries to police officers who intervened to control the situation. One officer sustained a serious eye injury and was hospitalized, while the injuries to other officers were minor. In another incident at the Duca d’Aosta Bridge around 8 pm, a Roma fan stabbed a Slavia Braga fan in the buttocks. Brawls also occurred at the turnstiles, where Czech fans attacked and robbed the hosts, displaying stolen items in the away sector. Additionally, a Roma Toscolano banner was taken by a Czech fan at Monte Mario and passed to others in the away sector. Reports of a stabbing involving a Czech fan had circulated in Telegram chats before the match, where ultras gather. Rome Police Headquarters...

October 26: World Rally Championship Makes Historic Debut in the Czech Republic!”

While rounds of the World Rally Championship have crossed borders in the past, the Central European Rally is the first to include stages in three countries – Austria, Czech Republic and Germany – during the same event. And with the Czech Republic having never hosted the WRC before, another notable first will be achieved. The innovative event is the culmination of an extensive collaboration between the Austrian Motorsport Federation (AMF), the Autoklub České Republiky (ACCR) and the Allgemeiner Deutsche Automobil-Club (ADAC). Based in Passau, southern Germany, the route takes crews north to Velká Chuchle (north of Prague) on Thursday October 26 for the ceremonial start and the opening superspecial stage at the Czech capital’s Chuchle Arena horseracing venue. The after-sunset 8.92-kilometre Circuit of Klatovy stage provides an action-packed stop on the route back south to Germany. The rally returns to the Czech Republic on Friday for three stages run first in the morning and then again in the afternoon. Two stages in Austria, Schärdinger Innviertel and Mühltal, are up first on Saturday with the 27.15-kilometre Mühltal test the rally’s longest. It’s then back into Germany for the Knaus Tabbert Bayerischer Wald test prior to midday service in Passau. Saturday morning’s...

Czechia Beat Sweden to Win First-Ever Beach Volleyball World Championships!

Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner made history for Czech beach volleyball on Sunday, taking the country to the top of the world for the first time with their incredible victory at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. The ten-day competition came to an end for the men in great style, with thousands of Mexican fans witnessing the Czechs overcome Sweden’s David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig in a fantastic three-set (21-15, 17-21, 15-13) battle at the Tlaxcala Bullring. Poland’s Michal Bryl and Bartosz Łosiak took bronze. Now undoubtedly the most accomplished team in Czech beach volleyball history, Perusic and Schweiner secured the biggest win in their careers in a season that had already been very successful for the two, who won Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour gold medals in Elite16 events in Uberlândia and Paris, this one in the last event before the World Championships. The world title also basically guarantees the presence of Perusic and Schweiner in the Paris 2024 Games as they have earned Czechia a spot at next year’s Olympics, which will very likely be occupied by them. That would be the second Olympic appearance for the two, who are partners since 2016. Their victory also highlights...

RunCzech Opened Registration for 2024 Season

Lovers of sports and a healthy lifestyle should get their hands on the calendar. RunCzech has opened registrations for next year’s most prestigious running events. The 2024 season will traditionally kick off with the world-famous Prague Half Marathon (April 6) and Prague International Marathon (May 5). “We were very pleased to hear the words of praise from people from the World and European Athletics, professional runners, enthusiasts and fans. They let us know loud and clear that they enjoyed our runs and they look forward to next year,” said Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech Organising Committee, whose races have been awarded with the World Athletics Elite Label Race. Beautiful cities, spectacular and fast routes, professional organisation and an unforgettable atmosphere. These are the reasons why RunCzech races are loved everywhere in the world. This year, tens of thousands of runners of all ages and performance categories have already participated in the races across the Czech Republic. And the Mattoni Liberec Nature Run is yet to take place on September 30th. Indeed, the Prague Half Marathon and the Prague International Marathon were the most popular races. They have also been highly acknowledged by the Czech President Petr Pavel who has...

Jaromir Jagr announces He’ll Return for Age-51 Season in Czech Pro League

Jaromir Jagr ain’t ever leaving. In a Saturday morning Facebook post, the 51-year-old future Hockey Hall of Famer heavily alluded that he intended to play yet another year for the Czechia professional team he owns, the Rytiri Kladno Knights “Another hockey season has begun. I just read that I played extraliga for Kladno for the first time 35 years ago. It’s been a minute,” Jagr said in the post via Google Translate. “But the nervousness, the anticipation before the start… This is still the same.” The 2023-24 season will mark the seventh straight season Jagr will play for Kladno — a franchise he’s owned since the 2011-12 season. Jagr, who first suited up for Kladno in 1988-89, recorded 14 points in 26 games with the Knights last season. Since re-joining his hometown team, Jagr has helped Kladno avoid relegation to the second-tier Czechia league and avoid bankruptcy. “I would never have been a hockey player if it was not for this town and this club,” Jagr told The New York Times back in February. “I would be a totally different person. This club and this city made my life. It’s my responsibility to give it back.” Jagr, one of the...

Czech Club Sign 22-Year-Old Who Never Played Football After His Father Paid CZK 500,000

His only previous experience of football has been playing FIFA.  FK Usti nad Labem, who play in the third tier of the Czech footballing pyramid, have signed Martin Podhajský to play for the club. Podhajský is a law student who works for Viagem, the real estate company of club president Pemysl Kuban. His only previous experience of football is playing FIFA but he’ll now have the chance to play in real life after officially registering with the Football Association of the Czech Republic. The plan is for the youngster to play 10 minutes however he will begin training with the team first before he makes his debut, which is expected to be in spring time. In order to sweeten the deal, Podhajsky’s father paid the club CZK 500,000 to convince Usti to sign him. He is expected to replace captain Jakub Mares and play ten minutes as a striker, with all funds going towards sponsorship. “He has never played football,” president Kuban revealed. “Only FIFA from what I know. However, you don’t just see CZK 500,000 rolling on the floor every day. If someone gives me this type of money, I’ll let anyone play. “He said himself that he would...

Czechia to Host Euro 2024 Qualifying Match Ukraine vs. North Macedonia

The Euro 2024 qualifying match between Ukraine and North Macedonia will take place in the Czech Republic. Ukrainian team’s head coach, Serhiy Rebrov, announced this on Saturday, September 9. The match is scheduled for October 14 (Saturday). Rebrov did not specify the Czech city where it will occur, and the Football Association of Ukraine has not yet made an official announcement. However, in August, Slavia Prague offered Ukraine a free qualifying match at its stadium in Vršovice. Most likely, the game will take place there. “The Ukrainian national team asked our partners to host their qualifying match somewhere. We offered our stadium with the condition that if they choose it, we will provide a full set of services absolutely free of charge. This means we will provide training sessions and the match itself. When the Czech national team plays, the rental cost is usually around 2.5 million crowns. By providing Ukraine with free rent, we want to assist this country,” said Slavia chairman of the board, Jaroslav Tvrdik, earlier. The Eden Arena (Fortuna Arena) is currently the most modern soccer arena in the Czech Republic. It was constructed in 2008 and can accommodate 19,370 spectators, with all seats under a...

Kicking Goals and Pursuing Passions: Meet Tristan Corneil

Today, Prague Morning explores the experiences of Tristan Corneil, a Canadian female football player who signed a contract with the Sparta football club in Prague. This article tells the story of an overseas expat who fell in love with Prague’s slow lifestyle while looking for career opportunities. Growing up in a family deeply involved in sports, Tristan had to make a significant choice. Her brother was a national volleyball player, her parents excelled in university-level sports, and her sister shared the same passion. However, Tristan’s height, 171 and a half centimeters did not meet the typical requirements for volleyball or basketball. Considering these factors, football appeared to be the ideal passion to pursue. Tristan moved abroad for her football career due to limited opportunities for professional women’s football in Canada. The United States has a more developed landscape, with leagues like the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) providing a platform for female athletes. However, even in the US, it can still be challenging for a female athlete to find a real professional path. “…In the US, you can only play female football at a semi-professional level, which is definitely not enough to make a living and pursue your passion year-round…”...

Countdown to Eurobaseball 2023 in Czechia: It Starts on September 24!

The Baseball European Championship will take place from September 24th to October 1st, 2023, and will welcome the best European baseball teams. It will be hosted by Czech cities Ostrava, Brno, Prague, Třebíč, and Blansko. The tournament will feature the European baseball elite, including the reigning European champions from the Netherlands and the last finalists, the Italian team. The rosters are not yet known but we believe they will be filled with prominent names and stars from Major League Baseball, such as Sharlon Schoop, Jurickson Profar, and Vinnie Pasquantino. The sixteen participants of Eurobaseball 2023 are divided into four performance pools. Pool A in Ostrava: Spain, Austria, Czechia, and Greece Pool B in Třebíč: Italy, Sweden, Great Britain, and Hungary Pool C in Brno: The Netherlands,  Ukraine, Croatia, and France Poll D in Prague: Israel, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland The Czech Republic is hosting the championship for the third time in its history (2005, 2014).   For the first time in its history, the complete Baseball European Championship will be available for streaming on the OTT platform powered by Staylive. Staylive AB, a Spring Media Company, is the leader in live sports streaming technology, delivering in excess of 400 live...

Expat Next Door: Kiyani Johnson’s Football Passion and Cultural Experience in Prague

Recently, Prague Morning had the pleasure to meet Kiyani Johnson, a talented football player whose athletics journey took her from her early years on the field to the vibrant city of Prague. Like many expats, Kiyani’s story is one of passion, cultural discovery, and the pursuit of her dreams. Now, her journey is in Prague thanks to Sparta Prague Football Club, where Kiyani is happy to have her contract. Kiyani’s connection to football began at a young age, and it quickly became a significant part of her life. But what fueled her journey to becoming a professional football player? We sat down with Kiyani to learn about her background and the role her family played in shaping her career. Kiyani’s journey from her native Canada to Prague was marked by significant cultural and lifestyle differences. “So I would say we don’t actually currently have a professional women’s football league in Canada,” she explains. “A lot of players go overseas to play either in America or they cross over to Europe.” In Prague, Kiyani discovered a new level of passion for the sport. “I feel like there’s a lot more passion because there’s history to a lot of the clubs here...

Birell Grand Prix Prague Promises a High-Speed Race

Anyone who wants to enjoy a sporting performance combined with a spectacular experience in the center of the Czech capital should make time on the evening of 2 September when the 26th edition of the Birell Prague Grand Prix is to take place. A magical evening atmosphere, thousands of excited runners and fans, and a spectacular experience are what you can expect during the Birell Grand Prix Prague 2023. Female runners are to start in the adidas Women’s 5 km Race at 18:00, followed by the Birell 10k Race at 19:30. Both races are to start and finish at náměstí Republiky. Several leading distance runners have confirmed their participation, among them twenty-one-year-old Ethiopian, Tadese Worku. Worku is one of the few athletes to break the 27-minute barrier over 10km with a time of 26:56. Kenyan Alexander Mutiso, who dominated the Prague International Marathon with a record time this year (2:05:09), and Belgian 10km record holder Simon Debognies will be joining Tadese in the battle for the podium. The last name to join and compete for the podium is Ugandan Isaac Kibet. Seven international RunCzech Racing athletes will participate in the Birell 10k Race – six men and one woman. Damián...

Birell Prague Grand Prix 2024 to Take Place on September 7th

27th anniversary will mark this year’s Birell Prague Grand Prix on September 2nd. Thousands of runners and spectators of all ages, genders, and sizes will enjoy the magical atmosphere of Prague at sunset. The evening will start with a treat for all female runners – adidas Women’s Race 5km. The race begins at 18:00 in the center of Prague. Women can also sign up for the adidas Women’s Race 5km – pairs. The main event, Birell 10K Race, will occur the same day at 19:30 when runners can enjoy an equally fast course. Double the course, double the fun! It also includes a Team Run for women, men, and mixed teams. In addition to the aforementioned races, fans can look forward to a rich accompanying program. Limited starting numbers are still available. Run for a good cause with RunCzech RunCzech is committed to collaborating with charitable organizations to drive attention to essential causes. This year’s partner of the adidas Run for Women is the Beauty of Help Foundation, founded by Tat’ána Kuchařová. The Journey to the Dream is then connected with the second race, the Birell Run for 10 km. Runners can also purchase the entry fee directly through these...

Prague Welcomes Spectacular New Winter Stadium

This September, Prague will see the official inauguration of a new winter stadium. Located in Opatov (Prague 11), the Ice Aréna Kateřinky is the latest addition to Czech winter stadiums. Ten have been built in the country since 2016. Ice Aréna Kateřinky consists of two ice rinks. One is intended for hockey and ice skating, while the other is for curling. Additionally, the stadium has an outdoor field where visitors can enjoy sports such as tennis. The stadium also has a restaurant. Although Ice Aréna Kateřinky still awaits its official opening, it is currently in its trial period. This means it can be used by the public on the weekends, as well as by ice hockey players upon reservation. The trial period commenced in late July when the stadium was used for the first time by the Czech under-18 national team as a part of the World Selects Invitational tournament. However, the building of Ice Aréna Kateřinky was not without its difficulties. It was a process that lasted for almost ten years. The stadium was first discussed in 2014 by private investors and was backed by the city, which provided the land. The municipality joined the project at one point...

Russian Player Denied Entry for Prague WTA Event

The Czech Republic government approved a resolution at the end of June banning athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing in events on Czech territory. Czech police stopped a Russian tennis player from entering the country ahead of the WTA Prague Open tournament, organizers said on Friday, July 28. A new government resolution bans athletes from Russia or Belarus caused the event to scratch other competitors. The tournament’s organisers did not disclose the player’s name but three Russians were due to participate: Diana Maximovna Shnaider, Polina Kudermetova, and Erika Aleksandrovna Andreeva. The Prague Open starts on Monday, July 31, and was expected to see a handful of Russian and Belarusian players, including Evgeniya Rodina of Russia or Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus, competing as neutrals, without any national flag or symbol. But the government approved a resolution at the end of June banning athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing in events on Czech territory, allowing police to revoke visas to those nationals. Tournament director Miroslav Maly said police had stopped one Prague Open participant from entering the country on Thursday and organizers informed other Russian and Belarusian nationals not to travel for the tournament after the incident. Last week, Russian tennis player Vera Zvonareva was banned from entering Poland for a...

Seven Scenic Cycling Routes Across the Czech Republic

Summer is a fantastic time for cyclists, particularly when new cycling routes are being created throughout the Czech Republic. These paths lead to picturesque places and are gaining popularity, encouraging more people to ride their bikes. Among the many favorite cycling paths, we have carefully selected seven well-tested and popular ones for you to explore. The Elbe River Trail: Consistently ranked among the most popular cycling routes, the Elbe River Trail is a diverse long-distance path in Europe. It forms a part of the EuroVelo 4 and EuroVelo 7 European cycling routes and spans 1300 kilometers from the source of the Elbe River to the North Sea. If you prefer to stay within the Czech borders, there is a 370-kilometer section of the trail passing through Hradec Králové, Pardubice, Central Bohemia, and Ústí nad Labem. The entire Elbe River Trail offers countless sections to explore. One of the most beloved segments is the 150-kilometer route from Prague to Českosaské Švýcarsko (Czech-Saxon Switzerland), taking you through Mělník, Litoměřice, Ústí nad Labem, and concluding in Děčín. It’s an ideal option for an extended weekend trip. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore various landmarks and points of interest, such as...

U19 Football Tournament CEE Cup to Start on Friday, July 28

The Brazilians and the English are slowly packing their bags to come over to Prague, the Czech teams are addressing the last question-marks in the composition of their teams. There is only one week left until the kick-off of the eleventh edition of the CEE Cup, the most important domestic youth tournament for under-19 footballers. The first match on Friday, July 28, at 15:00 at Sparta’s Strahov Training Centre will offer a spicy fight between the home team and West Ham United, with which it is connected by common ownership ties. All teams will stay at the Don Giovanni hotel on the border between Žižkov and Vinohrady, and in between matches they will train at the Sparta and Slavia training centres. “We don’t organize any accompanying program for them, but on their free day, they usually go to the city centre for dinner. Meetings with representatives of the various Embassies are also planned,” says the tournament director, Roberto De Blasio. From Prague, Flamengo will continue on to the next tournament in Zagreb, Croatia, Palmeiras will head to Obendorf, Germany. Scouts of Juventus, Manchester United or Manchester City and other foreign clubs have signed up to come for the Prague-based tournament....

Czech Republic’s Markéta Vondroušová Wins Wimbledon Women’s Title

Marketa Vondroušová has become the first unseeded player to win the Wimbledon women’s singles title after beating sixth seed Ons Jabeur 6-4 6-4 in the final. The unseeded 24-year-old from the Czech Republic succeeded where so many have failed this tournament — she broke Jabeur’s serve, again and again. That’s what has made her Wimbledon champion, four years after she lost the French Open final as a 19-year-old. Going into the match the Tunisian had won 90 per cent of her service games. In the final, she only won 40 per cent (four out of 10). Vondroušová’s returning was just too much for Jabeur, who was aiming to become the first north African and first Arabic player to win a grand-slam title. Now, she joins a decorated group of Czech-born players to win Wimbledon: Martina Navratilova, Jana Novotna and Petra Kvitova. Vondrousova, ranked No 42, beat American Peyton Stearns (6-2, 7-5), Russian Veronika Kudermetova, the No 12 seed (6-3, 6-3), Croat Donna Vekic, the No 20 seed (6-1, 7-5), No 32 seed Marie Bouzkova (2-6, 6-4, 6-3), American Jessica Pegula, the No 4 seed (6-4, 2-6, 6-4) and Ukrainian wildcard Elina Svitolina (6-3, 6-3) earlier in the tournament. Former champions...

History is Made! Markéta Vondroušová Reaches First Wimbledon Final

Markéta Vondroušová reached her first Wimbledon final after a scintillating performance against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, winning 6-3 6-3 in just an hour and 14 minutes. The 24-year-old Czech star is just the fifth unseeded woman in the Open Era to reach the Wimbledon final and her exquisitely varied game was too much for Svitolina to handle. It was an inspired performance from Vondroušová, who rose to the occasion on Centre Court and got the better of her opponent with a potent mix of speed, spin and power to reach the second grand slam final of her career. There was to be no fairytale ending to Svitolina’s dream run in SW19, but the Ukrainian will undoubtedly leave with her head held high after inspiring her compatriots all over the world. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại bóng đágiải ngoại hạng anhSeagametap chi bong da the gioitin bong da lutrận đấu...

Czechs Ban All Russian Athletes From Local Competitions

The Czech government said late on Wednesday it had banned all athletes representing Russia from taking part in local competitions as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continued. The government said it banned “the participation of individual athletes and sports teams representing the Russian Federation in sports competitions and games organised on Czech soil”. At the same time, athletes and teams representing the Czech Republic must not take part in competitions held in Russia, it added in a statement. The decision was taken at the request of Czech sports associations. Previously, Czech ice hockey players playing in the Russian-based Kontinental Hockey League could not play for the Czech national team, for instance. But the current ban applies to all sports and all athletes competing under the Russian and Czech flags, respectively. There was no information as to whether the move also concerns Belarusian athletes. The Czech Olympic Committee said earlier this year it was against Russian and Belarusian athletes competing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris under a neutral flag. An EU and NATO member of 10.8 million people, the Czech Republic has provided Ukraine with substantial military and humanitarian aid since the Russian invasion started in February 2022. xosotin...

Ice Hockey World Cup in Czechia: Final Composition of Groups Confirmed

The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Host Organizing Committee have released the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship groups. Composition of groups confirmed The groups for Prague and Ostrava are based on the World Ranking taking into consideration organizational wishes by the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Organizing Committee. Host Czechia will play Canada – the defending champion, Finland, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Austria and Great Britain in Group A in Prague. Ostrava will host Group B that includes the USA, Germany, Sweden, Slovakia, Latvia, France, Kazakhstan and Poland. Poland is returning to the elite after 22 years: “Poles are big sports enthusiasts so we believe that they will not miss this historic event for Polish ice hockey,” says Jan Černý. Group A – Prague Canada Finland Switzerland Czechia Denmark Norway Austria Great Britain Group B – Ostrava USA Germany Sweden Slovakia Latvia France Kazakhstan Poland Ticket sales will start in autumn The 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship tickets will go on sale in October. As in the past, only daily ticket packages for two or three games on the particular game day in Prague or Ostrava will be available from...

The Magic of Quadball and the Prague Pegasus

Based on the popular fictional game of quidditch, as developed by J.K. Rowling for the world of Harry Potter, quadball is a real-life sport that has been gaining in popularity in the past decade. A mixture of rugby, dodgeball, and handball, it is a game that offers plenty of fun. Quadball originated in the United States, but has since spread all over the world, including the Czech Republic. The first Czech team was founded in Olomouc by a student who discovered the game while on Erasmus in Norway. Today, Czechia has quadball teams in cities including Brno, Plzeň, and Prague. But first, what are the rules of the game? Quadball is played in teams of seven players, all of whom are mounted on a (broom)stick throughout the match. Each team has three chasers, two beaters, a keeper, and a seeker. The goal of the chasers is to shoot a deflated volleyball through one of the three hoops set on each side of the pitch. Each score is worth 10 points. The keeper is the player that defends the hoops, while the beaters distract the chasers by hitting them with bludgers (deflated basketballs). The seeker is the player that joins the...

July 28-August 1: The CEE Cup Football Tournament Returns to Prague

Between the end of July and beginning of August (28.7 – 1.8), the Cee cup will host its 11th edition, featuring the usual Czech clubs of Sparta and Slavia as well as other notable teams from around the world. “We are glad that, despite the difficult economic situation, we will be able to organize the tournament again”, said Roberto De Blasio. Over the past ten editions, an impressive number of top tier teams have participated; most recently, there was last year’s Brazilians of Palmeiras, who won the trophy for their third time in a row, but also the English of Aston Villa, the Ukrainians of Dynamo Kyiv and the Mexicans of Tigres have all graced us with their presence (to name but a few). This year, the newly minted winners of the UEFA Conference League, West Ham United, will be returning to the CEE Cup, as well as the defending champions from Brazil, Palmeiras. In addition to them, we also have the famous Flamengo from Rio de Janeiro, who notably produced players Vinício Junior and Paqueta. Last but not least, there will be the debut of Al Ain FC, the best team from the United Arab Emirates and a finalist of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2018 (against Real Madrid,...

The Rise of Czech Cricket: Our Interview with the Oldest Club in the Country

Prague Cricket Club (PCC) is the oldest and the most successful cricket club in the Czech Republic. Its main goal? To spread their love for cricket to as many people as possible. “Once you start playing or watching cricket, you start loving the game. It is called ‘a gentleman’s game’. But I would disagree because anybody can love it,” says Shreetama Dey, the brand manager for Prague Cricket Club who volunteers for the club. While the origins of cricket in this part of the world can be traced back to 1927, Prague Cricket Club was founded in 1997, after a group from commonwealth countries joined together, unified by their love for the sport. Since then, the club has achieved a great deal of accomplishments and has managed to pique the interest of many. “Prague Cricket Club has won 80% of all national cricket tournaments since 2007, has represented Czechia in the 2022 European Cricket League, and has produced many talented players for the Czech national team,” says Shreetama. But what exactly is cricket and how is it played? With origins in 16th century England, cricket was initially a game of aristocracy. It has since gained a global following but is especially...

Running Festival is Around the Corner! 7,000 Runners to Take Part in the UniCredit Prague Relay

The most fun summer run is here. The UniCredit Prague Relay, where friends and colleagues compete over four five-kilometer stretches, will take place on the 27th and 28th of June at the Prague Exhibition Centre. “Up to seven thousand competitors could take part in both days. The Prague Relay is always a celebration of movement, life, and of course there is also a good dose of competition,” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing team, which also organizes the world-famous Prague ½ Marathon, Prague Marathon, and Grand Prix races in the capital. “I am very pleased that we can build on last year and once again be a partner of the UniCredit Prague Relay and the seven thousand participants of this beautiful race,” said Tomáš Drábek, Head of Retail Banking at UniCredit Bank. The 6th edition of the running festival, which this year also includes a Music Festival, will start on 26 June at the Running Mall, where runners can pick up their bib and packet. The races will start a day later at 17:00 with the popular dm Bambini Run, and at 18:00 the first members of the relay teams will set off for Stromovka and together with...

This Saturday: ‘L’Etape by Tour de France’ Race Comes to Czechia

Even though the start of the Tour de France is still a few weeks away, amateur cyclists will have the chance to get a taste of its atmosphere much earlier. The third edition of the L’Etape Czech Republic race is taking place this Saturday, and once again, it is attracting thousands of enthusiastic participants. The long (142 km) and medium (103 km) routes have been sold out for quite some time. The interest was so high that the organizers even increased the original limits to accommodate five hundred and fifteen hundred participants, respectively. Registration is now only open for the shortest option, a 65-kilometer route. Online registration is available until Thursday, and on-site registration will be possible on Friday.  Roads are closed throughout the entire length of the routes. The iconic starting and finishing point at Strahov, which hosted the 1981 World Championships, and a scenic passage through the charming regions of Křivoklát and Beroun. While the race itself is scheduled for Saturday, the festivities will commence in the village of Strahov on Friday from three o’clock. Participants will have the chance to encounter some renowned athletes at Strahov or along the course. Notable figures such as road cyclists Zdeněk...

Prague Indoor Climbing Gyms: Sending Climbs Without Leaving the City Center

By: Abigail Calandra Rock climbing is a popular way to reconnect with nature and stay active while getting adrenaline pumping, but a busy schedule, a big city, and cold weather make it difficult to head out into the mountains. Without leaving the city, Prague’s indoor climbing scene provides boulderers, sport climbers, and those putting on climbing shoes for the first time a chance to send some climbs. Indoor rock climbing is an easier and safer way for new climbers to introduce themselves to the community, and Prague has gyms suited to all levels and styles. Equipped with shoes and chalk bags for rent, it’s the perfect time to wander into one of the gyms and begin your climbing journey. Bouldering, a form of climbing involving physical strength and problem-solving without the need for a harness and ropes, is the perfect introduction to climbing to improve core and grip strength and ease into conquering fears of heights. Two climbing gyms in Prague, Boulder Bar in Prague 7 and HUDY Boulder in Prague 8, are exclusively dedicated to this type of climbing. Boulder Bar is located in the Holesovice neighborhood with a local climbing community. The gym is small but newly renovated...

Police Put Plans in Place as 20,000 West Ham Fans Head to Prague

As many as 20,000 West Ham fans are set to travel to Prague for Wednesday night’s Europa Conference League Final. The Hammers face Italian side Fiorentina in their first European final in 47 years. The club has an allocation of around 6,000 at the 19,360-capacity Fortuna Arena, but more than three times that number are expected to make the trip. Supporters without a ticket will be able to watch the game at a fan zone in Letna Park, which has been designated for Hammers fans. The area will be large enough to host the thousands of ticketless supporters. There is set to be a huge police presence, and Prague and West Ham have worked with local authorities to help ensure fans can congregate together safely. The West Ham squad are due to fly out to Prague tonight and David Moyes will lead an open training session at the Sparta Academy, home of Sparta Prague youth teams, tomorrow. The Europa Conference League is in its second season and is a third tier European club football competition after the Champions League and Europa League. Fiorentina finished eighth in this season’s Serie A and have not won a major European title since the 1960-61 European Cup Winners’ Cup. It...

The European League of American Football Begins Sunday

The European League of American Football begins Sunday. For the first time ever, the Czech Republic will be represented. The third edition of the European equivalent of the overseas National Football League (NFL) starts this Sunday, June 4th. Since last year, 6 teams have joined the league meaning 17 teams will compete in the 2023 season. A Netflix crew is following the action and a documentary is in the works. The popularity of American football in Europe is growing every year, as evidenced by the creation of the European Professional Football League (ELF). The ELF has a worldwide reach of over half a billion households who are anxiously watching to see which team will be this year’s winner. “This is a great opportunity for our players to play at the highest European level and show that we have what it takes,” says Prague Lions head coach Zach Harrod. In the first year of the league, only 8 teams participated – six from Germany and one each from Poland and Spain. But in two years, the eight teams have grown to seventeen, each vying for the European Championship title. The Prague Lions themselves will make their first appearance at the FK...

Sparta Prague Win 37th Czech Title After Nine Years Wait

Sparta Prague won a 37th Czech football title and their first in nine years following a goalless draw at FC Slovacko on Tuesday. Sparta have a three-point lead over arch-rivals Slavia Prague with one match to go and a better record from the regular season, which makes them unbeatable. Coached by Danish manager Brian Priske, Sparta have secured a spot in the Champions League qualifiers for next season. The Prague side last won the title in 2014, with their first league trophy dating back to 1912. The club was founded as Královské Vonohrady, or King’s Vineyard, in 1893. They became AC Sparta a year later. The eternal rivalry between Sparta and Slavia, the ‘Derby S’ began in 1896 with a friendly match whose result is still disputed to this day. Attracting working-class support, Sparta earned the nickname Železná, ‘Iron’, Sparta, because of their fighting qualities. Klokani udělali důležitý krok k udržení čtvrtého místa ✅ pic.twitter.com/zQb1vp5ugs — FORTUNA:LIGA (@fortunaligacz) May 23, 2023 xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề...

Why 10,000 Police Officers Will Be Deployed in Conference League Final in Prague

There will be over 10,000 police officers drawn from all over Czech Republic to provide security during the Europa Conference League final in Prague on June 7. It follows the assault of unarmed West Ham supporters by AZ Alkmaar fans last week. The heavy police deployment is a proactive move to prevent violence in the highlight game between the Hammers and Fiorentina. UEFA has scheduled an emergency meeting in Prague on Friday. Scotland Yard, Italian, Czech and National Police Chief’s Councils of Great Britain will be in attendance. It will be a follow-up to strategies in place geared towards beefing up security as threats during such matches are imminent. The number of police and private security officers on duty in the city will outnumber the number of ticketed club supporters of West Ham and Fiorentina. UEFA gave these two clubs 4,890 legitimate tickets each. The seating capacity of West Ham’s London Stadium is roughly 66,000, whilst Fiorentina’s Stadio Artemio Franchi holds 43,147 people. Thus, there will be an estimated 25,000 fans in Prague who got tickets in the black market since the tickets were cheap. However, a steel ring will be thrown around the Fortuna Arena, and anyone without a ticket...

Great News: Prague International Marathon Will Start from Wenceslas Square!

The most prestigious Czech sporting event is almost here, as the 27th Prague International Marathon will take place on May 7. And the organizers have great news about this year‘s edition: Thousands of runners will set off on the world’s most beautiful 42 kilometres from the Wenceslas Square. “Compared to previous years, when the race start was at the Old Town Square, we have now managed to arrange with Prague representatives to start in the lower part of Wenceslas Square, at Můstek, which brings  several advantages. The main ones are the strategic location and even more space and comfort for our runners,” said Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech organizing committee, which has risen to first place in the number of races awarded with World Athletics Labels. RunCzech has been organizing marathon runs in Prague for over a quarter of a century. Due to this, the Czech capital has risen among the top 10 cities in the world in terms of race quality and popularity among people. And it is no wonder. A well-prepared event, a beautiful course and spectacular performances have become commonplace at the Prague International Marathon. This time the prestigious event will break out at the second-largest...

Five Teams Will be Participating in the Unique “Battle of the Teams”

The Battle of the Teams has become for many runners a special race because it turns a traditionally individual sport into a team event. A sport that connects professional athletes who have often been fierce competitors in the past.  A sport which connects their teams with hobby runners who are participating in the Prague International Marathon. The unique teams made their debut last year as part of The Prague International Marathon and will continue the tradition this year. There will be five teams – the defending champions from Generali Česká pojišťovna together with ČEZ Group, Mattoni, Prague Airport and also Rohlik.cz. Each will soon introduce its captain. Once they have been named, the Marathon´s All runners (hobby runners) will get the opportunity to join a team of their choosing, based on who they think will finish with the fastest collective time. They will get a number of incentives to run their best race and, most importantly, they’ll get a chance to support various charity organizations. The Prague International Marathon starts on Sunday 7 May. The rules of the Battle of the Teams are simple – four professional athletes in each team will be scored for their performances, and then the average of...

Czech Republic to Host 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship

The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will return to the Czech Republic after nine years. The 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will be held in Prague and Ostrava from 10-26 May 2024. This will be the eleventh time that the Czech Republic has hosted the world’s premier ice hockey event. The Czechs will take over from Finland and Latvia, and the world’s best ice hockey players will once again compete for world medals in Prague and Ostrava in 2024. “Although there is still more than a year to go until the start of the competitions, the Organising Committee is already working hard on the preparations. Our goal is to come as close as possible to the very successful 2015 IIHF WM and to offer spectators an intense sporting experience,” said Alois Hadamczik, president of the Czech Ice Hockey Association. After nine years, Prague and Ostrava again The world’s best ice hockey players will compete in Prague Arena with a capacity of almost 17,500 spectators and in Ostrava Arena with 8,800 seats. Both arenas hosted the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. “We have two ice hockey arenas that meet the requirements of the IIHF. So the choice was clear. At the...

Kenyan Konga Dominated the Sold Out Prague Half Marathon

The Kenyan Roncer Kipkorir Konga is the winner of this year´s Prague Half Marathon, with time of 59:42. Uganda’s Maxwell Kortek Rotich finished second, followed by the third Geoffrey Kimutai Koech of Kenya. The fastest woman is the presumed favourite, Irine Jepchumba Kimais, who crossed the line in 1:06:00. The best Czech performance was recorded by Patrik Vebr, who made his debut on the track with a time of 1:05:42 and finished 11th. Jiri Homolac finished one second behind him. Moira Stewart was the fastest Czech female pro athlete at the popular race. Almost 12,000 runners took part in the Prague Half Marathon. The Prague International Marathon will follow in early May. Prior to the start, the organizers and pro athletes were worried about the cold and rainy weather. Finally, it didn’t rain then and the temperature was definitely higher than last year. However, a headwind bothered the runners towards the end of the race. In spite of that, the pro athletes put up very good times – the best being recorded by Roncer Kipkorir Konga who finished in less than an hour. “It’s definitely a great result for me, I felt good on the course. I’m very happy for...

Running Stars are Preparing to Assault Records at Prague Half Marathon

A huge crowd will hit the streets of Prague this Saturday. The Prague Half Marathon is back after a year, and in full power! It will feature thousands of runners, including pro athletes. Kenya’s Benard Kimeli will be aiming for his third triumph in this race, while his compatriots and the local Jiri Homoláč are also looking to be at the front. One of the biggest stars on the women’s start list is Irine Jepchumba Kimais, who managed to win this year’s half marathon in Barcelona with a time of 1:04:37. The race will start from Jan Palach Square on Saturday at 10:00 and it will be televised and streamed live. Kimeli attacked his third triumph at the Prague Half Marathon last year already, however, finished third. He will be the major favorite again in this year’s race, as Prague is his favorite place. His training takes place mostly in Japan, where he spends more than six months of the year as a professional athlete of Fujitsu Corporation. Kimeli is also a member of the RunCzech Racing team. His best time in 2019 was 59:07 in Prague, the men’s course record is still 58:47 minutes. Roncer Kipkorir Konga, who ran...

Czechia Disagrees with IOC Recommendation for Russian Athletes’ Return

Czechia disagrees with the International Olympic Committee recommending on Thursday that Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete in international competitions as neutral competitors. The recommendation published Tuesday by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommends that athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports must compete as Individual Neutral Athletes while suggesting that team sports should be banned for both countries. “I am disappointed with the IOC recommendation. We must not close our eyes to reality. Russian sport is centrally controlled from the Kremlin,” Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said. The IOC has not yet decided whether it will allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. However, Lipavský is convinced they should be banned from all international sports events, including the Olympics. Meanwhile, the Czech Olympic Committee launched an expert group that must look into legal arguments to ensure Russian and Belarusian athletes do not participate in the upcoming Olympics. But political matters should not interfere with sports, said IOC President Thomas Bach. “If governments took over the decision of which athletes can participate in which competitions, it would be the end of world sport...

Czech Free-Diver Set New World Record in Vertical Dive (Without Wetsuit!)

David Vencl emerged from the depths of Switzerland’s Lake Sils on Tuesday after a record dive beneath the ice to a depth of more than 50 meters without a wetsuit. The 40-year-old Czech diver’s record vertical plunge to 52.1 meters in a single breath follows his entry into the Guinness World Records book for swimming the length of a frozen Czech lake in 2021. Vencl dived through a hole in the ice then retrieved a sticker from a depth of 50 meters to prove his feat before re-emerging through the same hole. He spat some blood, sat down for a minute and then opened a bottle of champagne. A later visit to the hospital confirmed there was nothing serious. The Swiss plunge in temperatures of between 1C and 4C (34F to 39F) took him 1min 54sec, his promoter Pavel Kalous said, which was a bit slower than expected. “He kind of enjoyed it but he admits he was a little more nervous than usual and he had some problems with breathing,” he told Reuters. “There is nothing difficult for him to be in cold water… Lack of oxygen is something normal for him. But this was completely different because it’s...

Prague Half Marathon is Sold Out!

One of the most popular races in the world, the famous Prague Half Marathon, which takes place on April 1, is sold out. An exclusive chance to participate in the race, which is part of the world’s leading SuperHalfs series, is to buy a registration through one of the seven cooperating charity organizations. “The Prague Half Marathon is an extraordinary race in historical Prague, with an unforgettable atmosphere that no one with passion for running wants to miss,” says Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech Organizing Committee. The race, whose start and finish will traditionally be located at the Jan Palach Square in front of Rudolfinum, will be attended by almost 12,000 participants, led by elite Czech and international athletes. The race is sold out, however, those interested in the Prague Half Marathon who are no longer able to register even through the charities do not need to be sad. They can still run the race in the unique scenery of the Prague city centre a month later, on 7th May, as a part of the famous Prague International Marathon. All they have to do is sign up for the 2Run race, in which each of the pairs will run...

Czech Republic Wins its First-Ever World Baseball Game

Martin Muzik hit a three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning and the Czech Republic beat China 8-5 on Friday in the World Baseball Classic. The Czech Republic overcame a 5-4 deficit in the ninth, with Filip Smola adding an RBI single in the team’s first game in Group A. Matej Mensik also homered for the Czechs, connecting in the third. Marek Minarik was the winner, closing with 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Hai Cheng Gong took the loss as China dropped to 0-2. It lost to Japan 8-1 on Thursday. The all-amateur Czech team has had fun in Japan. A few of the players even went surfing in the run-up to the tournament during games in Miyazaki in southwestern Japan. “We’re enjoying the Japanese stay,” Czech player Marek Chlup said. “At Miyazaki, some players swam.” The Czechs will next face Japan at 7 p.m. Saturday, while China will play Australia at noon Saturday, both at the dome. CZECH MATE. 🇨🇿💪 Team Czech Republic launches a 3-run shot to reclaim the lead! 📺: WBC on @Tubi pic.twitter.com/cO4R3Rld5b — FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 10, 2023   The Czech team features full-time firemen and teachers — but they are “not...

Snowboard Sensation Eva Adamczyková Wins Gold Medal at World Championships

The Czech snowboarder Eva Adamczyková (née Samková) showed her sovereign runs at the World Championships in Bakuriani, Georgia. Adamczyková made a fantastic comeback a year and a quarter after breaking both legs above the ankles. The 29-year-old is now world champion for the second time. Adamczyková broke both of her ankles in December 2021, just two months before the beginning of the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. “I had to win because I changed my last name and Eva Adamczyk doesn’t have many medals yet. No, I’m just kidding. I tried to enjoy it and go as fast as possible. I couldn’t be happier,” she said. Adamczyková used a proven strategy in the medal fight, gaining speed in the first turn and then taking the lead. She developed a significant lead over her three rivals, twenty-year-old Australian Josie Baff and the five-time world champion, Jacobellis of the USA. “I almost couldn’t ride in the autumn, and I didn’t think this season would turn out like this. I also talked to (physical therapist) Pavel Kolář in the fall, and he said it takes time. And it took time, but I’m happy it worked out that way. I was really worried that...

Prague Morning New Media Partnership with the Prague Lions

Prague Morning is the new media partner for the Prague Lions as they enter the 2023 European League of Football (ELF) and Czech American Football League seasons.  We will be your English-language news source to keep you up to date with what is going on with Prague’s newcomer to the European scene of American football! The Prague Lions are the reigning Czech champions, having defeated the previous champions Vysočina Gladiators in the final last July. It was the sixth championship for the Prague Lions in the top-level Czech American Football League. Starting this season, the Prague Lions will play in the European League of Football (ELF). In September at the ELF Final in Klagenfurt, Prague was announced as the new franchise location. ELF is a professional European league in American football. The league, founded in November 2020, started its first season on June 19, 2021. The Prague Lions start the European project when the new season starts on June 4th with a home game against the Leipzig Kings. Our new cooperation expands our sports portfolio with an attractive regional sports club and at the same time opens up a greater reach for the Prague Lions within the Expat community in...

Czech Boxers to Boycott World Championships

Boxers from Britain and the Czech Republic on Tuesday joined a United States-led boycott of the world championships, deepening a standoff over the International Boxing Association’s Russian president and his insistence on letting Russian fighters compete with their country’s flag and anthem. British governing body GB Boxing said it would not take part in the women’s world championships in India next month and that the men’s championships in May are “under review.” GB Boxing cited a rift between the IBA and the International Olympic Committee which has endangered boxing’s place on the Olympic program, and the IBA’s decision to defy IOC recommendations and allow Russia and its ally Belarus to compete with national symbols, not as neutral athletes. “This has put further distance between IBA and the Olympic movement in addition to the significant, longstanding issues over sporting integrity, governance, transparency and financial management which the IOC has asked IBA to address to protect boxing´s place on the Olympic program,” GB Boxing said in a statement. “GB Boxing condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has solidarity with the people, boxers, coaches and officials of Ukraine.” Czech Boxing Association Marek Simak confirmed a boycott in comments to Czech public radio,...

Czech Republic International Jakub Jankto Comes Out as Gay

Czech Republic international and Sparta Prague midfielder Jakub Jankto has come out as gay. The 27-year-old midfielder, who is currently on loan at Spanish club Getafe, posted an incredibly powerful video on social media to announce the news. “Hi, I’m Jakub Jankto,” he said in a video published on his Twitter page. “Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses; I have a family, I have my friends. “I have a job, which I have been doing it as best as I can, for years, with seriousness, professionalism and passion. Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom without fears, without prejudice, without violence, but with love. “I am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself.” Jankto’s club side Sparta Prague released a statement of their own supporting his decision. pic.twitter.com/PZNSAteOch — Jakub Jankto (@jakubjanktojr) February 13, 2023 “Jakub spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club some time ago,” they said. “Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jacob. Nothing else matters.” La Liga outfit Getafe also commented on Jankto’s announcement, saying: “Our utmost respect and unconditional...

Czech PM Against Participation of Russia, Belarus in 2024 Olympics

The 2024 Paris Olympics should not allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after the International Olympic Committee said it is keen to include them as neutral contestants. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) caused uproar after it announced that it is considering the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutrals. While the US and the UN have widely backed the announcement, Poland, Ukraine, Baltic states and now Czechia, have sharply criticised the IOC’s announcements. “I absolutely cannot imagine Russian and Belarusian athletes competing there,” Fiala said while acknowledging that the sports sector has its own autonomy. The same sentiment was echoed by the Czech Olympic Committee, which said it favoured maintaining the current sanctions that would prevent these athletes from competing. The Czech committee will not go as far as boycott the Games in case Russian and Belarusian athletes participate – a move Poland, Ukraine and Baltic states said they are considering. “Of course, we will respect the will of each athlete if any of them decide not to participate in the Games. We will not order them to do anything and we will not make decisions for them,” the Czech committee wrote in an official...

Jaromir Jagr Breaks Gretzky’s Record For Most Professional Goals

During Sunday’s game between Kladno and HC Trinec in the Czech Extraliga, hockey legend Jaromir Jagr scored the 1,099th goal of his professional career, surpassing Wayne Gretzky, who had 1,098. Gretzky tallied his 1,098 goals between the NHL, WHA (playoffs included for both), as well on the international stage for Canada. As for Jagr, his 1,099 career goals came in the NHL, KHL, and Czech leagues, one goal in the German league, as well as internationally for Czechia. Congratulations to Jaromir Jagr on accomplishing a massive feat. Jagr is set to turn 51 in just over a week and it doesn’t look like he has any plans of slowing down. CONGRATS, @68Jagr 👏 With this goal, 🐐 Jaromír Jágr breaks Wayne Gretzky’s record of 1098 professional league goals with goal #1099. https://t.co/ljqmBd3UPy — Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) February 5, 2023 If you still don’t know him… Jaromír Jágr is a Czech professional ice hockey right winger of Rytíři Kladno of the Czech Extraliga. He has formerly played in the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils, serving as captain of the Penguins and the Rangers. After leaving the Rangers, he played for three...

Krejčíková, Siniaková Win Australian Open Doubles for 7th Major Title

Defending champions Barbora Krejčíková and Katerina Siniaková continued their exceptional Grand Slam winning streak in women’s doubles by capturing the 2023 Australian Open title in Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. No.1 seeds Krejčíková and Siniaková of the Czech Republic won their second straight title in Melbourne, and their seventh major title as a duo overall, by holding off No.10 seeds Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara of Japan 6-4, 6-3. “I’m really excited to have this trophy again,” Siniaková said in the champions’ press conference. “To look back, what we achieved last few months, it’s amazing. I’m really proud and we’re playing great. The team spirit is working, because it’s tough.” Krejčíková and Siniaková are up to 24 consecutive match-wins in women’s doubles at Grand Slam events. They have not lost a Grand Slam women’s doubles match since 2021, having won all three of the majors they contested last year (the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open). The Czechs are also the first team to defend the Australian Open women’s doubles title since Italy’s Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci went back-to-back in 2013 and 2014. Krejčíková and Siniaková have won 21 of their last 23 matches at Melbourne Park. Before...

VIDEO: Sparta Prague Footballer Goes Viral for Scoring While Wearing a GoPro

Sparta Prague winger Lukas Haraslin has gone viral after scoring a goal in his side’s 3-1 friendly win over FC Nuremberg on Saturday whilst wearing a GoPro camera. Both sides came into the contest on a cold afternoon at Sparta’s Letna Stadium off the back of a winter break. However, the home side didn’t let their inactivity bother them as they raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 10 minutes. After Tomas Cvancara had given Sparta the ideal start four minutes in, Haraslin pounced on some terrible defending by the German side to make it 2-0 with barely seven minutes gone. As you’ll see in the footage below (at 22:40 onwards), there wasn’t much out of the ordinary with Haraslin’s goal when viewed from a traditional TV camera angle. Yes, the 26-year-old took his chance well after profiting from an error at the back, but it’s certainly not a strike that will feature in his career highlight reel. However, enjoying the goal from the first-person perspective provided by the GoPro footage really does provide some unique insight. From the sound of the ball leaving Haraslin’s boot as he strikes it, to his loud ‘wooo’ as he hits a knee...

Prague International Marathon to Take Place on 7th May

The Prague International Marathon is held in Prague already for a quarter of century. During that time, the marathon has become one of the most successful races in the world which is due to the organization and the overall atmosphere in one of the most beautiful historical cities. This year, the 27th edition will take place on 7th May and those who want to run can register on the Runczech.com website. “This year we will introduce a number of new features and, most importantly, the event will be, without any restrictions. If you look for combining travelling as a tourist with sport, our marathon is the best solution,” said Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech organizing committee. Last year, the Prague International Marathon returned to full strength after three years, and more than 7,000 runners took part in it. One-third of the participants came from abroad. Prague International Marathon has been awarded with the World Athletics Elite Label Road Race. Therefore, the organizers have been preparing services and innovations this race deserves. Last year’s edition also introduced a new concept of the Battle of the Teams, which makes the marathon even more attractive and brings thousands more people to run....

The Unmissable Sporting Events Over the Next 12 Months in Czechia

J. T. Boe, Mikaela Shiffrin and Jessica Fox; that’s just a small taste of the famous names you can look forward to seeing in Czech sports fields this year. Everyone will find something to their liking, be it skiing, athletics or water sports, as well as top motor races or top European baseball matches. At the end of January, the prestigious FIS Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup is returning to Špindlerův Mlýn after four years. You can look forward to seeing the Olympic winners Petra Vlhová and Mikaela Shiffrin. The winter sports offer will continue in March with the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon in Nové Město na Moravě. The event, regularly attended by the best global biathlon athletes led by J. T. Boe from Norway and French J. Simon is a test for the world cup that will take place next year. On May 7, you can join the Prague International Marathon, which has been awarded with the prestigious World Athletic Elite Label Road Race quality label. The preparations are already in full swing and the organizing team has already prepared one gift for the competitors – all registered runners will be able to train with the Olympian Eva...

Prague Marathon Participants Can Train for the Race with the Olympian Vrabcová Nývltová

The preparations for the most beautiful endurance race are in full swing. The Prague International Marathon, which has been awarded with the prestigious World Athletic Elite Label Road Race quality label, will once again offer both the charms of the Czech capital and an unforgettable experience. The RunCzech organizing team has already prepared one gift for the competitors – all registered runners will be able to train with the Olympian Eva Vrabcova Nývltová for the 42-kilometer long course every week! “If you want to run the Prague International Marathon on May 7, which is one of the most amazing races, you need to start with the training. And that’s next week at the latest. If you train according to the plans we have been preparing, I truly believe that you will not only survive the marathon but also enjoy it,” a participant in the Olympic marathon in Rio 2016 Eva Vrabcová Nývltová says. The training opens on 17th January at 6 pm with an introductory workshop held by Martin Vrabec, the husband and coach of the famous athlete. The training itself starts at 6:30 pm. The training sessions will alternate morning and afternoon week after week. Those interested can complete...

Hockey: Czechia Beats Sweden 2-1 in World Junior Championships

David Jiricek tied it with 39 seconds left in regulation, Jiri Kulich scored late in overtime and the Czech Republic stunned Sweden 2-1 on Wednesday to advance to the world junior hockey title game. The Czech Republic will face the winner of the night semifinal between the United States and Canada. The Czechs reached the final for the first time since winning back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2001. “I said before the tournament we have one of the best teams here,” said elated Czech forward Jakub Brabenec. “One of the best Czech teams in 20 years. I believe.” Buffalo first-rounder Kulich averted a shootout, cutting from the right side to the slot and lifting the puck over goalie Carl Lindbom’s right shoulder with 50 seconds left in the 10-minute extra period. “It was amazing, all the emotions,” said Czech forward Matyas Sapovaliv. “We were so happy. After 20 years for the Czech Republic, it will be amazing. We will see if it’s Canada or United States, but I’m excited. I’d probably laugh if you told me before the tournament we’d play for gold!” CZECHIA IS PLAYING FOR GOLD FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2001!!! 🇨🇿 @narodnitym wins semi-final in overtime over...

December 25-31: Prague Sports Venues to Open for Free

For the 15th year in a row, Prague is hosting a ‘free sports week’ from December 25th until December 31st. The purpose of this event is to offer everyone a chance to try out a new sport or explore new sports venues. It will be possible to make reservations to certain locations from December 23rd. During the last week of the year, residents and visitors of the Czech capital will have the opportunity to try out new sports and disciplines as badminton, squash, beach volley, floorball, martial arts and bowling. “This year, we again prepared a small Christmas present for all sports enthusiasts with a free week in all kinds of sports venues. This popular event is an ideal opportunity to try out a new sport, do something for your health and get back in shape after the Christmas feast,” says the City Councillor Vít Šimral. At the moment, more than 30 sports venues have registered for Free Sport Week, but more are still open for applications. Last year, 47 sports venues signed up and citizens could try 60 different sports. For some sports venues, due to their capacity, telephone or online reservations are required. There is a limited access during...

World Rally Championship Coming to the Czech Republic for the First Time in History

Next year, for the first time in history, a World Championship race will take place in the Czech Republic. The Central European Rally will start in Prague with the premiere of this new event scheduled for the 26th to 29th of October 2023. The twelfth edition of the series will be jointly organised by the national sporting authorities of Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria. The Autoclub of the Czech Republic (AČR) and the series promoter officially confirmed the event on their official website today. Jan Štovíček, President of the Autoklub of The Czech Republic and member of the FIA World Motorsport Council: “The FIA World Rally Championship in the Czech Republic is a dream of our fans of many generations. And together with our friends from our partner federations in Germany and Austria, we have succeeded in fulfilling it. “Rallying is one of the most popular disciplines of motorsport in our country, many Czech fans are passionate about the World Championship and now they can see it for the first time at home! Due to the deep tradition of the Czech automotive industry, we can also look at the World Rally Championship with pride in fulfilling the legacy of...

What’s New in Czech Winter Resorts This Season

The Klínovec Ski Resort is opening the longest downhill slope in Czechia, and you can ski with the Gopass, valid all around Central Europe, at Ještěd and in other areas. The preparations for the upcoming winter season are in the spirit of modernisation with an accent on sustainability. Klínovec Boasts the Longest Czech Slope The slope is 3.5 km long, which makes it the longest downhill slope in the country! A modern covered four-seat chair lift will take you to the top. The slope at Klínovec in the Ore Mountains is quite gentle, perfect for beginners and families with children. The resort also offers a variety of food options, Après Ski Bar or a ski school with a magic carpet for the littlest ones. The car park is free with a ski pass. One Ski Pass/Seven Resorts, Including the Beskydy Valašsko Card! Starting this winter, the four-day ski pass will also let you explore the region of the Beskids. The ski pass can be used as the Beskydy Valašsko Card. The card offers about a hundred discounted services in the region, such as discounted admission to museums, water parks or sports equipment rental shops. The condition is to spend at least...

“Czechia” to Become Official Name of Czech Sports Teams

The Czech Republic will now appear on the sports scene under the one-word name Czechia. On Tuesday, the Czech Olympic Committee (COC) will ask the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to enter the new name into the international sports database. It will replace the previously name “Czech Republic”. “This is a formal step that can be implemented within a few weeks”, according to Roman Kumpošt, vice-president of the Czech Olympic Committee. Officials from various sports associations supported the gradual transition to the one-word name at the April conference. Basketball, hockey and football have already started using the unified name of Czechia. “We are following the approach of the Foreign Ministry, which has already made this change at the UN or NATO. Naturally, many other organizations have adopted this name at the international level and it is a logical outcome in sports as well. In our case, the vast majority of Olympic sports were in favour of this change,” said Roman Kumpošt, Vice-Chairman of the COC for International Relations. “Czechia” was adopted as the official name of the country in 2016, coming in addition to the longer and more widely used “Czech Republic”. The change in the database used to create sport...

RunCzech Starts Its Charity Month

The New for Old supports and celebrates the desire to help. In this case, a good deed is more pleasant because you also get something for yourself. Donate your old running shoes in the period from November 1 to December 1 and get new ones with 42% off. For the fifth time, RunCzech is organizing a beneficent event in Prague Running Mall and the collected shoes will go to clients of Czech charity – Armáda spásy. All runners who pass their old sports shoes to the charity collection at Running Mall will receive a voucher for an exclusive 42% discount valid in RunCzech Store on selected running shoes. It is important to bring the shoes in person, and you can choose a new one straight away, or you will receive a voucher, which you can give to someone as a gift. “Our philosophy “ALL RUNNERS ARE BEAUTIFUL” moves the running world, in which we organize events for tens of thousands of people. Every individual is important for us and I am always happy when our event helps people in need,” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing committee. The event starts on November 1 and will last throughout November....

Predators, Sharks Open NHL Season in Prague

The San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators will bring the National Hockey League to the Czech Republic for the 2022 NHL Global Series. The two NHL regular season games between the Sharks and Predators will be played on October 7 and 8, 2022 at the O2 Arena in Prague. The Predators upgraded their roster in the offseason by trading for veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh and signing skilled forward Nino Niederreiter. The NHL’s first game in Europe since 2019 nearly ran into a snag when the Czech Foreign Ministry informed the NHL that Russian players were not welcome in Prague due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But the Czech government reversed their stance on Sept. 29. The Sharks have two Russian-born players, left-wingers Alexander Barabanov and Evgeny Svechnikov, and the Predators have Russian center Yakov Trenin on their roster. The 2022 NHL Global Series will mark the ninth season overall that the NHL has traveled to Europe to play regular-season games. To date, there have been five NHL regular-season games played in the Czech Republic, which have all been played at O2 Arena in Prague. This year’s games in Finland will mark the first NHL regular-season games to ever be played...

Registrations for the Liberec Nature Run 2022 Still Available

The Liberec Nature Run takes runners into the Jizerské hory which rise to the east of Liberec, a city of over 100,000 people, located in the northern part of the Czech Republic. Runners can choose between two races – 12km and 22km long, starting at the Town Hall from náměstí Dr. Edvarda Beneše, the main square in the Old Town. Both routes are very hilly and offer scenic views, passing the zoo and a granite quarry. The 22km route also visits two reservoirs, the small Vodní nádrž Rudolfov and the much bigger Vodní nádrž Bedřichov which is situated at 775 metres above sea level. The start/finish area is at an elevation of 374 metres. The event also offers a 2.5km family run through the city centre. The RunCzech running season 2022 is over but the runners can also look forward to the two winter races co-organized by RunCzech in the south of Italy known as Napoli Running events – Sorrento Positano which starts December 4 th and Napoli City Half Marathon on February 26. The registrations for RunCzech events 2023, including the International Prague Marathon, are already open at www.runczech.com   xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá...

Prague Will Join the European League of Football in 2023

With a real bang, the European League of Football says goodbye to the 2022 season and heats up the anticipation for the 2023 season. Before the great finale with the Championship Game on Sunday between the Vienna Vikings and the Hamburg Sea Devils in the 28 BLACK Arena in Klagenfurt, Managing Director Zeljko Karajica and Commissioner Patrick Esume can announce the entry of two more franchises: Paris and Prague expand the field of participants to 18teams. After four additions before the start of the current series with the Milano Seamen, the Helvetic Guards and the Hungarian Enthroners and recently with the Munich Ravens, the best league on the continent grows by two more locations. In ten countries, the European League of Football will inspire its fans in the future. “We have emphasized from the outset that we see ourselves as a European league and have worked hard to back up words with actions. After Germany, Spain and Poland, Austria andTurkey joined in the second year. In the third year, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, France and the Czech Republic will join,” Commissioner Patrick Esume emphasizes. “We had actually planned for 16 teams, but the interest in joining the European League of Football...

The “Czech Locomotive” Zátopek Was Born 100 Years Ago

The “Czech Locomotive” – a long-distance runner Emil Zátopek – was born 100 years ago in the city of Kopřivnice. He became world-famous by winning at the 1952 Olympics Games in Helsinki (5,000m, 10,000m, and Marathon). Zátopek was also the first runner to break the 29-minute barrier in 10,000m. But it was the influence of Zatopek that spoke as much to his greatness. It is often said that someone is a man, or woman, of his or her times. Zatopek was often a man who seemed at odds with the prevailing views. His background was entirely parochial – born into a large family in what was then Czechoslovakia, apprenticed to the local Bata shoe factory, he came to athletic maturity while running, training, but most of all surviving in his Nazi-occupied homeland. As the post-war world ossified into two competing blocs during the Cold War era, Zatopek was a practising internationalist. In Helsinki, where the eastern bloc athletes were housed in a different Village from the rest of the athletes, Zatopek virtually conducted open house. He trained and chatted with whomever could be bothered to make the trek out to his accommodation. Zatopek had few training secrets other than hard...

Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon: Among Raindrops and Several Records

A thrilling atmosphere among raindrops and several records. This was Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon Sebastian Hendel was the best athlete among the men, the Ukrainian Valeriia Zinenko dominated the women. The flat, fast course brought records to both winners, despite the cold weather and wind. Hendel ran the course in Ústí nad Labem with the European course record time, while Zinenko achieved her personal best. “I was hoping for the victory and I ran really well, it was a great race with amazing fans, and even the weather ended up being better than it looked in the morning,” Stefan Hendel celebrated after crossing the finish line. “I want to run the Munich Marathon in three weeks, and today I confirmed that I’m prepared,” the happy champion added. Valeriia Zinenko also rejoiced at her new personal best: “I am grateful for the personal one. I gave my best, and I am exhausted but happy.” The two record holders and all the other runners along the course were loudly cheered on by the enthusiastic crowd. The 12th Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon started from Mírové náměstí  at 3 pm., and almost 2,200 runners set off on the 21-kilometre course leading, among others, through the local...

September 17: Join Mattoni Ústí Nad Labem Half Marathon

Enjoy the urban run at the Ústí Nad Labem Half Marathon. This event treats runners to a race along the Elbe River, with a view of the Central Bohemian Highlands. Plus, the astonishing science fiction setting of Ústí’s industrial landscape. Runners often choose different races for a change of scenery. And no one offers runners more changes of scenery, kilometer-for-kilometer, than Ústí. The course leads alongside the river Elbe opening a view to impressive rock formations, Strekov castle, and then crossing the area of a chemical plant which is a perfect example of industrial architecture of the First Republic. The Mattoni Half Marathon Ústí nad Labem is an annual half marathon race which takes place on September 17 in Ústí nad Labem. Known as the Mattoni Half Marathon Ústí nad Labem, it is a part of RunCzech running series. This popular race starts at 3 pm from Mírové náměstí. The event is a celebration of a healthy lifestyle and great atmosphere. “We are always happy to come back to Ústí nad Labem which is almost like our second home. I recommend everyone to come here and run the unique course through Spolchemie,” said Project manager Run Czech Igor Murko. The event offers more...

NHL is Back in Prague! On October 6 You Can Attend Predators and Sharks Team Practices

As part of the 2022 NHL Global Series, the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and Live Nation today announced 2022 NHL Global Series Fan Day, a special opportunity for fans to attend Nashville Predators and San Jose Sharks team practices from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6 at O2 Arena in Prague, the day prior to the Predators-Sharks 2022-23 season-opening matchup. Tickets to Predators and Sharks practices will be available for purchase beginning Thursday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m via Ticketmaster.cz and Ticketportal.cz. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. In April, the NHL, the NHLPA and Live Nation Sweden announced that the Predators and Sharks, along with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche, will participate in the 2022 NHL Global Series. The Sharks and Predators will open the 2022-23 regular season against each other in Prague, Czech Republic, at O2 Arena with games on Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8. The Avalanche and Blue Jackets will face off in a pair of regular-season games at Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland, on Friday, Nov. 4 and Saturday, Nov. 5. Prior to their games in Prague, the Predators and Sharks will complete their training camps in Europe and will each play in an...

Viktoria Plzen Meets Giants Again in Champions League Return

Viktoria Plzen is in familiar waters as it prepares to play Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in the Champions League. The Czech champion has faced European heavyweights before in the group stage but hopes the results will be different this time. “We believe,” said assistant coach Pavel Horváth, the former Czech Republic playmaker who captained Plzen in some of its biggest battles in Europe´s most prestigious club competition. “We’re ready.” Plzen will play Barcelona at Camp Nou on Wednesday. Viktoria reached the group stage for the first time in 2011 and was immediately tested by Barcelona, which won 2-0 at Camp Nou and 4-0 at Plzen. Two years later, Bayern routed the Czech club 5-0 in Munich, handing Plzen its biggest defeat in European competitions, and won 1-0 win at Plzen. Manchester City was another tough opponent and won both encounters. Four years ago, Real Madrid won 5-0 at Plzen and 2-1 in Spain. All three previous campaigns looked like mission impossible but Plzen each time managed to finish third, securing at least a spot in the second-tier Europa League. It claimed a valuable 2-1 victory over Roma in 2018 and a 2-2 draw with AC Milan in 2011....

Official Calendar for RunCzech Races in 2023 is Released

RunCzech is back in full force! The pandemic hurdle has been dealt with and our calendar of running events for the coming year has been set. As usual, the season starts with what many regards as one of the most beautiful races in the world—the Napoli City Half Marathon, which will take place on the 26th of February. Soon after, the Czech Republic will follow with three of the most anticipated sporting events for all running enthusiasts – the Prague Half Marathon; the Prague International Marathon which includes the Battle of the Team and along with the dm family run; and the Birell Prague Grand Prix. All of the aforementioned races will take place on their traditional dates, i.e. April 1st, May 7th, and September 2nd, 2023. The Mattoni Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, Olomouc and Usti nad Labem Half Marathons are also part of the calendar, as well as other notable events, such as the Sorrento Positano Panoramica 27 km and Ultramarathon 54 km. Stop Dreaming, Start Running “We know from talking to runners all around the world that the races hosted by RunCzech are on millions’ of people’s “wish list,” according to race director Carlo Capalbo. “Now that we...

Czech Embassy Defends Young Tennis Player’s Father and Coach for Patting her Backside at the US Open

The Czech Embassy in Washington defended a young Czech tennis player whose father and coach patted her backside at the US Open.  Sara Bejlek, 16, has already made a name for herself at the US Open thanks to an awkward video that has gone viral of her coach and father patting her butt at the game. As the cameras lingered, both men were seen patting her on the backside with her father seemingly kissing her on the mouth, which has caused massive outrage across the US. The tennis player defended the action, saying it was ‘normal’ in her country. ‘Dad is my dad and always will be. And I’ve known the coach since I was eight years old. He tapes me, he massages me,’ she added. ‘If something similar happened in the Czech Republic, no one would deal with it. But since we are in America, everyone comments on it.’ La célébration de Sara Bejlek (16 ans) après sa qualif pour le tableau principal enflamme les réseaux sociaux à travers le monde. Il s’agit de son père et de son coach. pic.twitter.com/zfhFgRGbql — Tennis Break News (@tennisbreaknews) August 27, 2022 A representative from the Czech Embassy in Washington DC told DailyMail.com...

World Record Holder Rhonex Kipruto to Compete in Birell Prague Grand Prix

Fans of running have a lot to look forward to – the line-up of professional athletes for Birell 10K Race (3 September) includes World record holder, Rhonex Kipruto from Kenya. Apart from this Kenyan super-star, and a RunCzech Racing alumnus, additional accomplished young athletes will race in Prague. One of them is this year’s Ethiopian National 10,000m champion, Tadese Worku, who will be challenged by Kenya’s Kennedy Kimutai. In the women’s race, Irine Cheptai, 2017 World Cross Country Champion and 2022 Commonwealth Games Silver medalist (10,000m), is returning to Prague and is aiming at 30-minutes low, or faster, world-class performance. Thousands of athletes from 74 countries will line-up for the start of the popular World Athletics Label Road Race on the Náměstí Republiky in Prague, in the magical evening atmosphere. Jakub Zemaník, Jiří Homoláč and Eva Vrabcová-Nývltová are top Czech favorites. “The start list of the Birell 10K Race is made of big names! But the Birell Prague Grand Prix is not only about great times, it is also about experiencing the magic of Prague by night,” said Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech Organizing Committee. Rhonex Kipruto is one of the brightest pro-athletes of recent times. The twenty-two-year-old Kenyan ran a...

Happy Birthday! Czech Football Legend Pavel Nedvěd Turns 50

Retired football legend Pavel Nedvěd, regarded as one of the most successful players to emerge from Czechia, celebrates his 50th birthday this Tuesday.  Nedved burst onto the world scene at Euro 96, when he was just 23 years old. Drawn in a group alongside Germany, Italy and Russia, the Czechs were tipped to struggle, but instead made it all the way to the final and even led against Wembley before falling to Germany in extra-time. The player left Sparta Prague straight after the Euros, completing a seven-figure move to Lazio, and he developed into a Serie A star during his five years in Rome. During his time at Lazio, Nedved helped the club end a 26-year title drought. The Scudetto arrived in the 1999-2000 campaign under Sven Goran Eriksson, with Nedved’s five goals including a vital equaliser in the derby against Roma as Eriksson’s men overturned a nine-point deficit to beat Juventus to the title. Eriksson remained a fan of Nedved, even reportedly trying to coax him out of retirement to join Notts County nearly a decade later. And it was the Swedish manager, then in charge of the England national team, who urged Chelsea to move for him after Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003. That was...

Plzeň Goes to the Champions League

Czech football club Viktoria Plzeň is celebrating its promotion to the prestigious Champions League. Real, City, Bayern, Ajax, or Paris St. Germain with the star trio Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé? Let’s be surprised which clubs will be sent to Plzeň by the draw of the groups. What is already certain is that besides top football, we can look forward to an amazing atmosphere in the capital of West Bohemia with a great cultural offer. Viktoria Plzeň have reached the group stage of football’s Champions League for the fourth time in the club’s history. The Czech title-holders qualified for the competition with a 2:1 win over the Azerbaijani side Qarabag in West Bohemia on Tuesday night; this followed a 0:0 draw in Baku in the first leg. Participation in the Champions League guarantees Viktoria Plzeň hundreds of millions of crowns. The draw for the group stage takes place on Thursday evening. The 68th season of Europe’s elite club competition, the 31st since it was renamed the UEFA Champions League, begins on 21 June 2022 and runs to 10 June 2023. The final will take place at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, home of the Turkish national team. The venue famously...

The Most Romantic Races of the Year Are Here!

The atmosphere of magical dusk in Prague and thousands of excited runners and spectators. This is going to be an experience to remember. Birell Prague Grand Prix races will take place in the city center on September 3rd and no one should miss them. The 5 km adidas Women’s race will start at 6 pm, followed by the Birell 10K Race at 7:30 pm. “This is the most romantic running event of the season. Runners will enjoy Prague at dusk, so it will enchant them with its mystery. The 5 km adidas Women’s race is perhaps more of an experience than a race. The Birell 10K race brings together runners of all performance levels and also lets them experience something unique,” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing committee. The races return after a three-year break caused by the covid restrictions. Those who want to enjoy a sport performance combined with a spectacular experience should take the time to register for one of the two Birell Prague Grand Prix races on the evening of September 3rd. The first one is exclusively only for women. The five-kilometer course of the adidas Women´s race will be an enjoyable running party that participants...

Palmeiras Defeat Slavia Prague to Win Their Third CEE Cup

The grand moment has arrived; after the ranking games earlier today, we have finally reached the CEE Cup Final which sees Slavia Prague take on Palmeiras. The Brazilians have been here before, twice in a row, and they won both times. The Czechs, on the other hand, will dispute their very first final ever. Palmeiras have proven to be a veritable force of nature, having scored 12 goals so far and taken in only 1. Slavia, instead, have only 4 goals for and 3 against. For many, the goal scoring average of the Brazilians might suggest that the Czechs have very little chance of prevailing, but the beauty of this sport is that it is unpredictable, so we will just have to wait and see who will win the cup. The match took off at a very fast pace, and it didn’t take long for the first chances to come in. Palmeiras tried their luck at the 5th with Santos Silva’s curling shot to the right-hand post, but Slavata was good in shutting the threat down. Just three minutes later it was Dos Santos Figueiredo’s shot that tested the keeper, but it was Mendes Craveiro who managed to put the rebound...

CEE Cup Football Tournament Returns to Prague After More than 1000 Days

The CEE Cup for under-19 footballers will see the return to Prague of the Brazilians of Palmeiras and, for the first time, the English of Aston Villa After a three-year stop due to Covid, one of the most important youth football tournament in the country, the CEE Cup, is returning. The matches between six elite U19 teams will take place at Sparta’s training grounds in Strahov, on Admira in Kobylisy and the final, as per tradition, will take place in Vršovice’s Ďolíček, from the 22 to the 26 of July. “We are thrilled to finally be able to host the tenth edition in all its glory, with many thanks to all the partners who have supported us,” says tournament director, Roberto De Blasio. In Group A, Sparta will play defending champions, Palmeiras from Brazil, and the Tigres from Mexico. In Group B, Slavia will face England’s Aston Villa and Ukraine’s Dynamo Kyiv. The group matches will be played from Friday to Sunday, the first at 3 p.m. and the second 5 p.m., followed by the ranking matches and the final on Tuesday. “We are happy that we can return to Prague after three years since the last tournament, which we managed to...

Czech Duo Siniaková and Krejčíková Win Wimbledon Women’s Double Title

In a Wimbledon women’s doubles final between the No. 1 vs. No. 2 seeds, second-seeded Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova were crowned champions. In their second career championships appearance on Centre Court, the Czechs beat top-seeded Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-4 to win their second Wimbledon title. The win is also the pair’s fifth all-time Grand Slam doubles title and second this year. They also won this year’s Australian Open title, defeating Anna Danilina and Beatriz Haddad Maia in the final. They previously were champions at the All-England Club in 2018. WTA Doubles World No.1 Mertens was bidding to defend the Wimbledon title she won 12 months ago alongside Hsieh Su-wei with first-time Wimbledon finalist Zhang, who was seeking her third Grand Slam doubles title. Having first played together three years ago, the pair was unbeaten in completed matches their grass-court reunion this summer; they gave Lyudmyla Kichenok and Jelena Ostapenko a walkover in the final of the Rothesay Classic Birmingham, but otherwise had eight victories. Match management: Krejcikova and Siniakova lost just one set in winning the title: In the quarterfinals, they rallied from being blitzed by No. 10 seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez to win,...

Half Marathon Races Open Registrations for Next Year. Attention: the capacity is limited

Have you run Mattoni Half Marathon Karlovy Vary, Mattoni Half Marathon České Budějovice or Mattoni Half Marathon Olomouc? Do you want to enjoy this unique race experience again? You have the opportunity right now. The popular Mattoni half Marathons have just opened their registrations for the next year. In the first tier, one registration costs 500 Czech crowns, a 2Run- registration costs 1000 CZK. Other registration packages can be ordered on runczech.com. “We have been thrilled with the interest in the half marathon races, which returned to their traditional dates after the Covid-19 pandemic. We expect an even bigger turnout next year,” said Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech organizing committee. Mattoni Half Marathon Karlovy Vary, which was under perfect weather conditions, a rainy Mattoni half Marathon České Budějovice or a Mattoni Half Marathon Olomouc which was in boiling heat. These have been the popular races this year so far. They attracted approximately fifteen thousand runners, but not only that. “Mattoni Half Marathons can bring hundreds to thousands of tourists to the cities, additionally to the runners. This not only gets the local economy moving, but it also motivates and inspires people to exercise and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. This...

What to Look for in September? Women’s Race 5 km and Birell 10K in Prague Will Get you Back in Shape

Adidas Woman´s race 5 km and Birell 10K race are perfect for those who want to do something for their body and soul after lazy summer. These amazing races start on Saturday, September 3th is promising to be the biggest running party in Prague. “After staging three successful Prague events during the spring after two and a half years of pandemic break, we are excited to bring back the last missing piece in the puzzle. The spectators can look forward to great atmosphere,” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing committee. Across the country, thousands of women hit the road for daily runs. However, when it comes to signing up for races, many of them long for supportive ambience that can be hard to find. And this is what they can get from the adidas Women´s race 5 km. The distance is just right, so everyone can enjoy the race. The unique and exclusive ‘women only’ event starts at 6 pm from Náměstí Republiky in the center of Prague.  Another part of the Birell Prague Grand Prix, the Birell 10K Race will also start on Saturday 3th, but one and half hours later (7:30 PM). The unique experience of...

The CEE Cup Football Tournament Returns to Prague

The CEE Cup football tournament returns. Sparta will face two Latin-American teams, while Slavia has been paired with Aston Villa and Dynamo Kyiv The top U19 international football tournament, which in the past has seen the likes of Tomáš Souček, Adam Hložek, or Alex Král compete in it, is finally back in Prague after a three-year “Covid” hiatus. The CEE Cup will kick off on July 22nd with the group stage and end on July 26th with the Final. Today, the LOS determined the program for the two groups composed of three teams each. Group A will see the last edition’s finalists, AC Sparta Praha, play newcomers from Mexico, the CD Tigres, in the opening match, and then they will confront the defending champions from Brazil, Palmeiras. In Group B, SK Slavia Praha will also cross paths with a newcomer to the CEE Cup, the English of Aston Villa, and also Ukraine’s own, Dynamo Kyiv. “We are ecstatic that top football teams from around the world will once again travel to Prague to compete against the city’s best home clubs. Furthermore, it is our hope that the boys from Kyiv might be able to have a few fun-filled days to...

Sold Out Race and Amazing Atmosphere. After Three Years, UniCredit Prague Relay Returned to the Czech Capital

The unique team race returned in a big style to Prague’s Stromovka Park on Thursday 23rd June, after a three-year pause caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nine hundred teams of 3 600 runners signed up for the popular race to compete with colleagues or friends over four five-kilometers stretches, filling the maximum capacity of the race to the very last place. “We are overwhelmed by the huge interest the UniCredit Prague Relay has generated. The atmosphere on and around the course was fascinating, it was obvious that people really enjoyed the race,” said Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech organizing team. The first competitors hit the track at 6 p.m., full of enthusiasm and energy, despite the hot weather that prevailed at the Prague Exhibition Grounds. From the beginning on, great spirits, fair competition and joy of sharing a special experience accompanied the four-people team race. UniCredit Prague Relay lived up to its reputation as one of the most popular runs in the Czech Republic. The Kalokagathia Aliance team was the first to cross the finish line, completing the 20-kilometer course in 1:01:40, followed by the Adidas Runners Speed (1:05:01) and OTC Vlčáci (1:08:04) teams. The participants had a chance...

Millions for the City and a Celebration of Sport. Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon Will Also Attract Tourists

The Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon 2022 starts already this Saturday, 18 June, at 7 p.m. However, it is not just about sport and individual performances. The whole event also has a positive economic impact on the city and the region. The popular sport event will bring nearly tens of millions of Czech crowns in initiated consumption or in multiplier sales for the region. Thousands of athletes and their companions can also be expected on Saturday when the next edition of this popular race kicks off. “Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon is running for the twelfth time this year. We are very pleased that we are welcomed in Olomouc and that we can organize the most prestigious race here in Moravia,” said Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech Organizing Committee. The Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon will welcome not only runners but also tourists. For example, in 2019, 10,000 runners participated in the race, and another 20,000 people came to visit Olomouc. Out of these, 52% were local or from the same region, 43% from other regions of the Czech Republic, and the remaining four percent from abroad. On average, people stayed in the city for 1.2 days and each visitor spent CZK...

Jiří Procházka is the New UFC Light Heavyweight World Champion

Czech martial artist Jiří Procházka defeated Light Heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira on Sunday, taking the title for himself. Prochazka submitted Glover Teixeira in the final round at UFC 275. Teixeira wasted no time in taking Procazhka to the ground as the fight got underway. The Brazilian worked for submissions and landed heavy ground and pound from full mount. Prochazka had a better second round and was able to show off his diverse striking on the feet. A nasty elbow from Teixeira had Prochazka going into the third round as a bloody mess. Prochazka was getting the better of Teixeira on the feet but was also holding his own in the grappling exchanges. The pair continued to go and back forth in the final round, but Prochazka managed to take Teixeira’s back with just over 30-seconds left and tap him out with a rear-naked choke. A fight of the year contender 🔥 Congratulations to @jiri_bjp on his incredible title win tonight at #UFC275 🏆#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/5BudeZROwe — UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) June 12, 2022   “It’s amazing and I’m glad. It was a true war. Glover is a true warrior,” Prochazka told BT Sport. Prochazka, who practises bushido – the...

The Largest Out-Of-Prague Half Marathon in the Czech Republic Starts Soon

Sports fans and runners will enjoy Moravia. The biggest out-of-Prague race will take them to Smetanovy sady in Olomouc – a beautiful park that is always full of spectators. The race will start on Saturday, June 18. One of the most popular race starts at 7 p.m. from Horní náměstí. The event is a celebration of a healthy lifestyle and a great atmosphere. “We are always happy to come back to Olomouc, which is part of the historical region of Czech Silesia. Olomouc has a reputation as a race where nothing is impossible and every year brings surprises, especially when it comes to situations where an almost unknown athlete beats far more famous running colleagues,” said Project manager Run Czech Igor Murko. Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon has a five-star European Athletics Certificate which guarantees high European standards and qualities. This is also the reason why the race was several times voted the favorite by the runners. Up to 6,000 runners from the Czech Republic and abroad are expected at the start of the race. The event offers more categories. In addition to the half marathon, a 2Run is prepared for runners who do not yet feel completely prepared for the...

What Type of Bike to Choose for Prague and Surrounding

You won’t see many Amsterdam-style bikes in the streets of Prague nor a lot of fixed gear bikes. What can be a perfect bike to cities like Amsterdam or Copenhagen will most likely not be the best bike for Prague. Prague is fairly hilly. There are plenty of cobblestones, which especially in the old town are far from smooth. That, together with the tram lines are factors you should consider while choosing your new bike.  During the communist era, the only bikes you could get were road or city bikes. In the early 90s Czech brand Author saw potential in the off-road market. They brought mountain bikes to the market with which they dominated the market in the 90s and early 2000s. That’s one of the reasons Czechs love mountain biking. If you’d gone to a bike shop a few years ago, chances are, you’d be leaving with a mountain bike. But the times are changing, you’ll see a lot more people getting into the road and gravel biking. Especially in the last two years.  So what is the best bike for you? First and foremost, it’s important to consider what are your expectations from the bike. Is your bike...

The 10th Anniversary of the Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon

The expected Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon is here. The 10th anniversary race will take place this Saturday, June 4th. It boasts a five-star certificate from the European Athletics and will bring, among else, an interesting duel between the leading Czech female runners Petra Pastorová and Eva Vrabcová Nývltová. Vít Pavlišta, the men’s favorite, will also stand at the start line at the Přemysl Otakar II Square, together with thousands of other runners. “It has been ten years since the half marathon was held here for the first time. České Budějovice and its inhabitants have got used to this event and the city has always supported it significantly. I want to thank the organizers for the well done job and the people from the town hall for their cooperation,” the Mayor of České Budějovice Jiří Svoboda said at the press conference. “In nine years we have brought 44,000 people to run in České Budějovice. The tenth edition of the Mattoni Half Marathon will be special and I am sure that everyone will enjoy it. There will be also a relay race, 2Run or the popular dm family run,” said the RunCzech regional race manager Igor Murko, adding that for the tenth anniversary every...

Czech Ice-Hockey Team Wins World Championship Bronze

Czech Republic rallied to defeat the United States 8-4 in the bronze-medal match at the men’s IIHF World Championship in Tampere, Finland, on Sunday. The United States held a 3-1 lead after the first period, but Czechia replied with seven goals, including six in the final frame, to secure the win. David Pastrnak led the way for the winning side with a hat trick. Jiri Cernoch, Jiri Smejkal, Roman Cervenka and David Kampf rounded out the scoring for Czechia. Karson Kuhlman scored twice for the U.S. along with goals from Adam Gaudette and Thomas Bordeleau. This is the first time the Czech Republic has medaled at the Worlds since winning bronze in 2012, ending the nation’s longest medal drought in the tournament’s history. The Czechs were beaten in the semi-finals of the competition on Saturday; after scoring the opening goal against Canada through David Krejčí, they eventually lost 1:6, with the Canadians scoring three times in little over three minutes in the third period to pull ahead. The U.S. faced Czechia earlier in this year’s world championship, with the Czechs gaining a 1-0 win on May 23 in the preliminary round. The gold-medal game takes place also today as Canada and host Finland...

Ice Hockey World Championship: Czechs Beat Germany and Reach the Semi-Final!

The Czech National Ice Hockey Team beat Germany 4:1 on Thursday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the World Championships in Helsinki, Finland.  The Czechs scored three power-play goals en route to a 4-1 quarter-final win over Germany with a strong, controlled performance. This is the fourth time in eight Worlds that Czechia has advanced to the semi-finals. The top Czech line was deadly. HC Olomouc’s David Krejci stepped up with a goal and a pair of assists, and his long-time Boston Bruins teammate David Pastrnak got a goal and an assist. Captain Roman Cervenka, their linemate, had a goal and an assist as well and is bidding for the 2022 scoring crown (4+9=13). Jiri Smejkal added a single. Czechia last won the gold medal at the 2010 Worlds in Cologne. They added bronze medals in 2011 in Bratislava and 2012 in Helsinki. They have not medalled since. Coach Kari Jalonen’s Czech team controlled the tempo with confident puck movement. After a strong preliminary round, Germany was left chasing and playing catch-up at the worst possible time. Moritz Seider had the lone goal for Germany. The Czech team will face now Canada in the semi-final on Saturday, May 28. xosotin chelseathông...

CEE Cup International Football Tournament Back in Prague

The jubilee 10th year of the CEE Cup football tournament will take place on July 22 – 26, 2022. Matches of six teams, in two groups, will, as per tradition, take place on the playing grounds of the AC Sparta Prague Youth Training Center (TCM) in Strahov. The Final match, as with all the last years of the CEE Cup, will instead be played in the legendary Ďolíček stadium in Vršovice. It really took more than one thousand days before we were able to announce the jubilee tenth year of the tournament since the last final of the CEE Cup (July 30, 2019). Twice, the Covid-19 pandemic thwarted the organizers’ plans. In addition to the traditional domestic teams of Sparta and Slavia, this year’s tournament will be attended by top clubs from abroad: from South America the Brazilian team, Palmeiras SE, and the Mexican team, Tigres UANL. Another team, also a newcomer to the tournament, is an English club with a very rich history – Aston Villa FC. In the tenth anniversary year we can welcome the club from the country of traditional participants of the CEE Cup – Ukraine – even in these difficult times. This year it will...

Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon Celebrates 10th Anniversary

RunCzech running league and České Budějovice celebrate! The 10th year of Mattoni 1/2 Marathon České Budějovice will start already on Saturday, June 4. “It will be important for us to commemorate the 10th year of this race. We really appreciate the great atmosphere and enthusiastic spectators we meet in Budějovice every year. We would like to prepare an exceptional experience for them during the marathon weekend, which will celebrate our tenth anniversary”, explained the manager for regional races Igor Murko. Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon is part of the RunCzech running league. The race again won the highest award for road runs with a five-star certificate from European Athletics. Almost 3,000 runners from the Czech Republic and abroad will be at the start of the race is specific to the fact that up to 40% of participants are from southern Bohemia. That makes a completely unique atmosphere at the start. Mattoni České Budějovice Half Marathon starts at 7 p.m. from Přemysl Otakar II Square. The race excels with a fast track, beautiful scenery, and a friendly atmosphere that will delight both runners and spectators along the track. The Event offers more categories than “just” 1/2 Marathon. In addition to the...

RunCzech Opens Registrations for Prague Half Marathon and Prague Marathon 2023

This year´s Prague Half Marathon and Marathon have their winners, but runners can already start getting ready for next year. RunCzech is opening registrations for the two most prestigious Czech races of the 2023 season – the Half Marathon will take place on April 1st, and the Marathon on May 7th. “It was very important that the Prague races came back after the break caused by Covid-19. The response to them was very positive. We sensed a huge interest and demand for next year. That’s why we decided to open the registration already now. I hope that marathon tourists from abroad will return in larger numbers,” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing committee, whose races boast the World Athletics Elite Label Race. After a two-year interruption caused by COVID-19 restrictions, the half marathon and marathon were of interest, especially to domestic runners. “Nevertheless, we managed to organize two great events. The atmosphere around the course was incredible at both races. The feedback from the pro-athletes, enthusiasts, and fans shows us that they missed our races and look forward to the next ones,” Capalbo outlined. Several new features await those interested in the Prague races in 2023. During the registration...

Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon is Around the Corner!

The Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon is approaching. This Saturday, May 21, starts one of the most beautiful Czech races!  For several years now, RunCzech has been organizing an international race in Karlovy Vary, which attracts professional athletes and enthusiasts runners. The 9th edition of the Mattoni 1/2 Marathon Karlovy Vary will start from Nábřeží Osvobození at 6:00 p.m. Since registrations are still free, don’t hesitate and sign up today! “RunCzech offers to runners a truly unique sports experience. Karlovy Vary, along with ten other European spa towns, is now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon is certainly one of the best ways to fully enjoy the heritage of a beautiful spa town,” said Igor Murko, manager of the RunCzech regional races. The marathon will feature several categories on Saturday. In addition to the 1/2 Marathon, a 2Run is prepared for runners who do not yet feel completely ready for the whole race. The first competitor runs 10 km and the second then finishes 11 km to the distance of the half Marathon. The relay race is ideal alternative for team runners. Of course, the traditional dm family run which will start...

Prague to Host 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League Final

Prague’s Eden Arena will stage next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League final on 7 June 2023. The Eden Arena in Prague has been selected to host next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League final on 7 June 2023. Home of Slavia Praha, the venue was opened by Vladimír Šmicer in 2008 and has since staged several significant matches at club and international levels. The stadium can accommodate 20,800 spectators. The 2013 UEFA Super Cup took place at the Eden Arena, Bayern defeating Chelsea 5-4 on penalties following a 2-2 draw over 120 minutes, and it also went the distance two years later in the 2015 U21 EURO final, Sweden seeing off Portugal 4-3 on spot-kicks. Viktoria Plzeň played at the Eden Arena during their maiden UEFA Champions League group stage campaign in 2011/12. More recently, the venue has enjoyed Slavia Praha’s run to three European quarter-finals in four seasons, including this campaign in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League. The decision to award 2023 final to Eden Arena was taken by the UEFA Executive Committee in Vienna, Austria on 10 May 2022. The first UEFA Europa Conference League final takes place in Tirana, Albania on Wednesday 25 May, with Roma facing Feyenoord. Other 2022/23 club final venues 2023 Europa...

The Kenyan Kigen “The King” of the Prague Marathon

The most eagerly awaited event in the Czech running calendar has celebrated its winners today, with Kenyan Nobert Kigen becoming “The New King” of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon, with a time of 2:07:54, and the Ethiopian Bekelech Borecha triumphant among the women, in 2:2:56. Jiří Homoláč garnered a third Czech title, saying “Reaching the thirtieth kilometer, I started to feel a cramp in my foot, so I was afraid I would not finish, but I made it,” he rejoiced. Marcela Joglova was the best Czech woman. “The sunny weather was not conducive to fast times, but more importantly, it certainly contributed to a beautiful race and a great atmosphere,” RunCzech Organising Committee President Carlo Capalbo, whose race boasts the World Athletics Elite Label Race, stated. Over eight thousand competitors set off from the Old Town Square to overcome the 42,195 metres of the course leading past the beautiful Prague monuments and scenery. Due to the clear sky and sun, the already warm 15C at the start, soon went up to 23 °C.  Ethiopian Bekelech Borecha was the first the women’s home. She covered the course in 2:22:56, improving her personal best by almost two minutes! “I worked very hard, I wanted an even...

This Sunday: Volkswagen Prague Marathon

The Prague Marathon is returning! One of the seven fastest marathons in the world will take place on Sunday, May 8.  This world-class event was launched in 1995 under the patronage of legendary Olympic champion Emil Zátopek. The stunning marathon course is flat and fast attracting runners from all over the world. “Previous covid interruptions of city runs have severely affected not only the organizers but also the business community that benefits so much from the throngs of people the races draw. So we are looking forward to seeing Prague streets filled with thousands of active people, especially after this long break,” says Vít Šimral, Prague’s councilor for sports. For the first time in its history, the Volkswagen Prague Marathon will introduce the Battle of the Teams for ALL RUNNERS. The final results will be announced with the last runner who crosses the finish line at the after-party in hotel Hilton Prague. Key points are earned using the points system of the RunCzech running league, which is based on existing world athletics tables. Each of the six teams will have four elite professionals and the rest will be joined by thousands of enthusiasts. More info here Traffic info Since the...

This Sunday: Come Support the Prague Lions at Viktoria Žižkov!

Come support the Prague Lions next home game this Sunday at Viktoria Žižkov at 13:00 against the Ústí Blades. The Prague Lions football team began this year’s season with three straight victories. Last week, they defeated the Tychy Falcons who were the 2021 Polish Runners-up. This win secured the Prague Lions a spot in the Central Europe Football League (CEFL) Cup Finals. The last time the Prague Lions faced the Ústí Blades was June 22, 2019. The Lions won that game with a final score of 45-17. They are hoping to secure another win this coming Sunday. The Ústí Blades did not play in the 2021 season due to COVID. However, during the 2020 year, they had a great season, winning 5 of 7 games and losing only twice to Vysočina. This year, they began the season by suffering a terrible loss of 38-0 against the Brno Alligators. The second game, they suffered another loss to the Ostrava Steelers. However, with a score of 34-26, they are hopeful that their luck will begin to turn in their favor. The Ústí Blades have recruited a new quarterback, Tony Brown, just two weeks before the beginning of the 2022 league. In two...

Expat Next Door: Carlo Capalbo

The RunCzech annual Volkswagen Marathon in Prague is back on May 8 in full swing and brings with it a new agenda. After two years of continuous uncertainty and anxiety, RunCzech is proud to be bringing positivity and enthusiasm back into the heart of Europe. RunCzech founder Carlo Capalbo created the infamous Prague marathon in 1995 and its popularity has since spread worldwide. Just in 2019, RunCzech had participants coming from 131 different countries. The idea of this marathon has always been to have a world-class international marathon hosted here in the beautiful, historic city of Prague. The international inclusiveness has brought boundless joy and pride to participants and bystanders alike. This year especially, the message is at its strongest. Keeping in mind the last two years of bundling in quarantine and the current political uncertainty spreading throughout the world, Carlo Capalbo has decided that it is time to “reintroduce a sense of normalcy” through a set schedule of events and create an energy of excitement towards the future. Having the assurance that the upcoming RunCzech races are scheduled and will always happen according to schedule is the most important message Carlo wants to be communicated. The certainty of fresh...

2022-23 NHL Season to Open in Prague at O2 Arena

The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League (NHLPA), in partnership with Live Nation, today announced plans for the 2022 NHL Global Series and 2022 NHL Global Series Challenge, featuring the Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Colorado Avalanche and Columbus Blue Jackets. Sharks and Predators will start the basic part of the 2022–23 season with mutual matches in Prague at the O2 arena on Friday 7 October and Saturday 8 October. A month later, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche will play in Tampere, Finland, for two games at Nokia Arena on November 4 and 5. Before the matches in Prague, the Predators and Sharks will complete their training camps in Europe, and each of them will play an exhibition match within the NHL Global Series Challenge 2022. The Predators will report to Bern, Switzerland, and on Monday, October 3. The Sharks will play an exhibition match in Berlin, Germany, against Eisbären Berlin at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Tuesday, October 4. The Predators, Sharks, Avalanche and Blue Jackets will play in the 2022 NHL Global Series. There will be two exhibition games and four regular-season games played in four cities outside of North America next season.https://t.co/qM5OoTWVfa —...

Kenyans Take First Prize at Prague Half Marathon

RunCzech finally returned to Prague after three years. Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon was attended by around 9000 runners, among them also elite world athletes. Four Kenyans ran to the finish line in under one hour. The Prague Half Marathon was dominated by Keneth Kiprop Renju in a time of 59:28. Philemon Kiplimo Kimaiyo finished second and Mathew Kipkorir Kimeli was third. The fastest woman of this year’s edition was Nesphine Jepleting with a time of 1:06:57. The best Czech runner was Jiří Homoláč, who managed the half marathon in 1:04:36, the fastest Czech was Hana Homolková (1:20:31). “I really liked the race, I enjoyed it a lot. Even though it was too cold, it was good. I had a more critical moment in the middle of the half marathon. Even though I didn’t feel pressure on myself, I wanted to win,” Renju said at the finish. “The weather caught me by surprise, I didn’t expect it to be so cold. The worst was the headwind, which made it really hard in some moments. I wanted to break my personal best, but I’m glad I showed such time. It’s a good start to the season, next time I could reach my...

Kenya’s Kiplimo Will Take Part in the Prague Half Marathon on Saturday. Will He Break the Record?

The start list of the thrilling Sportisimo 1/2 Marathon Prague is full of big names and future global stars. Kenyan Philemon Kiplimo, a member of the RunCzech Racing team, will also be seen at Prague’s fast course on Saturday, April 2. In addition to the eighth man of the world tables with a personal best of 58:11, his compatriots Kennedy Kimutai and Keneth Renju will be among the favorites for the victory. The best known Czech athlete on the course will be Jiří Homoláč. Among women, the contenders are Brenda Jepleting and Irine Cheptai from Kenya, with strong running also being expected from Petra Kamínková and Hana Homolková from the Czech Republic. In the last 5 years, the world record has been broken on five occasions here, at home. In the half marathon in September 2020, during the middle pandemic, Kenyan Peres Jepchirchi took care of it in time 1:05:34. Twenty-three-year-old Philemon Kiplimo will be making another personal best effort, trying to improve on the time he ran in Valencia two years ago. The winner of the half marathons in Boston and Bahrain celebrated second place in the Czech Republic two years ago and will be looking for a victory....

Sports Clubs in Prague Open Doors to Ukrainian Children

Five weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have caused immeasurable grief, suffering and, quite likely, lasting psychological troubles for many Ukrainians. Although many have already found safety in nearby European countries, the effects of the hardships they had witnessed are likely to stay for a long time. To alleviate this, at least partially, and offer Ukrainian refugees better chances to feel at home, Prague civil associations have turned to sports as the answer. As TheMayor.eu reports, several sports clubs have announced they will be opening their doors for free for Ukrainian children, willing to practice sports. Moreover, on top of access to regular training sessions, some clubs generously offered training equipment and additional training slots, especially for the needs of the guests from Ukraine. To facilitate Ukrainian parents in finding the sports that best cater to their needs, the Czech capital has launched a single online space, where clubs can publish their offers. On Praha Sportovni (which is also available in Ukrainian), one can already find 7 publications, including football, basketball, martial arts, even dances, together with their schedules and conditions for participation. Some clubs have really taken the task to heart, by providing Ukrainian translators and making equipment available, and...

Czech Republic to Miss 2022 World Cup After Loss to Sweden

The Czech Republic’s National Football Team lost 0:1 after extra time in their Thursday play-off World Cup qualifier game against Sweden in Solna. The loss means that the Czechs will not be playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The match was decided in the 110th minute when substitute Robin Quaison scored the only goal of the match. Before this point it was a very forgettable game with the absence of the star forwards from either side, the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to suspension and Patrik Schick due to injury. The game should not have gone into extra time as deep into injury time Tomas Soucek found team-mate Milan Havel in space in the penalty area but the substitute’s effort flew well wide. Four minutes after the restart in extra time the game was won when Jesper Karlstrom played the ball to Quaison on the edge of the box and he exchanged passes with Alexander Isak before coolly slotting home. Sweden now play in Poland next Tuesday with the winner heading to Qatar. The Poles were fortunate in not having to go through the first part of qualification, due to drawing Russia, especially as Sweden have to back...

Czech Republic Crowned 9th Best Place in the World for an Active-Holiday

The Czech Republic is the 9th best destination for an active holiday, joint with Spain. Scoring in the top 10 destinations for hikers, cyclists and skiers. By considering the number of yoga and wellness retreats, water-sport facilities, cycling routes, hiking routes and ski-slopes in the world’s 50 most visited countries, Gymcatch, a fitness software system, has found the top active holiday destinations. The study then normalized this by the number of tourists per year, and took into account the average cost per tourist per week, to find the world’s best sporty-vacation spots. The Czech Republic places 7th internationally and 4th within Europe as a hiking holiday destination with 5,371 listed hiking trails. In fact, the Czech Republic is a multi-category hotspot, and boasts a great variety of facilities for cyclists and skiers too with 134,141 listed cycling routes and over 700 km of ski slopes to explore. Overall, Australia is 2022’s top active holiday destination, coming top for hiking holidays and scoring in the top 10 countries for number of water-sports facilities and yoga retreats. Coming 2nd in the study, Brazil scored particularly well for cycling; with the 4th most routes per tourist. Norway ranked 3rd. An alternative to the...

RunCzech is Changing the Visual 2022 Campaign, Which Commemorated the Legendary Zátopek with Letter Z

RunCzech, the organizer of prestigious running events, decided to reduce the advertising campaign commemorating the anniversary of the legendary athlete Zátopek with the unfortunate letter Z due to the war in Ukraine. “A few weeks ago, we launched a campaign on social media and in the press to support the phenomenon of running by commemorating 100 years since the birth of Emil Zátopek and 70 years since winning his three Olympic gold medals,” explains Carlo Capalbo, president of RunCzech. The advertising campaign was created by leading creatives and counted on the gradual discovery of the entire message from the unfortunate letter Z to visuals with a running legend and messages like “This season is all about Z” or “RunCzech remember”. “Even though it is just a letter of the alphabet, which is supposed to remind a Czech phenomenal athlete, we do not want it to be associated with aggression and evoke unpleasant emotions,” adds Capalbo. This is a highly professional and visually successful campaign, which experts have been preparing since last summer. However, RunCzech understands that it must be adjusted immediately due to unforeseeable circumstances. RunCzech, which organizes, among others, the Volkswagen Prague Marathon and the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon,...

Czech FA Refuses to Play World Cup Qualifier With Russia

The Czech Republic will not play a potential soccer World Cup qualifier against Russia following their invasion of Ukraine, the Czech FA said on Sunday. The Czech ruling body is the latest to pull out of the playoff matches after Poland and Sweden announced on Saturday they would not contest the qualifiers in March to decide who will go to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. “The FA executive committee approved unanimously the decision that the Czech national team will under no circumstances play the possible game against Russia’s team in the 2022 World Cup qualification,” the Czech FA said. “The executive committee tasked FA chairman Petr Fousek and secretary-general Michal Valter to talk to UEFA and FIFA in regards to the decision of the executive committee not to play the possible game against Russia.” Russia are scheduled to host Poland in the semi-finals of their strand of the World Cup playoffs on March 24 and, if they advance, to host either Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29 in the Path B final. The Czech FA said it would not play the match even if it was moved to a neutral venue, and called for the invasion to...

24 Years Ago the Czech Ice Hockey Team Won its First Olympic Gold

On Saturday, February 22nd in 1998 all people from the Czech republic were watching an early morning gold medal game – the final Czech republic against team Russia. Czech TV speaker Robert Zaruba was opening the golden gate and screamed on air: ” We are Olympic champions! Rewrite the history – the Czech republic won the Olympic Games.” The 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano were the first games that the NHL allowed their players to participate in. The result featured the best hockey talent that the world had to offer at the time. The Czech Republic had a number of those players, including the legendary Jaromír Jágr, Hall of Fame goaltender Dominik Hašek, Martin Ručinský, and defenseman Petr Svoboda, the first Czech to play 1000 games in the NHL. And while the USA and Canada – who had previously faced off in the 1996 World Cup – were the heavy favorites to win, the Czech team stunned the world by beating both of them and then topping Russia in the gold medal final to become only the 7th country ever to win a gold medal in ice hockey, just five years after the nation had been founded An incredible performance...

Slovakia Hockey Team Wins First Olympic Medal

Slovakia has the second medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, and its first Olympic medal in ice hockey. The national men’s ice hockey team won bronze after defeating Sweden 4:0. The biggest Olympic success of the Slovak ice hockey team until now was fourth place in Vancouver in 2010. Juraj Slafkovsky, a top-10 projected prospect for the 2022 NHL draft, scored at 23:17 to break a deadlock. It was his sixth goal of the tournament, good for first in the tournament ahead of Sweden’s Lucas Wallmark. Nine minutes later, veteran Samuel Takac scored on the veteran to double the advantage, forcing Sweden to play catch-up the rest of the way. Unfortunately for Tre Kronor, the third period was dominated by Slovakia, highlighted by another goal for Slafkovsky for the 3-0 goal and one from Pavol Regenda to make it 4-0. Slovakia’s final medal count from the Beijing Olympics is thus one gold medal won by skier Petra Vlhová and the bronze medal won by the ice-hockey team.   xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac...

“Children of Nagano”: The Movie Paying Homage to a Team That Changed Czech Hockey

Nostalgia for Czechs returns in the making of the new movie “Children of Nagano / Děti Nagana” which takes place when the Czech Republic won the historic gold medal against Russia in the 1998 Winter Olympics with their national ice-hockey team.  Dan Pánek, filmmaker and director is creating a film which tells a tale of a young ice-hockey dreamer during this monumental time, which will bring back nostalgic memories to viewers.  1998 saw the Czech Republic win the gold medal against Russia in the ice-hockey Winter Olympics. The Czechs completed an astonishing run through the tournament with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Russia.  Jubilant crowds turned central Prague into a massive street party on the day of victory as they hailed the national team’s historic Olympic gold medal. Dan explains how he remembers this historic win and how proud the Czech people were at this time. He explains “It was a crazy time. There was a sense of unity and proudness in the air. Everyone was proud to be Czech and wanted to celebrate this amazing win.”  Since this triumph, people are disconnected from ice hockey and there is a lack of passion and unity for the sport. Dan wants...

Get Ready for the Start! RunCzech is Opening Registrations for its Popular Prague Races

Finally! After two years, it is possible to register for some of the most popular races globally and the biggest in the Czech Republic. RunCzech is opening registrations for Prague Half Marathon, Volkswagen Prague Marathon with dm Family Run, Prague Relay and Birell Grand Prix. The first sporting event will be held on 2nd April, followed by the famous marathon on 8th May, relay racing on 22nd – 23rd June and the exciting night race on 10km and 5km on 3rd September. It is possible to register from Monday 14th February. “After two years postponing, we are expecting a high volume of interest. Around 40 thousand runners will attend all four races,” says Carlo Capalbo, the president of the organizing committee of RunCzech. Iconic shots of thousands of runners on Charles Bridge to the sound of the Vltava symphonic poem will reach the masses worldwide again. After all, moments from the Volkswagen Prague Marathon are usually broadcasted in 131 countries with a certified reach of over 700 million viewers. Thanks to these events, Prague will once again receive its deserved recognition. “We are sensing the massive demand for healthy activities and traveling. That is something we all need. Organising the marathon in...

2022 Winter Olympics Hockey: Czech Republic Defeats Russia in Last Minute!

Russia dropped its final game of the round-robin after losing 6-5 to the Czech Republic in one of the craziest games of the men’s Olympic hockey tournament. The game ended Group B preliminary round play, with Russia taking the top spot with seven points, Denmark sitting second with six and the Czech Republic and Switzerland closing out the pact. The rest of the qualification round seedings will be finalized on Sunday when Group A and Group C finish play. The Russians struck first at 4:51. Vladimir Tkachyov beat Simon Hrubec with a hard shot after a pressure-packed start to the game by the Russians. The Czechs would answer back at 12:37 when Tomas Kundratek’s shot beat a screened Ivan Fedotov, the first goal he allowed all tournament long in his third start of the tournament. The game remained tied until 32:19 when Nikita Nesterov’s point shot blew through open ice and beat Hrubec to restore Russia’s lead. But that’s when everything went bananas. A penalty to Dmitry Voronkov at 37:34 proved to be extremely costly for the Russians, giving the Czechs a five-minute power play. David Krejci scored at 18:42 on a one-timer opportunity before Michael Spacek walked in and...

It’s GOLD! Ester Ledecká Wins Women’s Snowboard Parallel Giant

Czech Ester Ledecká extended her winning Olympic streak as she secured the gold medal in women’s snowboard parallel giant slalom (PGS) at the Beijing Games on Tuesday. Daniela Ulbing of Austria claimed the silver and Gloria Kotnik of Slovenia the bronze. The competition took place at the Genting Snow Park in Zhangjiakou, where the athletes were blessed with clear skies and relatively warm temperatures of -9 degrees Celsius. The 26-year-old Ledecká made history at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018 by becoming the first athlete in Winter Olympic history to win gold medals in both Alpine skiing and snowboarding’s parallel giant slalom. Ledecká said before Tuesday’s event she considers herself a “double threat” as half snowboarder and half skier. Ulbing’s silver continued a successful season in which she has racked up two victories. She finished seventh in Pyeongchang four years ago. Four years ago in PyeongChang, Ledecká stunned the world. As well as taking gold in her original main sport of snowboarding, the Czech sensationally came first in super-G skiing. Nobody had even competed in those two events at the same Winter Olympics before, never mind winning them. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ...

Czech Republic Will Not Send Government Officials to Beijing Olympics

According to akční kod tipsport, Czech Republic will not send government officials to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, the spokeswoman of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lenka Do, told the Czech News Agency this Wednesday. The diplomatic boycott allows Czech athletes to compete. No decisions have yet been made whether the Czech ambassador and relevant diplomats will be taking part in events. Pressure has been building for months from members of Congress in both parties to hold China accountable for abuses of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region and crackdowns on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Those calls only intensified after the disappearance from public life of the tennis star Peng Shuai after she accused a top Communist Party leader of sexual assault. Beijing has used the Olympic Games in the past to assert itself on the world stage, including in 2008 when the opening ceremony served as a way for the country to tout its economic rejuvenation. The international attention, however, did little to improve human rights in China. René Provost, a professor of international law at McGill University, said diplomatic boycotts can help to “insert human rights into the conversation.” The Olympics are a way for China to show it...

Czech Hockey Player Suspended for 30 Games for Racist Gesture

The American Hockey League (AHL) on Friday suspended San Jose Barracuda forward Kryštof Hrabik for 30 games for directing a racist gesture toward Boko Imama of the Tucson Roadrunners during a game earlier this month. Multiple reports describe Hrabik imitating monkey-like movements in the direction of Imama, who is Black, during a January 12 game in San Jose, California. “The AHL believes that individual inclusion learning is a key element of improving league-wide culture,” said the league in a statement. “As such, as part of his suspension, Hrabik will be provided the opportunity to work with the National Hockey League’s Player Inclusion Committee to participate in education and training on racism and inclusion.” Hrabik, 22, is a Czech Republic national in his second year with the San Jose Sharks’ minor league affiliate. “People should know that I had absolutely no inappropriate intent. The gesture was made in the heat of battle and while I didn’t mean anything racist by what I did, I realize now through my own ignorance how my gesture could be interpreted,” Hrabik said in a statement. “I fully accept the consequences of my actions and am not appealing the discipline imposed by the AHL.” “Even though I...

Barcelona Interested in Signing Patrik Schick

Barcelona are interested in signing Patrik Schick from Bayer Leverkusen, per a report. Schick is almost certain to join a new club soon. He has been in brilliant form for Leverkusen this season. n He’s scored 18 goals from 20 games in all competitions. He attracted plenty of attention during the European Championships last summer. The forward played a key role in helping the Czech Republic reach the quarter-finals. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca are the latest side to be monitoring Schick’s situation at the German club. Newcastle have also been keeping a close eye on him as they look to bolster their attacking options. The 25-year-old is valued at around 60 million EUR. A price tag Barcelona are unlikely to be able to afford this month, according to recent predictions https://bonusovy-kod.com/ . Barcelona could have the upper hand in the race to sign the attacker. The Magpies may have ambitious new owners but it is likely to take them several years before they can become a team worthy of challenging for trophies. Eddie Howe’s side are also fighting relegation and may feature in the English second-tier next season. With all the problems that they face, the Spanish giants can realistically aim to...

President Zeman Against Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

Czech President Miloš Zeman said he was opposed to the “political abuse”, including calls for boycotts, of the Olympic Games.

‘It’s Like Prison,’ Says Czech Tennis Player Detained with Djokovic

Czech tennis player Renata Voráčová, placed in the same Melbourne detention centre as Novak Djokovic after both had their Australian visas revoked, said Friday her stay felt like “being in prison”. Voráčová entered Australia on an exemption from the country’s tight pandemic regulations, just like Djokovic, but both ended up in detention after authorities changed their minds. “I’m in a room and I can’t go anywhere,” the 38-year-old Voráčová, ranked 81st in doubles, told iDNES. “My window is shut tight, I can’t open it 5cm. And there are guards everywhere, even under the window, which is quite funny. Maybe they thought I would jump and run away,” added Voracova, labelling the hotel as “a better dormitory”. “They bring me food and there’s a guard in the corridor. You have to report, everything is rationed. I feel a bit like in prison.” Unvaccinated against COVID-19, Voracova was allowed to enter on an exemption after recovering from the disease late last year. “The federal officials let me in immediately. I was held at the Victoria state checkpoint as they sent my papers somewhere, but then they confirmed I was free to enter without problems.” She even managed a doubles match at the...

Czech Player Voráčová Detained Before Australian Open

Czech women’s tennis player Renata Voráčová was detained in the same immigration hotel as world number one Novak Djokovic ahead of the Australian Open, the Czech Foreign Ministry said on Friday, confirming media reports. ABC News reported on Friday the Australian Border Force (ABF) had cancelled Voráčová’s visa. The Czech ministry said that it had sought an explanation to the situation but also that Voracova had decided to leave the country. The 38-year-old is reported to have been granted a vaccine exemption by Tennis Australia as she has recently recovered from a Covid-19 infection. A statement from Tennis Australia confirmed that in December it informed all players that they could qualify for an exemption if they had a prior COVID-19 infection in the past six months. “We reject completely that the playing group was knowingly misled,” the statement, sent at 10.14 pm on Friday, said. “Informing players they could get into the country on a medical exemption was taken from the Smart Traveller website that Greg Hunt directly referred us to.” However, the website does not appear to include information about prior COVID infection being a valid vaccination exemption. Voráčová, a 38-year-old doubles player from the Czech Republic, advanced past...

Věra Čáslavská and the Forgotten Story of Her 1968 Olympics Protest

Mexico City, 1968. A newly-crowned Olympic champion is about to make the life-changing decision to stage a political protest on the podium. The protest came from Czech gymnast Věra Čáslavská as a reaction to the Soviet-led invasion of her country two months earlier. Caslavska turned her head away from the flag of what she called the “invaders’ representatives”, the Soviet Union. The action was understated. The ramifications were huge, as World Service programme Sporting Witness has discovered through the first-hand account of British gymnast Mary Prestidge. Prestidge spent time training alongside Čáslavská in the build-up to the Mexico Games as part of an exchange programme. The Czech gymnast was already a superstar, having won three gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, including the individual all-around title. Her chances of repeating such dominance were dealt a huge blow in the run-up to the Olympics, however, when she was forced into hiding by the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia in August 1968. When the ‘Prague Spring’ reforms were consequently halted, Čáslavská, a vocal opponent of Soviet rule, feared she would be arrested so she retreated to a remote forest hideout. The Olympics were just two months away. Rather than prepare for Mexico in a gymnasium, Čáslavská...

Czech Fighter Barred From MMA Organization Due to Hitler Tattoo

A Czech fighter has been removed from a scheduled bout at a tournament last week for sporting neo-Nazi tattoos. Radek Roušal was expected to face Slovak fighter Nikolas Krivák in an Oktagon MMA event in Brno, but was barred from competition after it was revealed that the fighter had a portrait of Adolf Hitler emblazoned on his arm. A second tattoo on his chest revealed a skull wearing an SS cap, a reference to the SS Totenkopfverbände unit responsible for administering the Nazi death camps. Speaking with iDNES.cz, Oktagon MMA promoter Ondřej Novotný noted his disgust with the situation, adding that the outcry from MMA fans is “justified.” “It cannot happen that you would come here looking like that,” Oktagon MMA promoter Ondřej Novotný told iDNES.cz. “We have a clause about that in the contract, we could fine him. For the tattoo on his chest as well. No way! It’s absolutely justified that there’s an outcry. We didn’t study what he looks like, neither did our photographers or our cameramen noticed the tattoo. Nobody spoke of it beforehand. We did not know about it, certainly not.” Roušal later claimed that the tattoos were the remnants of his “troubled” past and that...

Who Are the Rivals of Czech Clubs in the Europa Conference League Playoffs?

Slavia will face Turkey’s Fenerbahçe Istanbul, in which the Czech National Team member Filip Novák plays, in the first round of the football 2021-22 UEFA Europa Conference League elimination phase. Sparta, the second of the Prague clubs competing in the third-tier continental cup in the spring, will face Belgrade’s Partizan, the team from Serbia. That was decided by the draw that took place at UEFA’s headquarters in the Swiss city of Nyon. The first leg matches will take place on February 17, followed by rematches a week later. Just as it was the case so far this season, top betting sites in the Czech Republic will cover this competition with appealing odds (that if betting is your thing). Slavia, as the second-placed team in its respective group, will begin with an away match. Sparta, on the other hand, will play the opening match at home after qualifying for the Europa Conference League playoffs from third place in the UEFA Europa League group, the second-tier of continental cups. The eight group winners who advanced to the Round of 16 in the Europa Conference League directly will join the advancing teams from the first round of the elimination phase, i.e. playoffs. On...

RunCzech Opens Registrations for Out-Of-Prague Races

After the Prague races, RunCzech also published the dates of its races that will take place in 2022 in other Czech cities. Runners can register for the traditional Mattoni events in Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice, Olomouc, Ústí nad Labem and Liberec. It will be also possible to purchase a gift certificate as a present for all these events. “In 2022 we will be back in full strength. I’m looking forward to seeing you all again at the start,” says Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech organizing committee, to all runners. After another season, which was again interfered with the Covid, the organizers believe that the 2022 season will go according to plan. The Mattoni Half Marathon Karlovy Vary will open the season in the Czech regions (May 21). Two weeks later, the Mattoni Half Marathon takes place in České Budějovice, and in the next 14 days, the series moves to the Half Marathon in Olomouc. In the end, runners can look forward to the races Mattoni Half Marathon in Ústí nad Labem (September 17) and the Mattoni Liberec Nature Run (September 24). A full calendar is available here The upcoming season of the Mattoni Half Marathons will also bring two...

Sparta Prague Owner Daniel Křetínský Takes 27% Stake in West Ham

The investment group of Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský has bought a 27% stake in West Ham, the Premier League club said Wednesday. The 1890s holdings a.s controlled by Kretínský is the majority owner of Czech football team Sparta Prague who also owns energy conglomerate EPH. Kretínský and his colleague, Pavel Horský, became members of West Ham’s board as a result of the acquisition into a club that is currently in third place in the Premier League after its 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday, a result you could predict with the bets built by Footy Accumulators Co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan have controlled West Ham since 2010 and the club has made impressive strides in recent years under manager David Moyes in his second spell in charge. “Having been to the London Stadium recently to watch David Moyes’ team, I know it is an incredible time to become part of the West Ham United family,” said Kretínský, who attended the Liverpool game. “I feel privileged to now have the opportunity to help everyone here build on the proud traditions of this great club.” In the Czech Republic, Kretínský owns book publishing houses, a sport daily and magazines, and he...

RunCzech is Back – Announces Official Calendar for Prague Races in 2022

Today, a calendar of the three most anticipated sporting events opens for all running enthusiasts – the traditional Prague Half Marathon, the classic Volkswagen Prague Marathon with a dm family-run, and the Birell Prague Grand Prix. All of the above-mentioned races will take place on the traditional dates, i.e. April 2nd, May 8th, and September 3rd, 2022. “We feel confident that there will not be of any covid complications, and that lockdowns and restrictions on sports will not happen, as we are adhering to basic anti-epidemic measures”, says Carlo Capalbo, president of the organizing committee of RunCzech. Thus, after months of uncertainty and the cancellation of past races, the 2022 program will take place in its entirety. A total of 39,000 runners will take part in the above-mentioned three races alone. In the next few days, all pre-registered runners from previously canceled races will be contacted by e-mail to confirm their registrations for the individual races that will happen next year. They must decide if they intend to participate. “There is traditionally a huge interest in participating in the Prague races, among Czech and foreign runners. Therefore, we need to find out as soon as possible whether any of the...

World Cup 2022: Czech Republic Gets Second Chance in Playoffs

With one year to go until the 2022 World Cup gets underway in Qatar, several nations have now booked their place – while others must face a nervous wait. A dramatic final round of fixtures in European qualifying drew to a close on Tuesday.  In the final game of the group stage, the Czech Republic beat Estonia 2:0 in Prague’s Letná stadium. The home team went into the lead in the 59. minute after a goal by Jakub Brabec. Substitute Jan Sýkora upped the score to 2:0 five minutes before the end of the game. The Czech Republic finished third overall in Group E, behind Belgium and Wales and will have to make it through the knock-out stage of the qualifiers to play in Qatar next year. Who has qualified from Europe? European Championship runners-up England qualified for the 2022 World Cup as one of 10 group winners, sealing top spot in style by thrashing San Marino 10-0 in their final Group I game on Friday. Also heading to the World Cup are 2018 winners France, while Belgium, Denmark and Germany all safely navigated their groups as well. It was not all straightforward for Europe’s heavyweights, however. There were some crucial top-of-the-table deciders in the final round of...

RacketPal Arrives in the Czech Republic. Find a Partner for a Game of Tennis or Squash!

The revolutionary RacketPal application, which has already been downloaded by tens of thousands of tennis players, is heading to the Czech Republic. It is the third country in which racquet sports players will be able to use the application to help with the return to sports, movement, and overall mental well-being. Having already helped more than 40,000 tennis players in London and Melbourne, the new RacketPal application assists players in finding opponents and teammates at their level and with similar time options. It will also help them find coaches or braiders. “Together with co-founder Bogdan, we realized that we didn’t know of any way we could meet other players who would also like to play the sport,” explained Robert Rizea, CEO and co-founder of RacketPal. In less than three years, RacketPal has moved from a mere database of racquet sports players to a modern application that can be downloaded on both available App Store and Google Play platforms- it’s a sports social network Users have access to discussions, private and group chats, personalized search for the most suitable opponent or a sophisticated system of ratings and statistics. The startup currently has 25 employees with a plan to create the largest...

Czech Billionaire Křetinský Considering Buying Significant Stake in West Ham

Sky News has learnt that Daniel Křetinský is in advanced talks to acquire a 27 per cent stake in in the London-based English Premier League football club West Ham United, with a view to a possible full takeover in the future. The transaction could be announced as soon as the first weekend of November, when the Hammers play Liverpool at London Stadium – live on Sky Sports. Financiers said the deal was expected to include an option to take full control of West Ham after an unspecified period. Mr. Křetinský’s initial stake purchase is likely to value the club at between £600m and £700m, according to one person briefed on the transaction. If he proceeds to take full control of West Ham, it would end the decade-long control of David Gold and David Sullivan, who acquired the club in 2010. If confirmed, it would be the latest in a series of major deals involving Premier League clubs, following the controversial sale of Newcastle United to a Saudi-led consortium. Křetinský, who owns assets in the energy, media, industrial and retail sectors, has become a significant player in corporate Britain, and now ranks as the largest shareholder in Royal Mail and the...

UEFA Closes Sparta Prague Racism Case for Lack of Evidence

An investigation into alleged racist abuse by thousands of children against a black player at a Europa League game was closed by UEFA on Friday for lack of evidence. Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara appeared to be booed by young Sparta Prague fans two weeks ago though the Czech club denied and pushed back on the claims. “The investigation has now concluded that there was insufficient evidence of racism or discriminatory conduct at the match to warrant the opening of disciplinary proceedings,” UEFA said in a statement. The game was played in front of about 10,000 fans aged from six to 14 as part of a punishment UEFA imposed on Sparta for racist abuse of a Black opponent in a previous game this season. Tensions were raised for Rangers’ visit to the Czech Republic because Kamara was racially abused by a player from Sparta’s city rival, Slavia Prague, at a Europa League game in Scotland last season. In that case, UEFA banned Slavia’s Ondrej Kudela for 10 games in its competitions forcing the 34-year-old defender to miss the European Championship.   xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá...

Sparta Prague Kids Boo Rangers Star Glen Kamara In Europa League Match

Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara was booed throughout tonight’s Europa League match with Sparta Prague by a crowd full of children. The shocking scenes were reported by Jordan Campbell of The Athletic, who was present at the Sinobo Stadium. Sparta Prague fans racially abused Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni so faced a stadium closure tonight vs Rangers. The only exception is that 10,000 local kids under 14 years are in but Glen Kamara, racially abused by Slavia’s Ondrej Kudela, is now being booed with every touch. — Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) September 30, 2021 “Sparta Prague fans racially abused Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni so faced a stadium closure tonight vs Rangers,” he tweeted. “The only exception is that 10,000 local kids under 14 years are in. “But Glen Kamara, racially abused by Slavia’s Ondrej Kudela, is now being booed with every touch. “Doesn’t get more depressing than that.” The 25-year-old, who was sent off with 15 minutes to go in the match, took the knee before proceedings began, with his opponents opting to stand around the centre circle instead. From that point onwards, the Finnish international was subjected to what broadcaster Emma Dodds describes as ‘disgusting’ abuse from the young crowd. Dodds claims Kamara was ‘booed above...

Prague to Welcome Unique Sports Ground on Štvanice Island

Plans have commenced for a project which will see the neglected river transform into a clean outdoor sports ground.  The Ministry of Defence had previously indicated that the wild water track in Štvanice, which he had once used for an exhibition race along with the Czech army, was set to be destroyed due to its lack of use.  Martin Leskovjan, founder of the Vlna Stvanice association, has since negotiated with the Ministry of Defence to hand over the lease of the Vltava River Basin on new lease conditions.  The thought of the destruction of Štvanice, which is unique in the world as one of two artificial tracks with wild water, is behind Martin’s motivation to bring a new lease of life to the abandoned area.  “The longer I deal with Štvanice, the more possibilities, and potential I see,” said Leskovjan. ​​“The strong positive response and support of the project is concentrated from all sides and confirms to me that the project can bring together many paddlers and surfers, but also the city and its inhabitants.” As an active paddler himself, Martin plans to bring the first river surfing wave to the centre of Prague, where it will be possible to...

Heavy Hitters Softball Tournament Set for October

Twice a year, expats and other fans of softball have a chance to play ball and help an NGO raise money for education. From October 2-3, 2021, heavy hitters and fun-seekers of all stripes will be invited to step up to the plate for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic at the annual Heavy Hitters Fundraising Softball Tournament. Organised twice-annually for nearly 22 years by the Prague Peak Education Fund (PPEF), Prague’s largest co-ed charity softball tournament has been dedicated to raising funds for several educational activities in the Czech Republic, including Seminars for Teachers, Grab the Reader, Teachers Circles, and the Thomayer University Hospital’s school for long-term hospitalized children. “I have been organizing the Heavy Hitters tournament for over 15 years,” related PPEF Director Simona Huitric, “and many organisations now rely on our support. I am very proud that we cooperate with such meaningful projects. We get to meet amazing people who do a terrific job with the funds raised by the tournament, and we see that our work makes sense.”  The PPEF relies on the support of not only participating teams but in-kind sponsorship for food and drinks sold during the weekend event. Family-friendly and...

Tennis: The Fed Cup Final Is Heading To Prague

The government released 65 million CZK from the budget reserve for the organization of the final tournament of the Billie Jean King Tennis Cup (formerly Fed Cup) in the Czech Republic. Thanks to this, the tennis association can sign an agreement with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for the top women’s tennis event, which should take place in the O2 arena in Prague in the first week of November. The final tournament was to be played in Budapest, but was canceled last year and postponed this year due to the coronavirus situation. The Hungarian capital gave up the organization of the event in May. “The government has approved the provision of 65 million CZK to the Czech Tennis Association through the National Sports Agency for the organization of the championship,” said Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO) at a press conference after the cabinet meeting.  The head of the Czech Tennis Association, Ivo Kaderka, stated in mid-June that he was negotiating the organization of the final tournament in Prague with the ITF management. “Today’s approval of the contribution to cover part of the organizing costs of the Billie Jean King Cup in Prague was the last step before signing the contract...

Prague Marathon Again Cancelled Over Covid Restrictions

Prague Marathon organizers said Monday they had canceled this year’s edition of the race because of local Covid rules. “With current restrictions due to the pandemic: start in waves, social distance, limited technical area, control of testing and vaccination… it is not feasible to guarantee an event on a level you expect from us,” organizers said in a statement. The 2020 edition was canceled amid the first Covid-19 wave, while the 2021 race originally scheduled for May was postponed until October 9. “We have to make a decision that is extremely difficult for We have to postpone the race until (May) 2022,” the organizers added on Monday. They had earlier canceled the Prague Half-Marathon and the 10-kilometer Grand Prix, both scheduled for early September. The Czech Republic has been easing Covid restrictions for public gatherings since the spring, but some remain in place. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại...

Sparta to Host Europa Game at Empty Venue After Fan Racism

Sparta Prague will host its opening group-stage game in the Europa League behind closed doors due to racial abuse of a player by fans. Sparta said on Monday it won’t appeal the punishment by UEFA. The incidents took place during the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round match at home to Monaco on Aug 3. A group of fans directed monkey chants at Monaco midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni after he scored the opening goal in the first half, and again when the game was over. The Monaco match was stopped for three minutes. Monaco coach Niko Kovac said his team was “disgusted” by the behaviour. Kovac’s team won 2-0 and followed up with a 3-1 home victory in the second leg. Sparta said it identified the fans responsible for the abuse and banned them. The Disciplinary Committee of the Czech Football League fined Sparta Prague 100,000 CZK because of the acist abuse. Sparta Prague apologized to Aurélien Tchouaméni and AS Monaco FC in an open letter. “We state that our Club unanimously condemns any kind of discriminatory behaviour including racism. AC Sparta Praha do not and will not tolerate any kind of such behaviour and endeavour to actively...

‘L’Etape by Tour de France’ Coming for the First Time to the Czech Republic

L’Etape by Tour de France is a global series of races focused on cycling for the public attended by local enthusiasts and racers from around the world. The Czech premiere will offer a weekend cycling holiday for the whole family, which will include two racing routes for cyclists of all performance levels – the first track will offer 136 kilometers, a shorter variant will take cyclists on a 93-kilometer circuit. The cycling race for the public with the start and finish in Prague will take place on August 28, 2021. Furthermore, the routes will lead along the closed roads of the Křivoklát region, the Beroun region and the Czech Karst. The festival park with lots of stalls, attractions, a museum and the official products of Tour de France will be in the very centre of Prague. There will be much more to Tour de France than “just” racing, and L’Etape Czech Republic will be no different. You can look forward to a rich accompanying program. It is ideal for cycling fans, families with children; even lovers of French culture and gastronomy. For the fans watching the race along the sidelines, organizers will be preparing hotspots full of entertainment. This event is being held in the...

Sparta Prague Identified and Banned Fans Who Shouted Racist Insults

Sparta Prague has identified the fans who shouted racist insults at Monaco player Aurélien Tchouaméni during a match in the 3rd preliminary round of the Champions League. The club wants to ban the culprits from attending any more matches and is filing a crime report against them. The club has posted a statement to that effect on its official website. “During our investigation we analyzed video footage from the club’s camera system and other footage, as a result of which an investigation was launched against the people who committed that unacceptable behavior. Thanks to our security system, those visitors to the stadium were identified and in the near future, after all the essential steps have been taken, they will be informed that they are forbidden to attend any future matches of AC Sparta Praha. The club is also filing a criminal report,” the announcement posted yesterday reads. The incident happened a week ago, when Tchouaméni, a Black player for Monaco, scored a goal and the Sparta fans began to roar in disapproval – in addition to racist abuse, plastic beer cups were thrown onto the pitch. The home side hooligans shouted racist insults at other Monaco players as well during the match....

Olympics: Czech Decathlete Adam Helcelet Receives the ‘Mustache of the Games’ Award

Czech decathlete Adam Helcelet, who competed in the men’s decathlon, turned heads at Wednesday’s 100m heats when he stepped onto the track sporting a handlebar mustache. Helcelet’s facial hairstyle, however, is more than just a trend. The self-proclaimed history buff told World Athletics in a 2020 interview that he began to grow out the look in honor of the Czech Republic’s centennial. “In 2018 our country celebrated 100 years as a republic, so I wanted to grow my mustache like they wore at that time. My friends hated it, so I love it!” he said. His love of history led Helcelet and his training partners to launch in 2019 Decathlonpedia.com, an encyclopedia of resources for young athletes to learn about the history and people associated with decathlon in order to “discover the stories of the greatest athletes in the world.” Meanwhile, on social media, Twitter users noted Helcelet’s “glorious” mustache deserved Olympic recognition. “Adam Sebastian Helcelet twiddling his moustache into perfect formation ahead of each effort is the level of commitment you want from your Decathletes,” wrote @decathletesofeurope Adam Helcelet for the “Moustache of the games” award?! pic.twitter.com/OTPUYYQZ64 — Aniket Mishra (@aniketmishra299) August 4, 2021 Adam Helcelet’s mustache is a work of art....

Czech Javelin Throwers Win Two More Medals at Olympics

Neeraj Chopra won the men’s javelin on Saturday for India’s first-ever Olympic athletics gold. Chopra, 23, managed a winning best of 87.58 metres to go one better than India’s previous best — two silver medals won in the 200m and now-defunct 200m hurdles at the 1900 Paris Games by British-Indian Norman Pritchard. The Czech Republic filled out the podium at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium, Jakub Vadlejch taking silver with 86.67m and Vitezslav Vesely claiming bronze with 85.44m. “It’s incredible because Vítězslav [Veselý] won the bronze medal,” said silver winner Vadlejch about the two Czech positions on the podium. “So it’s amazing. It’s perfect, it’s perfect feelings, I’m very glad.” The Czech team now has a total of eleven medals, four of them gold, which is the best result at the summer Olympics in the history of the independent Czech Republic. ❤️🇨🇿 PLACKY NA KONEC! 🙌🏼 🥈 JAKUB VADLEJCH! (1/2) 🤩#olympijskytym #Tokyo2020 #Athletics #olympijsky pic.twitter.com/NoAzvCvamY — Český olympijský tým (@olympijskytym) August 7, 2021 xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên...

UEFA Charge Sparta Prague After Alleged Racial Abuse

Sparta Prague have been charged by European soccer’s governing body UEFA over discriminatory behaviour following alleged racist abuse from the Czech club’s fans during their Champions League game against AS Monaco. Monaco beat Sparta Prague 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round, with France Under-21 international Aurelien Tchouameni scoring the opener for the Ligue 1 club. Tchouameni and his team mates then went over to Monaco manager Niko Kovac and UEFA officials, alleging racist chanting from the crowd being directed towards him. In line with UEFA protocols, the game was held up for three minutes, after which a message on the Letna Stadium screen warned that further abuse would lead to the game being stopped. UEFA said in a statement on Thursday it had also charged Sparta Prague for provocative offensive messages and throwing of objects. “The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course,” it added. Tchouameni said on Twitter “monkey noises” were aimed at him when he celebrated his goal and that he received death threats after the incident. “I celebrated my goal, same way as usual, and monkey noises were thrown around me,” Tchouameni wrote on...

Adam Ondra: 5 Things to Know About the Czech Climbing Star

Often lauded as the best climber in the world, you won’t want to take your eyes off Czech Republic’s Adam Ondra at Tokyo 2020. But how much do you know about the sport climbing sensation? Here are five titbits to whet your appetite before the Games. 1 – He was born to climb and loves to climb Ondra was born in 1993 to climber parents and from an early age his life revolved around the sport. By thirteen, his prodigious talent was obvious for all to see as he scaled 5.14d/9a – a difficulty level reserved for elite climbers. And not much has changed in the years since, with Ondra still as in love with the sport as ever. When The Pill Magazine asked him about his passions outside of climbing, Ondra’s reply was resolute and revealing. “Climbing, then bouldering,” he said. “I don’t have many because I already climb a lot, I dedicate 6/7 hours a day to that, then I have to eat and recover and at that point the day is over.” And it seems even the gruelling training regime is something Ondra enjoys, as he explained In an interview with Olympics.com: “To train hard is not a sacrifice....

Olympics: Historic Fourth Gold Medal for the Czech Republic!

Czech Republic’s Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova beat Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic and Viktorija Golubic 7-5 6-1 in the women’s doubles tennis final in Tokyo on Sunday to clinch their country’s first Olympic gold in the sport. Slovak Miloslav Mecir took the singles title for Czechoslovakia on the sport’s return to the Games in 1988. The first set was an even affair, with both sides holding serve, until Krejcikova and Siniakova pulled away to seal the first set 7-5. By the second set, they had taken control and were up 3-0 before the Swiss pair broke their serve. But after a series of errors, Bencic and Golubic were soon down 5-1 and facing a mountain to climb to win the match. They clung on in the last game and battled back when it went to deuce several times, but they failed to convert their advantages and lost the match 7-5, 6-1 to take home silver. The victory for the top-seeded Czech team and three-time Grand Slam champions put an end to Bencic’s dream of making it a Swiss double golden success, after she triumphed in the women’s singles final a day earlier over Krejcikova and Siniakova’s compatriot Marketa Vondrousova. But it...

Olympics: Marketa Vondroušová Takes Silver in Tennis Women’s Single

World number 12 Belinda Bencic dug deep to overpower Czech Republic’s Marketa Vondrousova 7-5 2-6 6-3 on Saturday and win the Tokyo Olympics women’s singles title, becoming the first Swiss woman to earn an Olympic Games tennis gold. Bencic, who prevailed in two hours and 30 minutes, can now complete a set of gold medals when she and Viktorija Golubic face Czech No. 1 seeds Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova in the doubles final on Sunday. Despite coming back in the second set, which she won with six points to two, Vondroušová ran into trouble in the third, decisive set of the game. She managed to get to deuce when Bencic was serving to win the game at 5:3, but the Swiss player managed to press the advantage and won the game.

Olympics: Another Gold for the Czech Republic, This Time for Krpálek in Judo! 

Another gold for the Czech Republic, this time for Lukáš Krpálek in judo!  Czech Lukas Krpálek won the Olympic gold medal in the men’s judo +100 kg category on Friday, defeating Guram Tushishvili of Georgia in the final. Bronze medals went to Teddy Riner of France and Tamerlan Bashaev of the Russia Olympic Committee. Krpálek won at half-heavyweight in Rio de Janeiro, and he capped an impressive run through the heaviest division in Tokyo by pinning Tushishvili to the mat until he got the finish with 13 seconds left. French star Teddy Riner’s quest for a record-tying third consecutive Olympic gold medal ended in the quarterfinals with a narrow loss to Russian athlete Tamerlan Bashaev, who then lost a spectacularly well-fought semifinal to Krpálek. Riner still won his fourth Olympic medal. He claimed bronze with a victory over Hisayoshi Hasagawa, who became only the third of host Japan’s 14 Olympic judokas not to win a medal. Japan claimed its ninth gold when women’s heavyweight Akira Sone won moments before Hasagawa’s loss on penalties in golden score. Japan also claimed one silver and one bronze in its homegrown martial art. Bashaev went on to win the other bronze with a win...

One More Gold! Olympics-Canoeing Jiří Prskavec First in Men’s Kayak Slalom

Jiří Prskavec won gold in the men’s kayak slalom on Friday, with the silver medal going to Slovakia’s Jakub Grigar. Germany’s Hannes Aigner took bronze.   Jiri Prskavec🇨🇿 has won #gold in #Rowing – Men’s Kayak at #Tokyo2020 #UnitedByEmotion | #StrongerTogether | #Olympics — #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) July 30, 2021 The two-time world champion in the individual event completed the kayak slalom course in 91.63, ahead of Slovakia’s Jakub Grigar (94.85) and Germany’s Hannes Aigner (97.11). Prskavec would have been Olympic champion in Rio if he hadn’t had one penalty deduction but made no mistake this time, completing both his semi-final and final runs in the quickest times. Heading down the course last in the final, he held his nerve to come through to win, a massive 3.22s ahead of second-placed Grigar. The Slovakian, who came fifth in Rio, won the first-ever Olympic medal in kayak slalom for his nation, continuing his good form this year having won the last World Cup before the Games. Germany’s experienced paddler Hannes Aigner was a bronze medallist at London 2012, and fourth in Rio, so he’ll be pleased to be back on the podium. To date the Czech Republic has an overall medals tally of...

Czech Republic Takes First Gold at Olympics

Czech shooter Jiří Lipták outlasted teammate David Kostelecký in a shoot-off to win men’s trap gold on Thursday at the Tokyo Olympics. The 39-year-old held his nerve to beat off a challenge from his teammate David Kostelecký, 46, who was making his sixth Olympic appearance, at the Asaka Shooting Range. The top position changed hands between them and they finished tied for first place on 43 targets out of 50. But Liptak, who took silver in the European Championships and finished first after the qualifying rounds at Tokyo 2020, won when he hit seven targets to Kostelecky’s six in the shoot off. “It was our big wish to stand next to each other on the podium and it happened here. It is huge,” said Liptak after the event. “He [Kostelecky] is my longtime friend. We have been training for several years together. It is great for me to learn from him. “I still kind of don’t realise that I am the Olympic champion, but it feels good.” World and European champion in men’s trap, Great Britain’s Matthew Coward-Holley, took the bronze on 33 targets. Liptak finished 18th at the 2012 London Games but did not compete in Rio five years ago....

Forbes Ranks the Czech Olympic Fashion Collection Among the Eight Best

At Friday’s opening ceremony at the Tokyo Olympics, the Czech Olympians walked in clothing designed by designer Zuzana Osako. The collection was praised by both Czech flag bearers Petra Kvitová and Tomáš Satoranský but also by the U.S. Forbes magazine, which ranked it among the eight most remarkable Olympic fashion collections at the opening ceremony. The traditional blue print technique, which was used on men’s vests and women’s jackets, was chosen to combine Czech and Japanese culture. The men’s part of the collection also consisted of white trousers and shirts as a complement to the women’s part of a white dress. These clothes were inspired by the clothes worn by the Czech team at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964, where gymnast Věra Čáslavská became famous. The whole outfit was then complemented by red shoes, fans, and bast bags. Both flag bearers of the Czech team, tennis player Petra Kvitová and basketball player Tomáš Satoranský, praised the collection. “As we went there, I heard that we had one of the six most beautiful collections. In any event, we were different. When I saw the other countries, some came in a tracksuit, which didn’t seem so cool to me. Czechs...

113 Years Later, Czech Republic Wins an Olympic Medal in Fencing

Hong Kong’s top male fencer Cheung Ka-long has claimed gold at the Tokyo Olympic Games – after defeating the reigning Olympic champion, Daniele Garozzo of Italy, 15-11 in a nail-biting final of the men’s individual foil. His gold is Hong Kong’s first medal in the sport, second-ever gold, and fourth Olympics medal in history. In the bronze medal bout, Czech fencer Alexander Choupenitch defeated Japan’s Takahiro Shikine 15-8. The 27-year-old fencer from Brno, who has Belarussian roots, beat Spain‘s Carlos Llavador, Germany’s Peter Joppich, and Egypt‘s Mohamed Hamza. Choupenitch’s Career Choupenitch won his first international distinction in 2011 with a gold medal at the Cadet European Championships in Klagenfurt and a bronze medal in the Cadet World Championships at the Dead Sea. As a junior, he earned the silver medal in the 2012 Junior World Championships in Poreč and won the Junior World Cup the same year. The next season, he took the silver medal in the Junior European Championships in Budapest and a bronze medal in the World Championships in Poreč; he also finished first of the Junior World Cup for the second year in a row. He won in 2014 the Junior European Championships in Jerusalem and earned...

Lukáš Rohan Wins Czechs’s First Medal of Tokyo Olympics With Silver in Canoe Slalom

Slovenia’s Benjamin Savsek won gold in the men’s canoe slalom on Monday ahead of silver medal winner Lukáš Rohan from the Czech Republic. Savsek finished the race in 98.25 seconds. He was followed by Rohan in 101.96 seconds. The bronze medal went to Sideris Tasiadis of Germany in 103.70 seconds, who was a silver medalist in the 2012 London Games. Savsek is ranked No. 7 in the world. He knew he had the time to beat after a clean run with no time penalties, and pumped his first as he crossed the finish line. He didn’t have long to wait to see his time of 98.25 seconds hold up as the winner. Rohan’s run included a gate touch and 2-second penalty and he finished 3.71 seconds off the lead. Tasiadis, who came in ranked No. 1 in the world and won silver in 2012, was a distant 5.45 seconds slower than Savsek. Born in Mělník in 1995, Lukáš Rohan has been competing in water slalom for the past 10 years. He has won three medals at the European Championships including a silver medal in the C1 event at the 2020 European Championships in Prague and a silver and a bronze medal in the C1 team event...

Czech Republic Tops Iran 84-78 in Olympic Basketball Opener

The Czech Republic launched their Olympic hoop dreams in Tokyo on Sunday with a 84-78 win against Iran, holding off a late rally by the Iranians who cut the lead all the way down to four points with less than a minute to go. Patrik Auda scored 16 points, Blake Schilb added 14 and the Czech Republic wasted most of a 22-point lead before holding on to defeat Iran. Jan Vesely added 11 for the Czech Republic. Behnam Yakhchali had a game-high 23 points for Iran (0-1), which trailed by 22 late in the third and by 21 in the fourth before putting together its comeback bid. Mohammad Jamshidi scored 16 and Hamed Haddadi had 15 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late for Iran. Jamshidi´s 3-pointer with 1:10 left got Iran within 80-76, but Schilb scored on each of the next two Czech possessions to help close out the win. Iran opened the fourth quarter on a 15-2 run, getting within 69-61 on a three-point play from Yakhchali with 5:39 remaining. The Czechs missed nine of their first 10 shots from the field in the fourth, seeing their lead get trimmed to single digits for the first time...

Top 10 Greatest Czech Athletes at Olympic Games

Czech Olympic Committee was established in May 1899. The first Czech athletes joined at the Paris Olympics in 1900 and immediately on these Games they have reached 3 medals – 1 silver and 2 bronze. Since 1899 Czech Team (the Czech Republic and Czechoslovakia together) has participated in the 48 Olympics and won 75 gold, 86 silver, and 99 bronze medals. Among the most successful and famous Czech athletes belong: Jiří Raška 4. 2. 1941 – 20. 1. 2012, Frenštát pod Radhoštěm He inherited ski jumping as the family sport at home in Frenštát pod Radhoštěm. He was in the national team for sixteen years and in 1968 he was the first Czechoslovakian to win a gold at the Winter Olympics when he triumphed in Grenoble at the normal hill thanks to a good line selection and a high technical score. A week later Raška added silver in the large hill. His success was recounted by author Ota Pavel in his Pohádka o Raškovi (Sporting Fairy Tale). This supreme ski jumper also beat the world record and in 1971 won the Four Hills Tournament. Later he worked as a coach and in 2011 received a state honour for services to...

PM Babiš Blasts ‘Scandal’ as 6 Positive for Covid at Olympics, Team Launches Investigation

Two more members of the Czech Olympic team have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total to six, and the country’s Olympic Committee has launched an investigation into a charter flight bringing athletes to Tokyo. Prime Minister Andrej Babis called the situation “a scandal” as beach volleyball player Marketa Nausch Slukova and road cyclist Michal Schlegel tested positive in the Olympic Village. They took the tally of Covid-hit athletes in the Czech team to four, while two other staff also tested positive. “I don’t like this one bit. I don’t understand how it could happen,” Babis told reporters. Nausch Slukova’s Austrian coach and husband Simon Nausch tested positive earlier this week along with another beach volleyball player, Ondrej Perusic, and table tennis hope Pavel Sirucek. Czech Olympic team doctor Vlastimil Voracek tested positive on arrival in Tokyo. Men’s table tennis player Pavel Sirucek and men’s beach volleyball player Ondrej Perusic have also tested positive. All those infected were on a charter plane that took part of the Czech team to Tokyo last Friday, together with the first identified case, doctor Voracek said. Voracek was not vaccinated against COVID-19, Czech media reported, although that was not a condition of participation. A...

The Czech’s Largest Permanent Obstacle Course has Opened in Prague

Fitness fans no longer have to count down the days to take on a physical challenge with the launch of the Czech’s largest permanent obstacle course. On Saturday, July 24, in the Prague Louka complex (K Sádkám 158, on the bank of the Vltava river, opposite the Velká Chuchle horse racetrack), the Titan Park will open its gates to public. Titan Park is the largest OCR (OCR – obstacle course race) park in the Czech Republic and the third largest park in the EU, with an area of ​​3 hectares. The ​​total complex area (Titan Park + Prague Louka) is in total more than 5 hectares. Titan Park includes climbing structures, moving hand over hand obstacles, container climbing, a 14 m long obstacle – moving hand over hand on rings, Warped Wall  (an obstacle inspired by the American sport entertainment show the Ninja Warrior) a jump over tires, and many other obstacles. On the opening day, there will be prepared a rich program for all the visitors (adults and children), including the OCR race – Open Race for adults and Kids Race for children. A biotope for swimming, circus tent for chill and hide from the sun, the “container” bistro,...

Have a Great Running Day with RunCzech in Nové Město na Moravě!

The running season is in full swing and after a successful start in Karlovy Vary, another race is coming. This time it will be a brand new race. New race – new place – a new experience. That is the new race Generali Česká Red Run, which will take place this Saturday 24th July in Vysočina Arena, which is a famous biathlon track. Runners can choose from three available distances: 5K, 10k, and 2.5K family run. The course might test runners’ stamina because some of the course parts have slight superelevation, but the medal is worthed. The area is placed in beautiful nature and part of the course belongs to the Czech national park called Žďárské vrchy, where you will be running around thousands of trees, natural water reservoir and around stunning meadows.  Together with a medal, all runners will receive presents from race partners and all of them can look forward to the amazing accompanying program, which is stacked with great activities. Freestyle motocross rider Petr Pilát will have his solo show on the biathlon oval, you can anytime rest in the Generali Česká chill zone, you can test your shooting skills on a laser shooting range and then...

Schick’s Long-Range Strike Against Scotland Voted Goal of Euro 2020

Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick’s stunning long-range effort against Scotland in the Euro 2020 group stage has been voted the goal of the tournament, European soccer’s governing body UEFA said on Wednesday. Having spotted goalkeeper David Marshall stranded far off his line, Schick fired a curling, looping effort from just inside the Scotland half to find the back of the net. At 45.45 m, the Bayer Leverkusen striker’s effort was officially the furthest recorded distance from which a goal was scored at the Euros. UEFA said Schick’s goal received nearly 800,000 votes, with Frenchman Paul Pogba’s strike into the top corner against Switzerland coming in second, while Croatia’s Luka Modric was third with his outside-of-the-boot effort against Scotland. Schick finished the tournament as joint top scorer with five goals alongside Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. 🇨🇿🙌 After almost 800k votes, Patrik Schick’s long-range stunner vs Scotland is UEFA EURO 2020 Goal of the Tournament! ⚽️💥#EUROGOTT @GazpromFootball #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/qBENMPj25b — UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) July 14, 2021 UEFA Technical Observers’ top ten goals Patrik Schick, Scotland 0-2 Czech Republic (14/06, Matchday 1) Paul Pogba, France 3-3 Switzerland, 4-5 pens (28/06, round of 16) Luka Modrić, Croatia 3-1 Scotland (22/06, Matchday 3) Lorenzo Insigne, Belgium 1-2 Italy (02/07, quarter-finals) Kevin De Bruyne, Denmark 1-2 Belgium (17/06,...

Plíšková Rallies to Reach First Wimbledon Final

Former world number one Karolina Plíšková reached her maiden Wimbledon final after coming back from a set down to beat second seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 5-7 6-4 6-4 on Thursday. The Czech goes into Saturday’s final looking to capture her first Grand Slam title, having only ever reached one other final when she finished runner-up to Angelique Kerber at the 2016 U.S. Open. Plíšková will face another Wimbledon final debutant in world number one Ash Barty, who beat Kerber earlier on Thursday. The 29-year-old Pliskova found it hard going against Sabalenka, the first seeded player she had faced in this year’s tournament, and it showed as she dropped her first set on the only break point she faced with a double fault. She made inroads on Sabalenka’s booming serve, which reached speeds of 193 kilometres per hour, to clinch a break to love midway through the second set from which she served out to level the match. The 23-year-old Sabalenka, playing in her first major semi-final, struggled for consistency, sending down 18 aces in the match but making 20 unforced errors including one to give up an early break in the first game of the deciding set. Although the...

Basketball: Czech Republic Qualifies for the Tokyo Olympics

The Czech Republic became the last team to seal a berth in the Tokyo Olympics men’s basketball tournament after blowing away Greece 97-72 in the final of their qualifying event on Sunday. Patrik Auda led the charge with 20 points as the Czechs, who stunned tournament hosts Canada 103-101 in Saturday’s thrilling semi-final, will join holders the United States, France and Iran in Group A at the July 23 to Aug. 8 Olympics. The Czech Republic, winners of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Canada, will join the United States, France and Iran in Group A in Tokyo. “We were getting better every game. We didn’t start well. The lack of practice, the lack of preparation, influenced us a lot, but we believed in this group,” said Czech player Tomas Satoransky. “We’ve got good chemistry playing with each other for a long time.” Italy, European champions Slovenia and Germany sealed their own spots in Tokyo earlier on Sunday. The Italians stunned 2016 silver medallists Serbia 102-95, Slovenia beat Lithuania 96-85, and Germany overpowered Brazil 75-64 in tournaments played across Europe. Italy and Germany will join Australia and Nigeria in Group B at the Games while Slovenia, who qualified for the Olympics...

Czechs Show They Are a Team on the Rise After Deep Euro 2020 Run

The Czech Republic showed they are a team ready to compete with the heavyweights of European football after a run to the quarter-finals at Euro 2020 that ended in a 2-1 defeat to Denmark. Boosted by a core of the Slavia Prague team that reached the Europa League quarter-finals, knocking out Leicester City and Scottish champions Rangers on the way, the Czechs used an energetic high press to create turnovers and launch quick counter-attacks. These tactics were on display in a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in a last-16 match in which a well-organised Czech squad stymied the Dutch attack before capitalising on a red card to upset their more-fancied opponents. Yet the determined Danes, who scored two first-half goals, proved too strong for the Czechs, ending their hopes of reaching a first European Championship semi-final since 2004 and a first final since 1996. Midfielder Antonin Barak said their run at Euro 2020 gave them something to build on as the team eye the next World Cup and sent a message that smaller countries like the Czech Republic, Denmark and Switzerland could make their mark at big tournaments. Under coach Jaroslav Silhavy, the Czechs regrouped after failing to qualify for...

EURO 2020: Czech Fans Cancel Charter Flight to Baku

A plan for a charter plane to take Czech fans to Baku for the European Championship quarterfinal match against Denmark on Saturday has been canceled. There are no direct flights between Prague and Baku and there are strict coronavirus restrictions in place in Azerbaijan. Fans also would have to isolate themselves on arrival home. The Czech national team fan club says initially about 300 people wanted to make the trip to Baku despite the restrictions but in the end not enough were ready to go. The Czech Republic qualified for the quarter-finals after beating the Netherlands 2-0 in the last-16. For Denmark boss Hjulmand he admits he would have preferred facing the Dutch in the last eight than the Czechs. “I would rather have played the Netherlands,” Hjulmand said. “Now we’re facing a team for the first time [in the tournament] that I think can match our own intensity. “We have worn our opponents down gradually and have played with a high intensity in our press and transitions. Now we can’t be surprised that we face a team that has the same work ethic and the same intensity in their pressing.” Kick-off time and TV details The quarter-final clash between the...

Love it or Hate It: Czech Olympic Outfit Blends Tradition With Japanese Twist

Designer Zuzana Osako scoured the folk traditions of her country and Japan’s for a common thread to weave into the Czech Republic’s Olympic team outfits for the Tokyo Games opening ceremony in July, turning heads but also drawing criticism. Czech Olympic team outfits tend to grab attention. In 2012, athletes stood out with electric blue Wellington boots at the London Games’ opening ceremony. They followed that with white-and-black-striped sport coats for the 2016 Rio Games that reminded many fans of the attire of actor Michael Keaton’s iconic “Beetlejuice” character. Osako, who had visited Japan as a model and met her husband there, opted this time for inspiration from the hand-dyed indigo and block printing technique known in the Czech Republic as blueprint. “The first thought was how to reflect the culture of Japan,” she said at her studio in Prague. “So I looked for something that connected both cultures.” The fabric decorating technique has Asian origins but spread in Europe in the 18th century and is still popular in other central European countries like Hungary, Slovakia, or Austria, according to UNESCO’s Czech heritage website. The technique uses moulds to cover places that will remain uncoloured when fabrics get an indigo...

Stunning! Czech Republic Knocks Out Netherlands and Move into Euro 2020 Quarters

The Czech Republic beat a 10-man Netherlands side 2-0 in the 2021 European Championships during a round of 16 fixture at Frenc Puskas Arena in Budapest on Sunday. Netherlands were definitely the favorites but Frank de Boer’s side failed to really get into the game. The game completely turned in the 52nd minute when the Dutch wasted their best chance of the game and then had a man sent off within seconds. Donyell Malen had a one-on-one chance with Tomas Vaclik but the Czech keeper came running out at his feet to deny the striker. Moments later Matthijs de Ligt was sent off, after VAR overturned the yellow card he was originally given when he stopped Patrik Schick going through on goal with a handball. Holes headed home the winning goal off a free-kick when he left unmarked on the far post. The Netherlands never really looked like overcoming their deficit, De Boer turning to a string of long balls aimed up toward substitute Wout Weghorst, and were instead undone on the break as Holes squared for Schick to roll his fourth goal of the tournament into the bottom corner of the Dutch net. The Czechs will play Denmark in the quarters...

Czech Republic to Face Netherlands in Euro Last 16

The Czech Republic will face the Netherlands in the last 16 of the European Championships on Sunday evening at 6 pm. Going into Wednesday’s games, Netherlands knew they would take on the Czech Republic if Spain defeated Slovakia, and Poland failed to beat Poland. Sweden won 3-2, while Spain hammered Slovakia 5-0. The Czech Republic finished third in their group on four points. They defeated Scotland 2-0 before a 1-1 draw with Croatia and then ended the group with a 1-0 defeat in England, when the game’s goal came from forward Raheem Sterling after less than a quarter of an hour of play. The winner would then face either Wales or Denmark for a place in the semi-finals. The knockout stage schedule is as follows: Wales vs Denmark (June 26, Amsterdam), Italy vs Austria (June 26, London), the Netherlands vs the Czech Republic (June 27, Budapest), Belgium vs Portugal (June 27, Seville), Croatia vs Spain (June 28, Copenhagen), France vs Switzerland (June 28, Bucharest), England vs Germany (June 29, London), and Sweden vs Ukraine (June 29, Glasgow). Euro 2020 is hosted by 11 cities across Europe, namely St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, Baku, Budapest, Bucharest, Glasgow, Copenhagen, London, Munich, Rome and Seville....

The Czech Republic Has Unveiled Olympic Its Uniforms

The Czech Republic has unveiled its uniforms for the rescheduled Olympic and Paralympic closing ceremonies, which are due to take place in Tokyo later this year. The women will wear blue jumpsuits and white strapless dresses, while the men will march under the Czech flag in a blue vest, white shirt and trousers. The collection was designed by Zuzana Osako in collaboration with ALPINE PRO. “According to several sources, blueprint came to the Czech Republic from Japan and is still a popular dyeing technique there,” said Osako. She was inspired by the boarding collection from Tokyo in 1964, which also included a combination of the blue upper part of the clothing and the white lower part. “With this collection, I wanted to reflect on the beauty of the silhouette of our costumes, the significant difference between the figure of a woman and a man,” added Osako. In November 2018, the Centre for Folk Art Production participated in the inclusion of the Blueprint into the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritages. The Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO approved the registration of the multinational nomination, “Blueprint”, which was submitted by the Slovak Republic together with...

England and Czech Republic Meet Tonight After Both Advanced to the Round of 16

England and the Czech Republic both advanced to the round of 16 at the European Championship a day before their match. Results in other groups allowed both to be guaranteed at least one of the four best third-place spots. The Czechs have four points from their first two games and head Group D, ahead of England, on goal difference. The teams will meet at Wembley Stadium in London with no pressure for advancement but with first place in Group D on the line. Scotland or Croatia can join them in the round of 16 with a victory. They both have one point from their opening two matches and will play each other at Hampden Park in Glasgow. The big news today is that Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell are both isolating after coming into close contact with Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, who has tested positive for coronavirus, and are ruled out of the Czech game and possibly England’s last-16 encounter, should they fail to win the group, therefore, bringing the last-16 game within the period of isolation. Possible line-ups Czech Republic: Vaclík; Coufal, Čelůstka, Kalas, Bořil; Souček, Holeš; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick Misses next match if booked: Bořil, Hložek, Masopust...

Croatia Fans Hired Private Jet to Fly to Euro 2020 in Glasgow but Ended up in Prague Instead

A group of Croatia fans hired a private plane to take them to Scotland for the match with the Czech Republic – only for them to watch it in Prague instead. After the opening day defeat to England, the 2018 World Cup finalists needed something from their second Group D clash on Friday. Sebastian Jagic Njare, his brother Simo and friends Domagoj Raljevic and Luka Vojvodic decided that the game was a must-see. And after securing match tickets, they then decided to book a private jet to fly them from Zemun Airport on Friday morning for the showdown. But after traveling to Serbia and enjoying a smooth take-off, things hit a snag once they arrived in Scotland. And amazingly they ended up watching the game with their rival supporters! Sebastian revealed their incredible adventure from Prague to Zadarski.hr, saying: “We rented a private plane to go to watch the Croatia-Czech Republic match in Glasgow. We already had tickets and were crazy with happiness, it’s a Czech company, and we got a discount – it was easier to agree with them than with our women to let us go.” “When we arrived over Scotland, the pilot told us that he had just...

Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic: Patrik Schick Scores Again

The Czech Republic took a huge step towards qualifying for the last 16 at Euro 2020 with an entertaining draw against Croatia at Hampden Park. The Czechs opened the scoring through a controversial first-half Patrik Schick penalty after referee Carlos del Cerro Grande checked the pitchside monitor and awarded the spot-kick for a Dejan Lovren foul on striker Schick. Lovren, who missed Croatia’s opening-game defeat by England with a knee ligament injury, caught Schick’s nose with his elbow when the pair jumped to contest a corner. Bayer Leverkusen forward Schick sent goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic the wrong way, finding the bottom left corner to become the first player to score three times in their first two European Championship appearances since Mario Mandzukic in 2012. Croatia looked for an immediate response, but Ante Rebic blasted an effort high and wide from 10 yards out. But Zlatko Dalic’s side sprung into life in the second half, with Ivan Perisic equalising minutes after the restart with a fine individual effort. A quickly taken Andrej Kramaric free-kick released Perisic down the left wing, before he burst into the box, cut inside Vladimir Coufal and fired past Tomas Vaclik. Inter Milan winger Perisic is the first...

Croatia vs Czech Republic: Predicted Line-Ups and Team News

The Czech Republic takes on Croatia today in an important Euro 2020 encounter that could be decisive for both nations. Croatia lost their opening match to England at Wembley and their fans will be looking for Luka Modric and co to produce more against the Czechs in game two. The Czech Republic impressed against Scotland, however, with Patrik Schick’s spectacular double one of the outstanding individual performances of the tournament so far. However, there are some defensive questions surrounding the Czech Republic. Its center-back duo of Tomáš Kalas (Bristol City) and Ondřej Čelůstka (Sparta Prague) is extremely underwhelming and fortunate to not concede against Scotland. Croatia will be on the brink of elimination should they suffer another loss, while the Czechs can start planning for the knockout stages with a win. Here is everything you need to know about the game. When is the match? Croatia vs the Czech Republic kicks off at 4 pm, hosted at Glasgow’s Hampden Park. What is the team news? The likes of Josip Brekalo and Nikola Vlasic will be pushing to start after impressing off the bench against England, whilst Dejan Lovren is in line to return after missing that defeat through injury. After a...

Good First Take! Scotland 0-2 Czech Republic

The Czech Republic have won their opening game at the European Football Championship, beating Scotland 2:0 at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Both of the Czechs’ goals came from striker Patrik Schick, with the second a spectacular long-range effort from just past the halfway line. UEFA said it was the longest distance for a goal in the tournament at 49.7 meters. The previous record of 38.6 meters came from Germany midfielder Torsten Frings at Euro 2004. The Czech Republic took the lead in Group D with three points and spoiled the party for Scotland, which was returning to a major men’s soccer tournament for the first time since the 1998 World Cup. Scotland started well, getting the ball up the field into crossing positions. Midfielder John McGinn had a good chance to score in the sixth minute, but his effort was deflected out for a corner. The Czechs started gaining a foothold as the first half wore on, with Schick forcing a save in the 16th with a near-post effort that was palmed away by Marshall. England, meanwhile, are second after beating Croatia 1-0 at Wembley on Sunday thanks to a second-half Raheem Sterling goal. The Three Lions are next up for Scotland in...

Roland Garros: Czech Barbora Krejčíková Wins First French Open

The unseeded 25-year-old defeated Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to claim her first Grand Slam title. In a match between two first-time slam finalists, it was Krejcikova who came out on top to win 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 on Court Philippe Chatrier on Saturday. The match ended with Pavlyuchenkova’s backhand landing long on the fourth match point for Krejcikova. The 25-year-old emulates compatriot Hana Mandlikova who claimed the trophy in Paris in 1981. Krejčíková paid an emotional tribute to her mentor former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotná who died of cancer at the age of 49 in 2017. “It’s hard to put into words. I cannot believe I have just won a Grand Slam,” said Krejcikova who was still outside the top 100 when the 2020 French Open, also known as Roland Garros, took place last October. “I spent a lot of time with Jana before she died. Her last words to me were ‘enjoy tennis and try and win a Grand Slam.’ “I know she’s looking after me. All this is pretty much because she is looking after me. “It was amazing that I got the chance to meet her. She was such an inspiration. I miss her and I hope she’s really...

Czech Republic at Euro 2020: All You Need to Know

While the Jaroslav Silhavy-coached side have made it to the Euro 1996 final round for the 7th consecutive time, their glory days were when it was Czechoslovakia. With only a handful of players in Europe’s top-flight clubs, it has become difficult for the Czech Republic to push for knockout rounds against European heavyweights. Since winning the 1976 European Championship, they have managed runners-up in 2000 and semifinal finish in 2004. Since then, apart from the quarterfinal finish in 2012, they haven’t done remarkably well. This time, they qualified from Group A, finishing runners-up behind England with five wins and three losses. However, it was their 2-1 win against England that will give them a lot of confidence going into the final round of Euro 2020. They are once again clubbed with England besides World Cup runners-up Croatia and Scotland. Czech Republic in Group D of Euro 2020 Czech Republic is in Group D alongside England, Croatia, and Scotland. While beating England in the qualifying round will be a confidence booster, in a tournament like Euro, it will be difficult to replicate that feat. Besides, Croatia, despite underperforming, are still a tough team to beat. Their best hope will be to...

Jiří Ježek’s Team Birell Win the Inaugural Battle Of The Teams

By Joshua Donaldson, the editor of Youth Time Magazine. Jiří Ježek’s Team Birell won the inaugural Battle Of The Teams, beating Team Volkswagen by nearly 300 points in Prague on Sunday morning.  The event, a marathon around the streets of central Prague, was the first of its kind, pitting four teams of eight world-class and homegrown long-distance running stars against each other, where every runner, no matter their time or ability, counted to the final points tally. The winning squad had Kenyan star, Benson Kiprupto, to thank for much of their success as he won the elite men’s race with a late burst on the final lap. In the elite women’s race, Purity Rionoripo was the star of the show, setting a new personal best on her way to victory by more than a minute. The Czech national championships also took place on the same course. Vit Pavlišta won the men’s race whilst Eva Vrabcová Nývltová beat Moira Stewartová to win the women’s edition and, in the process, qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo next month. After the unique start at 6.30 am CET on the iconic Charles Bridge in the centre of Prague, the racers headed out for...

RunCzech Brings Revolution Marathon as a Team Sport? Everything is Possible

Marathon was always perceived as an individual race. RunCzech wants to change this tradition and therefore brings a new revolutionary approach, which will offer more tension and drama than it is usual in long-distance running. The Battle of the Teams will kick off this Sunday at 6:30 from Charles Bridge, the very first “team” marathon, where every runner and every time matters more than usual. The race will be over as soon as the last runner will cross the finish line. The historic centre of Prague will gladly welcome the 32 best worldwide marathoners on Sunday 30th of May, Czech athletes will not be missing and you can look forward to seeing Czech stars such as Jiří Homoláč, Eva Vrabcová Nývltová, Vítek Pavlišta, or young prospect Moira Stewartová. Marathon as a team sport It is not only about race; it is a brand new approach for running in itself. This approach is highly appreciated by long-term partner adidas, which believes that sport should be pushing boundaries and seeking new opportunities, while others might perceive challenges. This also supports their latest campaign called Impossible Is Nothing. “The main purpose is to change the overall perception of marathon racing and bring more tension...

UEFA Dismisses Kudela Ban Appeal, Czech Defender to Miss Euro 2020

An appeal filed by Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela against his 10-match ban from UEFA for racist behaviour has been dismissed, Europe’s soccer governing body said on Wednesday. Kudela was banned for 10 UEFA club and national team competition games after Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara complained of being racially abused by the Czech defender in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie in March. Czech coach Jaroslav Silhavy had left one spot open for Kudela when he announced his squad for next month’s European Championship but the Slavia Prague player is now ineligible. Kudela had said in a statement that he swore at Kamara after being fouled, but denied using racist language. Police Scotland were expected to question Kudela when he came to London to play Arsenal in the quarter-finals, but his club said he was not fit to travel before UEFA handed him a provisional one-match suspension hours later. Kamara’s lawyer Aamer Anwar welcomed the decision to uphold the ban but criticized UEFA for taking a soft stance. “The ban smacks of tokenism and in reality, UEFA has failed to take any real action against racism. Meanwhile, my client is yet to receive a full apology,” he...

VIDEO: Marathon “Battle of the Teams” to Take Place on May 30

RunCzech event on May 30 will feature an innovative concept which organizers say could be a ‘game changer’ in the world of distance running Battle of the Teams is the brainchild of RunCzech, organizers of the fabled Volkswagen Prague Marathon and other Gold Label running events around the Czech Republic and Europe. While the world suffered through the pandemic, the team at RunCzech focused on finding ways of keeping the running community energized and engaged. They’ve hosted virtual runs and they’ve staged races in unconventional locations where safety protocols could be maintained, such as airports and breweries, to name just two. But maybe their biggest breakthrough was the Battle of the Teams concept because it makes the marathon an even more strategic, complex and engaging spectacle. The idea is to assemble four teams, each made up of eight marathoners chosen from among the best in the world; four men and four women, with each team supported by a different corporate partner. Runners would be assembled and „drafted” into teams based on their personal bests over the past 48 months, so that their collective abilities would be evenly—almost perfectly—matched. What is most exciting about this is that the Battle of the...

Gyms to Reopen on May 17

According to the Czech Chamber of Fitness, the government will allow the operation of indoor sports facilities under a special regime from May 17, affirmed Chamber president Jana Havrdová. The information also follows from the directive of the Ministry of Health. The ministers did not mention the fitness centres reopening at the press conference after the government meeting yesterday. It was stated, however, in the resolution published later Gyms will open with a number of restrictions: the presence of more sportsmen than 1 per 15 square meters of the indoor area of a sports ground is not allowed, there must be no more than 2 people in a group and 10 people in total in a sports venue, all individuals present have to submit a negative test for COVID-19 (PCR, antigen, or self-test) not older than 48 hours OR a certificate of vaccination OR confirmation that they have contracted the virus no longer than three months prior, visitors must maintain a distance of at least 2 meters, changing rooms and showers remain closed. There is no clarity with the mask regime in sports venues. Details will be announced soon. Havrdová called this decision “light at the end of the tunnel”,...

Prague Virtual Marathon Motivates Runners Like Never Before

This past year has been rough for everyone who’s longed for the competition and the camaraderie of participating in live road running events. In an attempt to satisfy demand, many organizations including RunCzech have been staging virtual races until it’s safe to host our traditional big celebratory runs. In the meantime, RunCzech has come up with several ways of making virtual races even more exciting and more enticing. “For one thing,” says RunCzech’s Michaela Šimeček, “we’re allowing runners to pick from a variety of different distances—marathon, half marathon, 10 km or a 4.2 km family MiniMarathon. And, in a twist on virtual marathons of the past, the RunCzech allows you to complete your distances over the course of several days.” Giving runners that option means you can take on a race that might otherwise be a little too challenging for you, and still add a marathon or half marathon to your running accomplishments. RunCzech is also adding a significant charitable component to its virtual events. According to Carlo Capalbo, president of the RunCzech Organizing Committee, “We have invented a new twist on the ancient sport of marathoning with our “Battle of the Teams” program. Elite marathoners competing in teams of...

Slavia Prague Against Football Super League, Supports FIFA, UEFA

The Slavia Prague football club is against setting up a closed European Super League and sides with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) that oppose the plan. Twelve of Europe’s top clubs – AC Milan, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona, Internazionale, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur – have all joined as founding clubs, a breakaway Super League, headed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. The 12 founding members have also stepped down from the European Club Association (ECA), which was led by Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli who is seen as the architect of this plan. Obdivuhodny postoj nemeckych a francouzskych klubu. Respekt! Podobne jako oni plne podporujeme postoj FIFA a UEFA – fotbal potrebuje solidaritu a soutezeni v ramci stavajiciho modelu evropskych soutezi klubu z 55 fotbalovych asociaci. https://t.co/ZlMoDlJyb2 — Jaroslav Tvrdik (@JaroslavTvrdik) April 19, 2021 UEFA has issued a separate statement condemning the idea and threatening domestic, European, and world bans for clubs and possibly even international team bans for players on teams in a European Super League. UEFA also thanked the Bundesliga and Serie A giants for not signing onto the idea. The move...

Solidarity Run in June Will Support Small French Shops in Prague

From June 1st to June 30th, an online run, called Run4Prague, will take place to support small French shops impacted by the current epidemic situation. The organizers are aiming to collect 2,000,000 Kč through subscriptions and donations and give it back to the merchants. The initiative belongs to two young French guys, Brice and Charlie, both working in a startup studio based in Prague. “Every day after work, we were questioning how we can make a positive impact on people impacted by the crisis. One day, we were running along the Vltava and the idea became obvious!”. The idea being there, they directly tested it through the French community in a Facebook group called “Prahoo” and received their first positive feedback from runners. Feeling the idea’s traction, they went immediately visiting some French merchants to speak about the solidarity run. They are proud to have in the loop traditional and younger French shops of the Czech Republic such as Farmstore, Au Gourmand, Café Milleme, Le Marché – Tučné a Zdravé, Vino Delikatesy, and others to come. “More than just organizing the run, it is fantastic to meet these merchants, hearing their extraordinary stories and understanding how they reacted to this...

Czech President Milos Zeman’s Office Slams UEFA Over Kudela Racism Ban

The Czech president’s office said Thursday it had complained to UEFA over the 10-match ban for Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela for racially abusing Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara. Kudela cupped his hand when he made the remark to Finnish player Kamara at the end of a Europa League last 16 games at Ibrox on March 18. Kamara, who insisted Kudela had racially abused him, was on Wednesday handed a three-match ban for attacking the Slavia player after the game which Slavia won 2-0 to give them a 3-1 victory on aggregate. In a stormy match, Rangers striker Kemar Roofe was banned for four games for a high challenge on Slavia goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar which left Kolar with a skull fracture. Vladimir Mynar, heading the office of Czech President Milos Zeman, said in a letter to UEFA’s disciplinary body that Kudela’s ban was disproportionately high compared to those for the Rangers players. “I want to point out the racism charges were not proven. Even a UEFA inspector questioned whether Ondrej Kudela uttered the racist remark,” wrote Mynar, who is a Slavia fan. “You have sentenced a decent man without a single proof… only to fulfil the pervert expectations of a narrow...

Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela Given 10-Game Uefa Ban for ‘Racist Behaviour’

Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela has been banned for 10 matches by Uefa after being found guilty of racist behaviour towards Rangers player Glen Kamara. Kamara claimed Kudela called him a “f****** monkey”, something Kudela denied. Slavia said in a statement: “We respect the decision. In any case, Ondrej Kudela should not have approached the opposition player. I deeply regret that and apologize to Glen Kamara for a situation that has clearly caused distress to him and his teammates, as well as everyone associated with Slavia and Rangers. I am taking positive steps to prevent such a situation from happening in our club ever again.” Kamara’s account was supported by his Rangers teammate Bongani Zungu and Uefa’s control, ethics, and disciplinary body has found Kudela guilty of using racist language. Kudela’s ban applies to ‘UEFA club and representative team competition matches’, meaning he will miss his side’s quarter-final second leg with Arsenal on Thursday night, and the rest of the campaign. Rangers said they welcomed Kudela’s ban. “This not only vindicates Glen Kamara’s evidence but underlines the severity of the comment,” a statement said. But the club criticised as “severe” suspensions given to Kamara and Kemar Roofe, banned for four games after a red...

Czech Football Players Refused to Kneel for BLM Before Match with Wales

The Czech national football team refused to kneel in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before Tuesday’s match against Wales. The British media linked this to the recent affair of Slavia Prague defender Ondřej Kúdela, who was accused of racism, according to Echo24. However, the Czech team announced its “apolitical stance” on the matter of kneeling in advance. The Czech team was the first not to kneel, but they have since been joined by Polish players as well. As well as other media, it pointed out that the defender of Prague’s Slavia Ondřej Kúdela, who is being investigated due to an alleged racist remark, which was allegedly said almost two weeks ago in retaliation for the European League finals against the Scottish Glasgow Rangers team, after a player of the Scottish team Kemar Roofe fouled indiscriminately and badly injured the goalkeeper of Slavia. However, even before the match, the management of the national football team and the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FACR) jointly announced the apolitical position of the national team on some topics in the context of the events of recent days. “This namely concerns the Black Lives Matter (BLM) initiative, in which some players kneel before football matches....

RunCzech Announces the Return of Volkswagen Prague Marathon 2021

The 26th Volkswagen Prague Marathon moved from its traditional spring date to October 10. Throughout the pandemic, and against all odds, RunCzech has found dozens of creative ways to stage safe, small running events, along with other ways of keeping the running community engaged in their beloved sport. That has required near-constant meetings among RunCzech team members and authorities in local and national government.  But finding an opportunity to stage its signature event—the internationally acclaimed Volkswagen Prague Marathon—has eluded them. Until now. Health and public officials now feel more confident that moving the race to the fall will make it possible for RunCzech to safely host a large-scale event, and accommodate the thousands of fans and volunteers who come out to support the participants.  And RunCzech has set a date—October 10, 2021.  According to Tomas Coufal from the RunCzech team, the capacity of the event will be determined in conjunction with health and government officials.  „Our priority is definitely runners‘ safety and health,“ Mr. Coufal adds.  „So runners who have already registered in 2020 will have the option of transferring their registration to 2022. He also pledges to keep runners informed about all vital health updates. In the meantime, RunCzech...

Czech National Football Team Flies into Wales Separate from Slavia Praha’s Kúdela Amid Racism Scandal

The Czech national football club traveled to Wales for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier match against the Welsh national club. Noticeably missing from the group was Slavia Praha’s Ondřej Kúdela. Kúdela was believed to be absent due to concerns for his safety. Kúdela is currently in the center of recent controversy regarding an incident that occurred when the Glasgow Rangers FC faced off with Slavia Praha. During the match, the play became quite aggressive as Slavia’s goalkeeper was kicked in the face and taken off the field on a stretcher. Two Rangers players received red cards for aggressive play in the second half. Shortly before the end of the match, Kúdela approached Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, a Finnish man of African descent, and was seen cupping his hand and whispering something into Kamara’s ear. Kamara alleges that Kúdela said to him, “You’re a f***ing monkey. You know you are.” After the match, Kúdela claims that Kamara physically assaulted him and punched him in the head before fleeing to the locker rooms. SK Slavia Praha filed a criminal complaint to Scottish police through the Czech Embassy in London. A statement from Slavia Praha reads: “Physical assault on Ondřej Kúdela was prepared and...

Partisan Prague: The Expat Football Club With Big Plans

Partisan Prague is a football club founded by expats from Ireland and England in 2002. Their A-team is currently playing in the 7th tier of Czech football, whilst their B-Team is in the 9th tier. The best aspect of getting to interview their club was the inspiring story highlighting the solidarity expats can find in a foreign country, enough to pursue their shared interests and dreams. David McCloy, Partisan’s player-manager, gives us insight in an interview about their Prague-based sports team. Could you please introduce us to you and your team? “I’m David McCloy from Glasgow, Scotland. I’m 41 years old, and the manager for Partisan Prague. I’ve worked in the UAE in football before coming here, now I’ve worked with Partisan for 9 years. Partisan Prague started in 2002, founded by expats. The team started with a lot of individuals who just wanted to socialize and play football. Everyone met in 2000, and it was still a small thing. By 2001, more people got interested and so we moved to an outdoor facility. By 2002, it became official.” Tell us something about Partisan’s background. Partisan is the first private expat club to enter the Czech league system and has...

Water Sports Park to be Built in Prague

The Prague City Hall will buy a plot of land in Troja (Prague 8), necessary for the construction of a new water sports park.  The park will be designed for both professional athletes and general public. It will feature a tribune for 1,500 spectators, and an equipment rental facility (canoes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, wetsuits). The length of the new water slalom track will be about 270 m. The Vltava River is perfect and flows against a beautiful backdrop, whereas the Troja Cana is inundated with water all year round and is perfect for water sports. The park will be designed primarily for sports training in water slalom, rafting, and kayaking. However, it will also be possible to host world championships or world cup races. According to earlier information, costs are expected to rise to around CZK 150 million. It is not yet clear when the complex will be built. Water sports are a big part of the attraction of Prague, especially in the summer months. There are numerous places in the city of Prague like rivers, lakes, water dams, and artificial water reservoirs, all of which offer superb opportunities for all kinds of water recreational sports. xosotin chelseathông tin...

Slavia Prague to Invite Doctors and Paramedics to Football Game

Slavia Prague football club has decided to invite representatives of doctors and paramedics to attend a Europa League game against Glasgow Rangers on Thursday night. According to the chairman of the board of directors Jaroslav Tvrdík, the club wants to thank them for the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Fans have not been able to attend sports matches for several months due to government measures. However, the clubs can invite three hundred VIP guests, who must undergo a coronavirus test and observe hygienic guidelines at the stadium. For the previous home against Leicester, 600 people could attend the game. Slavia has started a pilot project called “Journey from Darkness”, which aims for fans to return to cultural, social, and sporting events. However, the initiative was damaged by the presence of several well-known figures, especially the former Minister of Health and the then adviser to Prime Minister Roman Prymula. Czech Television CEO Petr Dvořák, President’s Chancellor Vratislav Mynář, MEP Alexandr Vondra and tennis player Petra Kvitová, were also photographed in the VIP section. “Slavia Praha, in cooperation with its partners and sponsors, would like to invite representatives of the country’s doctors and other health workers to the eighth-finals of Europea League....

Petra Kvitová Wins Second Doha Title

Petra Kvitová stormed to her 28th career title and second at the Qatar Total Open with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Garbiñe Muguruza.  The fourth-seeded Czech needed just over an hour to see off her fellow two-time Grand Slam winner. It is Kvitová 28th career title from 38 finals played. “It’s been a great run in Doha, for sure,” Kvitova said on court afterward. “It’s been a great whole week. I just feel like home a little bit. I love the court, I love everything, and the people are really friendly as well.” “Today I think Petra played very well from the baseline, and it was hard to try to make her move, or try to do much,” Muguruza said. “It was very windy, as well. I mean, it really wasn’t my day, I guess.” Kvitova has won 20 career matches in Doha, the most of any player, passing Svetlana Kuznetsova and Caroline Wozniacki on 19. Both players were seeking to snap an uncharacteristic title drought. Kvitova had not won a tournament since Stuttgart 2019, and had lost three of her past four finals – including in Doha last year to Aryna Sabalenka. With Saturday’s win, Kvitová improved her career...

Czech Freediver Set World Record in Swimming Under Ice

Czech freediver David Vencl has set a world record in men’s swimming under the ice. David Vencl swam the longest distance of 80.9 meters holding his breath on Tuesday. Vencl took one minute 35 seconds for the record at a lake in Lahost in the northern Czech Republic. Organizers said the ice was at least 30 centimeters thick, a condition for the record to be recognized. “The problem is not distance, but cold,” explained the extreme athlete, who has been training for the record for a long time. For safety, Vencl swam attached to a rope and was accompanied by divers with breathing equipment. There were about five holes in the ice in the event of an emergency. David Vencl represents the Czech Republic in scuba diving, in which he has won the national title and holds several records. The previous record was 76.2 meters by Stig Severinsen of Denmark in April 2013, according to the Guinness World Records. The record for the longest swim under the ice was first set at 57.5 meters by the famed Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof in 2000.   xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao...

Brno Confirms No Czech Republic MotoGP in 2021

The Brno circuit decides against holding any world championship events during 2021, meaning no Czech Republic MotoGP. The Czech Republic Grand Prix at Brno, first held in 1965 and a fixture on the MotoGP calendar for all but one season since 1987, will not take place in 2021. The event had been missing from the initial draft of this year’s calendar, but with a date reserved pending a complete resurfacing, as requested by the riders on safety grounds. However, the Covid pandemic and resulting absence of any trackside spectators (Brno used to pull in close to 200,000) made the cost of such work hard to justify. Brno’s reserved date was subsequently removed from last month’s calendar update and the circuit has now officially confirmed it will not hold any world championship events in 2021. “We have many years of experience in organizing world championship competitions and we know the economics very well. No sporting or cultural event of world importance is economically possible to organize without proper public support,” explained Ivana Ulmanová, Director of Automotodrom Brno. As such, Brno will now focus on domestic motorsport and the commercial lease of the racetrack to clubs and agencies, pending the Covid restrictions. No mention was made of whether the circuit hopes to...

Škoda Auto Will Not Sponsor Ice Hockey World Cup In Belarus

Volkswagen’s Škoda Auto will not sponsor this year’s ice hockey world championship if the event is held in Belarus, due to the host country’s recent state violence against peaceful protesters, the carmaker said on January 16. Belarus, which is due to host the tournament in May-June, is facing calls for it to be stripped of the event because of President Alexander Lukashenko’s crackdown on protesters opposing his re-election. “We’ve been a proud partner for 28 years. But we also respect & promote all human rights,” the carmaker said in a tweet.   We’ve been a proud partner to the @IIHFHockey World Championship for 28 years. But we also respect & promote all human rights. Therefore, #SKODA will withdraw from sponsoring the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship if #Belarus is confirmed to be co-hosting the event. pic.twitter.com/fC3ZMbY2cG — ŠKODA AUTO NEWS (@skodaautonews) January 16, 2021 “We’ve been a proud partner for 28 years. But we also respect & promote all human rights,” the carmaker said on Twitter. “Therefore, SKODA will withdraw from sponsoring the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship if Belarus is confirmed to be co-hosting the event,” Skoda said. Denying Belarus the right to host the event would...

Prague Half Marathon to Take Place in September

Due to the current epidemic situation, the Prague Half Marathon will not take place in the traditional term at the end of March, but on Sunday 5 September. The organizers published a press release on Friday, January 15. “We have traditionally started the season in the Czech Republic with the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon in March. This year, because of lingering safety issues, we have decided to organize it for 5 September 2021,” says Carlo Capalbo, President of the RunCzech organizing committee. “As a reward for your patience, we have decided to turn that weekend into a Running Festival called “The Running Games”. In addition to the Half Marathon, we’ll also host a 5 km, and a 10 km race. More information will be provided in the next few months. But the excitement is already building, and we already know it will be magical,” he adds. Regarding the full marathon which should take place on May 2, the organizers asked for patience. “We are in contact with local and international authorities. We are negotiating with World Athletics, the Czech Athletic Association, the National Sports Agency, hygienic stations, the Ministry of Health, and many others. We are trying together to find...

Czech Skier and Snowboarder Ester Ledecká Wins Her First World Cup Super-G Win

Ester Ledecká edged Corinne Suter for her first win in a women’s World Cup super-G on Sunday, nearly three years after winning Olympic gold in the discipline. The Czech skier finished three-hundredths ahead of Suter, the World Cup super-G champion from Switzerland who won a downhill on the same slope Friday. Defending overall champion Federica Brignone came 0.35 behind in third, a day after sitting out the downhill following her crash in Friday’s race. The victory is just Ledecká’s second World Cup win on skis. With three top-two finishes this weekend, Suter is the big winner, up to the seventh place and 271 points in the overall standings, second in the super-G standings and joint top of the downhill standings. As this was the first super-G race of the season, following two cancellations in St Moritz, Ledecká leads the super-G standings. After celebrating her biggest successes in snowboarding, Ledecká stunned the world of Alpine skiing by scooping the Olympic super-G title in PyeongChang in 2018. However, Ledecká failed to replicate her achievement on the World Cup, getting only two top-10 finishes in 20 super-G starts, although she had three podium results in other disciplines, including a downhill victory in Lake Louise, Alberta, a year ago....

Petr Čech Set to Make On-Pitch Return on Monday Night

Petr Čech has not played since featuring for Arsenal in the Europa League final last May though was registered in Chelsea’s Premier League squad amid the coronavirus pandemic Petr Čech is set to play for Chelsea’s development squad against Tottenham in a Premier League 2 fixture at Kingsmeadow on Monday. This will not be a regular thing for Cech. He is only playing because regular goalkeeper, Lucas Bergstrom, played for Chelsea’s Under-18s on Saturday and the Blues do not want the Finn to play twice in such quick succession. Croatian goalkeeper Karlo Ziger could theoretically step in, but the 19-year-old is currently part of the first-team bubble, and Chelsea would rather he remain with Lampard’s squad than leave to play in the game and then have to be tested for COVID-19 before re-entering next week. Čech returned to Stamford Bridge as technical and performance director last June, just days after losing to the Blues in the Europa League final. The goalkeeper was playing for Arsenal then having previously spent 11 years in west London with Chelsea. Čech, who is younger than Caballero, has stayed fit by training with Lampard’s side and semi-regularly playing ice hockey with local club Guildford Phoenix. The...

What the Easing of Restrictions Means for Sportspeople

The government met this morning to discuss further relaxation of the anti-epidemic measures. Ministers decided to take the country from level four to level three on the government’s PES system of coronavirus measures. Fans will not be allowed to return to Czech stadiums to watch sporting matches until the government decides to move to the second stage of the PES. Even then, the number of spectators “will be limited”. From December 3rd, amateur athletes will be able to play in indoor halls in a group of maximum ten people. Outdoor, two teams will be able to compete together. Amateur athletes need to wear a face mask indoors. Fitness centers and gyms need to respect the same rule as in the shops – one person per fifteen square meters. “Group fitness lessons are allowed for 9 people plus the instructor,” said Havlíček. Everyone needs to wear a face mask indoors.  The exception will be only for professional athletes who are regularly tested. The limit on the number of people is one person per 15 square meters. Sports facilities such as tennis courts are also open again as long as games only involve two participants. PES System PES is one of the...

AW Awards Includes Zátopek Among Top 5 Greatest Male Athletes

Voting is open to decide the outstanding athletes of 2020, plus the finest from the past 75 years. Usain Bolt, Fanny Blankers-Koen, Haile Gebrselassie, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and the Czech Emil Zátopek are among the athletes nominated in ‘the greatest’ category of the AW Awards. Readers and AW magazine subscribers can cast their votes in the AW Clubhouse here. There are the usual categories to take in the finest performances from international, British, junior, masters, and para-athletes, but there is also one extra category this time around. The December issue of AW, which will reveal the award winners, will also mark the magazine’s 75th anniversary, and to commemorate the occasion they are asking magazine readers to vote for the greatest male and female athletes to have graced the sport since 1945. Zátopek set 18 world records. He won five Olympic medals, three of them during Helsinki Olympic Games 1952. For 5,000 m, 10,000 m, and the marathon. Full shortlists can be found below, with the results to be published in the December edition of AW.   The greatest male athlete   – Usain Bolt – Haile Gebrselassie – Ed Moses – Emil Zatopek – Al Oerter The greatest female athlete – Fanny Blankers-Koen – Irena...

Czech Football Leagues Resume After One Month Break

The top two divisions in Czech football will be allowed to restart after a month break caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Czech Legend Antonín Panenka Seriously Ill With COVID-19

Antonín Panenka – the man whose penalty won the 1976 European Championships for Czechoslovakia – is fighting for his life, according to Bohemians Praha 1905. The club tweeted: ‘Antonín Panenka was today in a serious condition transported to the ICU [Intensive Care Unit] to the hospital, where he is connected to the devices. Panenka, 71, led the Czechoslovak national team to their only international title after he lofted the decisive penalty past a surprised and sprawling German goalkeeper Sepp Maier in the shootout of the final. The shot – now called a Panenka – is a simple technique in which the player gently chips the ball down the center of the goal assuming the keeper will dive to the right or left. It was the country’s first – and so far only – major championship win. “I got the idea that if I delayed the kick and just lightly chipped it, a goalkeeper who dived to the corner of the goal could not jump back up into the air, and this became the basis of my philosophy. “I started slowly to test it and apply it in practice. As a side effect, I started to gain weight, because I was winning...

Women-Only Half Marathon World Record Set In Prague

Peres Jepchirchir smashed the women-only race world record in the half marathon in Prague this morning. The 26-year-old Kenyan clocked 1:05:34 at the Prague 21.1KM, shattering the previous record of 1:06:11 set by Netsanet Gudeta of Ethiopia at the World Half Marathon Championships in 2018. Breaking away from the small field just 20 minutes into the race, Jepchirchir set out on a ravaging pace over the 16.5-lap course in Prague’s Letna Park, passing 10 kilometres in 30:32. She slowed over the waning laps but still finished well under the previous mark. “I thank God… I’m so excited… I’m satisfied with the result although I thought I could have run 64:50, but I thank God for what He has given me,” the pious Jepchirchir said after the race. She noted that it was difficult running alone after she dropped the pack and pacemakers. “It was difficult to run alone. If I could have had (good) pacemakers, I could have run 64.” This is Jepchirchir’s second world record over the distance. She clocked 1:05:06 in a mixed-race in Ras Al Khaimah in 2017, a record which stood for just under two months. The athletes were competing on an oval course around the...

Czech Squad Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

A member of the Czech Republic backroom staff has tested positive for coronavirus ahead of their game with Scotland on Monday. The infected person has “immediately left the team hotel and entered quarantine”, the statement said, while the rest of the players and staff were re-tested and all returned negative results. The entire squad has been sent for retesting and they postponed the departure of their trip to Slovakia for Friday’s Nations League game. This month’s Nations League matches are the first competitive internationals in Europe since November, with subsequent games having been postponed or cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a huge blow for the Czech side ahead of their two games this weekend, but their game at Scotland won’t be at risk providing they have enough fit players. The staff member who tested positive has been put into quarantine, but UEFA released details earlier this week that suggested if they had 13 fit senior players, including two goalkeepers, then all games would have to go ahead. A statement from the Czech Republic said: “We can confirm one positive test from the group of the wider implementation team. “All test results are negative. As a result of today’s tests, the departure to Slovakia is...

EXCLUSIVE: Prague to Host Half-Marathon With the Greatest Runners in the World

On September 5, RunCzech will host an invitation-only half marathon featuring 35 of the most celebrated distance runners in the world today.

September 19: Mattoni Ústí nad Labem Half Marathon

The Mattoni Usti nad Labem Half Marathon is one of four events in the RunCzech Running League which take place outside of Prague. Each one has developed greatly in terms of both elite and mass participation and the Mattoni Usti nad Labem event has been awarded the distinction of an IAAF Silver Label Road Race. The course leads alongside the river Elbe opening a view to impressive rock formations, Strekov castle and then crossing the area of a chemical factory which is a perfect example of industrial architecture of the First Republic. In 2013, it was awarded IAAF Silver Label Road Race status. During this edition, masks will be mandatory to wear during the pick-up of start numbers, in the technical area and in the start and finish corridor. There will not be any showers or taping zone in the technical area (lockers and depository will remain, but the number of people will be limited). TOP 3 must-see in Usti nad Labem Ancient city: The region has been already recognized in the era of the Roman Empire and today you can experience a unique combination of industry & history. Castle blast: the ruins of Strekov castle above the river Elbe...

September 6: Grand Finale of “Česko Běží Dál” Running Project

Grand finale of the summer challenge Česko běží dál will take place on the first weekend in September.  You can choose from several courses, including a family-run and there will also be a race for the little ones. The unique running challenge organized by RunCzech started in June and will end on Sunday, September 6. The challenge “Česko běží dál” (Czech Republic keeps on running) has been a unique way of getting runners all across the country to compete at various distances from 5K through 125K, not virtually but on real courses – a new kind of mixed reality. The main challenge was to run a total of 125 kilometers whenever you’re able, on any of the 5K FreeRun courses over a period of 90 days. People could also choose to run distances from 5 to 40 km. The foundation for this project was laid a few years ago when RunCzech created the FreeRun program – a community service project that aims to make running more accessible and more fun for more people. 90 running courses, each 5K long and certified by the Czech Athletics Federation were created to crisscross the entire country. All of them extremely comfortable for runners,...

Czech Midfielder Tomas Souček Completes Permanent Move to West Ham United

Czech Republic International Tomas Souček has completed a permanent move to the English team West Ham United. The midfielder has been on loan at the London club from Slavia Prague since January. The 25-year-old has now signed a permanent four-year contract and will remain with the Hammers, having come through the Slavia youth academy. Souček told the Slavia Prague website: “Of course, I have mixed feelings. I am leaving Slavia where I grew up and played for my entire career. “But I am leaving for Premier League, my dream competition, so, there is sad news about leaving Slavia compensated by the good news that we managed to save West Ham from relegation. “I can feel that I have made a good choice, that I can move forward now. And I am looking forward to the following years. I will support Slavia forever, even though I will be wearing a different shirt.” He recently scored his first goal for West Ham before adding two more to help the team avoid relegation from the Premier League. Souček continued: “I must be satisfied with the last half a year, I have heard a lot about how January transfers aren’t the easiest choice and...

RunCzech Gets Prague Running Again

The ongoing ramifications of the coronavirus have forced the cancellation of the 2020 Prague Half Marathon and Marathon this autumn but mass participation road races are beginning to return to the Czech calendar albeit on a small scale for the time being. Runners flowed into the check-in, showed their passports, got their start numbers, passed the security and boarded through the gate D6. Then the airport shuttle busses took them to the runway, but instead of entering the plane, they lined up at the start of a 5km Runway Run. 2,674 runners were lucky enough to secure their places in this sold-out once-in-a-lifetime event. They were split into different categories to abide by the public and health safety regulations. Categories included an astonishing Sunset Run on Saturday evening, or a sunny Breakfast Run on Sunday morning, with many of them joining 3km dm Family Run distance. Basically, runners were running with planes taking-off or landing over their heads. To spice up the excitement, RunCzech and the Czech Athletic Federation organized an Elite Run with a live broadcast on Czech National TV. Four Czech elite men and four women created mixed-gender relays in an exhibition race of 500-1000-500-1000 meters on the runway....

Česko Okolo: Discover the Czech Republic by Bike!

ČeskOOkolo (in English Czech Around) is a brand-new project launched by the Prague-based bike tour operator BIKO Adventures. Behind the whole idea there is Filippo, originally from Italy but living in the Czech Republic for a very long time. “I, Denisa (his wife, ed) and our team cycled every cm of this country and are now happy to put all our knowledge at your disposal. We are creating a website where there will be five cycling loops with about ten stages each. Those loops cover all the nicest places in the Czech Republic,” says Filippo. “We have just launched the first one called Central Loop and we are going to launch the other four as soon as we can. We are already working on the second,” he adds. The Central Loop includes ten stages that will take you through Unesco sites like Kutna Hora, Zelena Hora, Litomysl, Olomouc, Kromeriz, all while crossing the Czech countryside and connect Prague and Brno. How ČeskOOkolo works People can visit the website and find all the info they need to plan their trip (for free). You can find tips about what to see, where to sleep, eat, how to make stages shorter with trains, what...

Brno to Host Czech MotoGP Race Behind Closed Doors

The Czech Republic MotoGP in Brno on August 9 will be held behind closed doors due to concerns about the novel coronavirus, organisers said Friday. The Brno race is the third scheduled for this year after two grands prix in Jerez, Spain, with the season opener set for July 19. “Despite all our efforts, this year’s race will be held without an audience for security reasons,” the regional government based in Brno said in a statement, adding that tickets already purchased remained valid for next year. The season was originally scheduled to start on March 8 in Qatar before COVID-19 tore through the global sporting calendar. Czech health authorities have urged caution over a recent spike in new cases in the northeastern part of the country. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại bóng đágiải ngoại hạng anhSeagametap chi bong da the gioitin bong da lutrận đấu hôm nayviệt nam...

Sparta Prague Fans Hang “White Lives Matter” Banner

Monkey chants, a Confederate flag, “White Lives Matter” banners and even a call for the release of the policeman charged with the death of George Floyd have all been seen at football grounds in Europe over the past month. Fans of second division Czech side Zbrojovka Brno added a Confederate flag to their “Ultras Lives Matter” banner, while in Ukraine, second-tier FC Minaj fans went one step further when they revealed a “Free Derek Chauvin” message. The latest “White Lives Matter” banner showed up at Liberec stadium on Wednesday evening (July 1) during the final game in the Czech MOL Cup. V sektoru fans Sparty se po začátku utkání opět objevil kontroverzní transparent s nápisem White Lives Matter pic.twitter.com/1JKGCE6TSG — Michael Durčák (@durcak_michael) July 1, 2020 The spread of such a message is a cause of concern for anti-racism campaigners and researchers, who say racism in football has “been taken to a new level” and the sport is being used “as a tool to propagate.” This is the second episode in the last few weeks. On June 18, Sparta Prague fans directed monkey chants towards another black Viktoria Plzen player Joel Ngandu Kayamba, who was born in the Democratic Republic of...

Running at a Brewery? Everything is Possible With RunCzech!

Saturday, 1 August RunCzech organizes a 5km race through the real area of the Pilsen brewery!

Slavia Prague Clinches Second Consecutive Czech League Title

Slavia Prague clinched a second successive Czech league title on Wednesday after a 1-0 win at home against Viktoria Plzen.

RunCzech Launches Registrations for Unique Races at Airports

A few days ago, the organizers of RunCzech races have launched the summer challenge Česko běží dál (The Czech Republic keeps on running).

Slavia Prague v English Clubs: Five Classics

Slavia Prague look set for another Champions League adventure in 2020/21 after comfortably topping the regular-season Fortuna Liga table. In negotiating the playoff round thereafter, Slavia would embark on a second group stage odyssey in as many years. However, reality soon bites, with Slavia always finding themselves in one of the lower ‘pots’ for the group stage draw. Given that, they are invariably destined to face at least one of Europe’s top teams – a league champion at the very least, or even the Europa League winners or the reigning Champions League holders themselves. With the latter two titles potentially being held by English clubs ahead of the 2020/21 group stage draw, Slavia fans with longer memories may feel inclined to reminisce about past European clashes with Premier League opponents. Here are our top five: Slavia 2-1 Leeds – UEFA Cup Quarter Finals (2000) This remains Slavia’s most recent competitive win over an English club to date. By the end of the 1990s Leeds had grown into serious contenders for the Premier League, building on a fourth-place finish in 1998/99. However, this was the second leg of the UEFA Cup quarter finals, and Slavia were already as good as out,...

RunCzech Brings Back the Competition – a New Mixed Reality

The challenge Česko běží dál (Czech Republic keeps on running) - a unique way of getting runners all across the country to compete at various distances, not virtually but on real courses.

Football Fans Allowed Back Into Stadiums From Beginning of Next Season

Football stadiums in the Czech Republic will not open to the public until the beginning of the next season.

Tennis Charity Tournament to Start Today in Prague

Today at the Sparta Prague tennis club starts a charity tournament to raise funds to help those affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Zoom Cycle to Open New Spin Center in Prague 8

Group indoor cycling classes have become an exercise favorite over the past decade. Many have flocked to instructor-led spin classes as a way to shed off the stress of everyday life (while getting a kick-butt workout.) For Prague residents looking to break a sweat, Zoom Cycle opened a new spinning center in Prague 8 on May 8. The new spin center, located at Rohanské nábřeží 693/10, boasts 24 brand new Schwinn bikes, energetic instructors, a fully air-conditioned cycling room, and full locker room amenities. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the studio is using only 8 bikes per class spaced 2 meters apart. Weekend sessions are held outside weather permitting. Zoom Cycle is a 45 to 60-minute intense cardio and strength cycling training. The training will, of course, give you a workout physically– cycling is known to build cardiovascular endurance, strengthen leg and core muscles, boost your metabolism, and burn calories. But Zoom Cycle also places emphasis on the stress-relief experience of the workout. Cardio exercise releases endorphins, so cycling classes are a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood. Walking into a Zoom Cycle class, you will notice the dimmed lights and pulsing music in the cycling room. This...

Czech Football League to Resume on May 23

Professional football clubs in the Czech Republic on Tuesday approved a proposal to restart the top two divisions this month after they were suspended by the coronavirus pandemic.

The NHL Officially Postponed the Season-Opener in Prague

The Boston Bruins were supposed to open the 2020-21 NHL season at O2 Arena in Prague against the Predators., but that will no longer be happening. On Friday, the NHL postponed all international events in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This announcement didn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Last month, in a virtual reunion of that team that began their Cup journey in Prague ten years ago, numerous Bruins players and alums expressed their doubt there would be any kind of déjà vu next season at least from where the team begins their season. “The NHLPA and the NHL remain committed to maintaining and growing our international presence,” the organizations said in a joint statement. “We hope that our fans overseas understand the need to postpone the 2020 games, but we look forward to being back with them in 2021.” The team was also set to finish training camp in Europe, with three exhibition games set to take place in Germany. The Bruins opened the 2010-11 season in Prague and played exhibition games against Calgary in China before last season. The first NHL games in Europe were in 1938 with a postseason tour featuring the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens. There...

Czech Athletics ‘Back on The Track’ in June

The Czech Athletics Federation announced that it will be 'back on the track' with a six-meeting series to launch in June.

Czech Football League to Restart on May 25

Professional football in the Czech Republic will return on May 25 after being suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Olympic Games in Tokyo Will Take Place From 23rd July 2021

The International Olympic Committee, the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the government of Japan and representatives of the Tokyo city government have agreed that the Games of the XXXII Olympiad will take place from 23rd July to 8th August 2021. “It is good news for everyone that we now know the target date that we can prepare for,” said Jiří Kejval, President of the Czech Olympic Committee. “ Postponing the Olympic Games by a year later is a logical step for many reasons. It provides the organizers and other interested parties with the maximum possible time to prepare in the current situation, which remains uncertain, and will permit the completion of the qualification, and also minimize the impact on the sporting calendar.” The Paralympic Games, originally due to start on 24 August, 2020, will now take place between 24 August and 5 September, 2021. IOC president Thomas Bach said: “I am confident that, working together with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Japanese Government, and all our stakeholders, we can master this unprecedented challenge. “Humankind currently finds itself in a dark tunnel. These Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 can be a light at...

Prague Marathon Postponed

After long discussions with all stakeholders and taking into consideration the Government regulations, organizers have been forced to announce the postponement of the Volkswagen Prague Marathon 2020 (scheduled for Sunday, 3 May). “We are already looking for an alternative date and once it will be agreed with all responsible authorities we will communicate it on our official channels. All the participants will receive by email all details and additional information,” as stated on their website. The accompanying events like dm family run, Walk with dogs and Marathon Expo will be also moved. The Prague Half Marathon 2020 is now scheduled to take place on Sunday morning, 6 September 2020. The time and place of the start will be confirmed. The Golden Spike Ostrava has been postponed, as well. No substitute date for the marathon has been announced yet. The Prague Marathon was launched in 1995 under the patronage of legendary Olympic champion Emil Zátopek. The marathon course is flat and fast attracting the runners from all over the world. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong...

Official: Tokyo Olympics to be Postponed to 2021

Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has proposed a one-year postponement for the Tokyo Olympics during talks with IOC president, Thomas Bach. Abe said Japan and the International Olympic Committee came to an agreement during a phone call with the head of the IOC, Thomas Bach, following growing calls for the games to be delayed or canceled because of the concerns around coronavirus pandemic. The Japanese leader said they have agreed that the games would not be cancelled and will be held by the summer of 2021, his office said on Twitter. He added that he hoped to reschedule the Olympics as a proof of human victory over the coronavirus pandemic. Until a few days ago, Japan had insisted there were no plans to delay the Games—but the decision to postpone became inevitable when teams from around the world announced they would not be traveling to Tokyo in July. No Olympics has ever been rescheduled before, and the only cancellations have happened in wartime. The postponement will come as a blow to the host country, which has spent more than than $12bn on the event, while huge sums are also at stake for sponsors and broadcasters. Goldman Sachs estimated this month...

Former Czech Olympic Javelin Champion Dana Zatopkova Dies at 97

Dana Zatopkova, the 1952 Olympic javelin champion and wife of four-time Olympic running champion Emil Zatopek, died at the age of 97 on Friday, the Czech Olympic Committee said. “Czech sport has lost one of its greatest personalities,” the COC said in a statement. Besides the gold from the Helsinki Olympics, Zatopkova won the Olympic silver in Rome in 1960. In 1958, she set the world record of 55.73 meters at the age of 35. She became the European champion in 1954 and 1958. Zatopkova was born on Sept. 19, 1922, and shared the same birthday as her husband Zatopek, the 1948 Olympic running champion over 10,000 meters, who went on to win the 5,000, the 10,000 and the marathon at the 1952 Helsinki Games. Zatopek died in 2000.   xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại bóng đágiải ngoại hạng anhSeagametap chi bong da the gioitin bong da lutrận...

Loyal Fan Left 7 Million CZK to Bohemians Prague 1905 After His Death

Every team would love to have such loyal fans. Seventy-one-year-old fan of football club Bohemians Prague 1905 showed great love to the team, even after his passing. Jan Houdek struggled with an insidious illness he eventually succumbed to, but he did not forget his beloved club in his will and left them with cash worth seven million crowns. “I am sorry, even though we had enough in common, that my life did not intertwine with the life of this loyal fan,” said Bohemians director Darek Jakubowicz for bohemians.cz club web site. On Sunday, August 7, 2005, the club resumed its operation, and Houdek, of course, was in attendance at the sold-out game at Ďolíček Stadium. “I would like to meet him, thank him, but unfortunately fate did not want it and did not allow us. The least we can do for him now is to take care of his last trip and a dignified farewell. It is an incredible story of loyalty, love, and devotion to the club, to the Bohemian,” Jakubowicz said. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi...

Prague’s 5 Most Beautiful Yoga Studios

Whether you are simply a yoga virgin or have been a yoga addict for some time, I believe you will get the best experience when you discover a yoga studio you feel great in. When I was new to yoga, finding the ideal studio in Prague took me some considerable time. Not that in Prague you do not have enough yoga studios – actually the opposite. But simply because I realized you don’t have enough pretty studios when you can calm down and relax. I don’t know about you, but I found it very hard to switch off in a not pretty looking studio. Your practice environment should motivate you towards your goals and having a calm atmosphere is one of the keys. To me, the color scheme is very important – a mix of neutral colors. Another key element is lighting – natural lightning is the best, but if you practice in the evening, soft light or candles are good options to set a good atmosphere. Mirrors on the wall are important to be able to check yourself while practicing various poses. Last but not least, green plants – not just make studio greener, but to help achieve a good...

Czech Footballer Tomáš Souček to Join West Ham United for €15 Million

Czech football Tomáš Souček “ticks all the boxes” for West Ham United  Manager David Moyes West Ham United manager David Moyes says he’s hopeful the signing of Czech Republic midfielder Tomáš Souček will be completed soon. Souček is thought to have had a medical with the London club and is set to move from Slavia Praha in a transfer worth approximately €15 million. Speaking at his press conference ahead of West Ham’s fixture against Liverpool, Moyes said the 25-year-old ticked a lot of boxes: “I think that he gives us a lot of different aspects, but more importantly, he fits the profile of the player I want to bring to West Ham. “I said I wanted to bring young players but we’re also in a difficult period we also need experienced players who could help us at this moment in time. “I think at the moment he helps a little bit in both of that, he’s got 25 caps for the Czech Republic, he’s captain of Slavia Prague, he has played as a defensive midfield player, if you look at his goals, he has scored an awful lot of goals as an attacking midfield player as well. “I think what...

Missing Formula One Already? Let’s Race in Prague!

While it’s pretty expensive to drive in a genuine Formula One car, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives you can find that are extremely fun. My Race is one of the most sophisticated racing simulators in the world. Try a Formula One, supercar or rally car at this simulator in the center of Prague, precisely in Vítězná, Malá Strana (Prague 1). Grab your friends, family or colleagues to live a very realistic experience. Put yourself in the hot seat with this simulator experience and test your skills over 100 tracks and circuits with a 180° angle view. Fast the belt and turn the engine to speed while getting to know one of the hundreds of world-famous racing circuits. Choose from dozens of racing cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche or McLaren, through the legendary rally circuits. The My Race simulator experience will put you in the shoes of a real sports car racer for 30 or 60 minutes, you choose. You can race on your own with virtual competitors or invite a bunch of friends and share your circuit. The driving simulator is very accurate, and in minutes you won’t feel any difference from reality. Opened from Tuesday to Friday from...

Tour de France and Giro d’Italia Could Both Start From Prague in Future

The opening stages of both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia could be heading to Prague in the future, according to reports.

Bohemians 1905 to Support Australia Wildfire Relief

Australians have been battling devastating wildfires since September of last year. More than 13 million acres have burned across the country as firefighters and emergency responders continue to battle the blazes. The football club Bohemians Praha 1905 decided to support Australia. The club will collect the money during the home game against Slavia Prague on February, 16th. “We are also preparing special souvenirs that will be on sale at the fan shop”, explained club spokesman Jan Strýhal. “Furthermore, part of the sale from the magazines and game tickets will be donated”, he added. The football club from Vršovice is historically connected with Australia. In May 1927, Prague club AFK Vrsovice undertook a long tour of Australia, playing 19 matches in several states, winning 13 and drawing three. The Czech side drew many fans to its games and the tour became a huge success but only after promoters insisted the touring team be called ‘Bohemians’. At the end of the tour, the club was presented with two live kangaroos, which took home to Prague and donated to the city zoo. The visitors to Australia were so taken by the warmth of their hosts that they made the temporary ‘Bohemians’ nickname their official...

Why Workouts and Saunas are a Good Idea For You?

New Year is here together with winter at full speed and some of us trying to achieve already our New year’s fitness resolutions. As every year, I promised myself to exercise regularly trying to live healthier. After so many years I hope this year is the year. But this time I added a little note to myself – not just to try exercise only but also to take care of myself outside and inside properly. My number one step? A sauna after a workout. I believe that the one thing you can do in wintertime is to have a sauna session. Imagine not to rush after a workout into a cold shower and then home but take an extra 30-minute session to sweat and relax. Saunas are not good just for your physical but also for your mental health. There are several benefits to a post-workout sauna that you might miss out on. How a 15-30min sauna season can benefit you? Heart health Improves your performance Improved immunity Muscle recovery Better skin Deep relaxation By taking a sauna right after a workout we are risking being dehydrated that’s why don’t forget to drink a glass of water before you enter the sauna and continue during and...

Winter Hiking in the Czech Republic: The Best Places

There are four National Parks around the Czech Republic that are perfect for hiking regardless of the season.

Top 5 Places to Watch Live Sports in Prague

Prague is one of the most up and coming holiday destinations at the moment. People of all ages are beginning to recognise the many attractions that the Czech Republic capital has to offer. If the closest you’ve ever got to visit this amazing part of the world is one of the online betting sites in Czech Republic, it’s time to think about planning your first trip. While the cultural sights are among the top things to see when tourists arrive in Prague, another major draw of this party city is its many pubs and bars. With food and drink being so affordable here, it isn’t too surprising that visitors from all over the world flock here to experience the city’s nightlife. For those who enjoy nothing more than sitting back and relaxing with a drink, there’s no shortage of bars in the Czech capital, however, some of the most popular are those which show live sports. For any sports fan, there’s nothing better than hanging out in a sports bar, enjoying the atmosphere of the energetic crowd while you watch your favourite sports on the big screen. Whatever type of sports you love, here are five of the top spots...

Where to Go Ice Skating in Prague for the 2019-20 Holidays

Winter in Prague is probably not your favorite season, but it has some charm for sure. Snowy days and temperature balancing 0 should not stop you to go out and enjoy outdoor activities even in an urban city. Are you looking for a fun activity instead of sitting on the couch in front of the tv? Try ice skating! Ice skating has a tradition in the Czech Republic and nowadays it’s a very popular social outdoor activity between locals. Doesn’t matter if you do it just for fun with your friends or you list ice skating as your workout activity, you will surely benefit from it. One of the biggest advantages of ice skating is improving your poster, balance, and coordination by engaging your muscles. Actually, by skating you work out almost every muscle in your body and burning approximately around 350 calories in one hour, and by the end of it, you probably forget you worked out. As a bonus, you’ll get some fresh air into your lungs and clear your head from everyday stress. You can find many open-air ice rinks around Prague located also in attractive locations for tourists. If you prefer skating under the roof you may have a...

Czech Republic Qualify for Euro 2020

The Czech Republic secured their place at next year’s European Championship finals with a 2-1 against Kosovo on Thursday. The Czechs dominated possession but failed to convert their chances in the first half before falling behind when striker Atdhe Nuhiu scored against the run of play in the 50th minute. But the home side roared back and levelled in the 71st minute when midfielder Kral pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a fierce strike that gave t he Kosovo keeper no chance. The goal energised the Czechs who hit the woodwork twice in quick succession before 21-year-old Kral directed a header towards Ondrej Celustka who guided the ball home in the 79th. The Czechs, who play Bulgaria on Sunday, have 15 points and will finish second in the group behind England who have 18 after thrashed Montenegro 7-0 at Wembley to secure runners-up spot. The tournament is scheduled to be held in 12 cities in 12 European countries from 12 June to 12 July 2020. Portugal are the defending champions, having won the 2016 edition. For the first time, the video assistant referee (VAR) system will be used at the UEFA European Championship. Group A P W D L Pts...

Prague Aims to Host the Start of the Tour de France

The Tour de France has started five times abroad over the past eight years. Soon, the beginning of the most famous cycling race could take place in Prague. “Prague is a beautiful city, one of the most beautiful capitals. If it stands, we will judge it with the greatest possible attention,” said the general director of the legendary race, Christian Prudhomme. The lead course designer, Thierry Gouvenou, confirmed that Prague could enter the game of organizing the Tour. “I know that the City of Prague has already established contacts with our organizing agency ASO,” informed Gouvenou at the end of July. Negotiations are in progress. “We are acting in cooperation with the Czech Cycling Association, with Škoda Auto and with the organizing agency,” said Prague City Councilor for Education, Sport, Science and Business Support, Vít Šimral. The costs of the Tour organization or the start of the three-week race is millions of crowns. This year the Tour started in Brussels, next year it will start in Nice, and in 2021 the so-called Grand Départ will be host in Copenhagen. “We’ve been doing everything we can to get the Tour to start here. Negotiations are in progress, but I can’t conclude...

November 2nd: FMX Gladiator Games 2019

On November 2nd, 2019, the 19th edition of the oldest FMX event in Europe will take place at Prague's O2 Arena.

Barcelona Hail Slavia Prague for Twitter Bio

The Czech side were happy to joke at their own expense on social media. Slavia Praha takes on another of European football’s heavyweights on Matchday 3, which brings the first-ever meeting against Barcelona. Now, the Twitter account of Slavia changes the bio as “The club next to Barcelona in MD3 & MD4 Champions League schedule”. Slavia is currently sandwiched between second-placed Barcelona and fourth-placed Inter Milan in Group F but could climb to the top of the table with an unlikely victory over Ernesto Valverde’s juggernaut on Wednesday evening. They come up against the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann on Wednesday night, with Valverde likely to pick a full-strength team after the postponement of this weekend’s El Clasico against Real Madrid. Slavia knows they are up against it this midweek, but did not let the size of the challenge that awaits them ruin their sense of humour. Ahead of Wednesday night’s fixture, the Czech side changed the Twitter bio of their English account to read: “The club next to @FCBarcelona in MD3 and MD4 @ChampionsLeague schedule.” And the official Barcelona account posted a screenshot of the bio, replying; “10/10 bio. See you Wednesday, @slavia_eng.” xosotin chelseathông tin...

Bouldering in Prague: Why You Should Try It

If we are thinking about what we can do for living a healthier lifestyle the first expected change should obviously occur to our food habits and thereafter naturally the second most important element is to add some activity to our daily schedule. As I am not a big fan of classic gyms, I always try to combine fun with a great workout at the same time. That’s why I look for an activity I can easily do both alone, or with a group of friends. Recently my friends dragged me into a bouldering studio. Climbing in the studio always looked to be fun and very easy activity. I was sure I could do it without any problems. But the opposite was the truth. Climbing is a 100% full-body workout. As you might think you work just your upper body, you actually putting in stress also your lower body, legs, shoulders, arms and of course your back. While you are making a great workout, you easily burn around 700 calories just by one session. But be prepared, climbing without proper muscle preparation can be challenging. I highly recommend getting into the shape before you kick off your climbing seasons. Build slowly strength...

Police Arrested a Total of 18 England Fans in Prague

Police arrested a total of 18 England fans over football-related disorder in Prague. The men, among thousands of supporters who traveled to the city for Friday night’s Euro 2020 qualifier against the Czech Republic, have all been released. The English supporters hurled bottles at just before 7 pm before kick-off, while local police in full riot gear returned fire with stun grenades during violent clashes near the Old Town Square. A group of Czechs were also held after they attacked a bar in a separate incident. Czech police said a total of 31 arrests had been made on Friday night. Until night fell, there had been little trouble, with police involvement limited to telling fans to remove flags from buildings. But ugly scenes erupted just before 7 pm after hundreds of fans took over a small square (behind the Tyn Church), chanting and singing. England manager Gareth Southgate, who had made a point of reminding fans to conduct themselves properly in the historic city earlier this week, described the trouble as ‘disappointing’ following the 2-1 defeat. The latest trouble involving England fans abroad follows similar scenes from recent trips to Amsterdam, Dortmund and Porto. A Czech police officer said: ‘The England fans were...

Euro 2020: Czech Republic Beat England 2-1

The Czech football team on Friday evening handed England their first major tournament qualifier defeat since 2009, by a score of 2:1 in the 2020 European Championship contest.

English Anti-Hooligan Experts Dispatched to Prague

Prague police are preparing a security measurement due to the football match on Friday between the Czech Republic and England.

Prague Police Prepare for English Hooligans With ‘Anti-Conflict Units’

Czech police have been put on high alert for the arrival of an estimated 6,000 English supporters on Friday

Czech Rep. Among Highest Spender on Recreation and Sports in EU

The Czech Republic spends more than the European Union average on the provision of sport and recreation, when it is considered as a percentage of the government budget, according to Eurostat data released September 23 to mark the European Week of Sport (23-30 September). In 2017, the EU’s 28 Member States spent €51.3 billion of government expenditure on recreation and sport. Overall, in the EU, the general government expenditure on recreation and sport has remained stable as a percentage of total expenditure since the beginning of the time series in 2004. Hungary spent 2.5% of its GDP on sport and recreation, followed by Estonia (1.4%) and Luxembourg (1.2%). The lowest recreation and sport expenditure per head was recorded in Croatia (€13 per inhabitant) and Bulgaria (€16), followed by Slovakia (€23), Romania (€25), Lithuania (€31) and Malta (€32). Despite having withdrawn its bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games, Budapest was named as the European Capital of Sport in 2019 by the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation (ACES Europe). Hungary’s capital has also hosted several high-profile international tournaments, including the 2017 FINA World Championships and the 2019 World Table Tennis Championships. The total government expenditure on recreation and sport across all 28 EU...

NHL’s Flyers to Meet Blackhawks in Prague

The NHL starts its season in Prague on Oct. 4, with the Philadelphia Flyers playing against the Chicago Blackhawks at Prague’s O2 Arena.

Not Just a Sports Champion

First, it was a bit of an on and off for Zach, before he moved from Lake Geneva, WI to Prague in 2007. Eventually, he met his now-wife and settled. Respectful to the country and its heritage, Zach also wanted to introduce a part of his upbringing. As an American Football player, it was sport but not simply just a sport. It was also about teaching values like courage, family, hard work, faithfulness, and gratitude. This is something everyone needs. Like all the bridges of Prague connecting two sides of the city, he wants to bridge two cultures. The Prague Lions were founded back in 1991 and last won the Czech Bowl in 2006. No mountain too high, Zach took on the challenge a few years ago as an assistant coach and last year he took on a bigger challenge as the head coach and a club owner. This year, all the hard work and perseverance paid off and the Prague Lions won the Czech Bowl again. The Prague Lions are a great team to watch play. You can also be a part of it no matter what age or role. If you want to know more about Zach and...

Czech Republic Reach Quarterfinals at FIBA World Cup

Team USA advanced to the quarterfinals, gifting the Czech Republic a spot in the final eight after stifling Brazil 89-73 in the second round of FIBA Basketball World Cup. Kemba Walker and Myles Turner scored 16 points apiece as the U.S. beat Brazil 89-73 in the final second-round game, setting up a quarterfinal clash with France in Dongguan on Wednesday. Team USA also guaranteed qualification to the Tokyo Olympics. The U.S. men will be in the Olympics for the 19th time next summer, with 15 gold medals, one silver, and two bronze. Earlier in the same group, Czech Republic lost to Greece 84-77, but a later USA win over Brazil gifted the Czechs a place in the final eight. Apart from the Czechs and Americans, also already through to the quarterfinals in China are the French and Australians. Argentina, Serbia, Spain and Poland have all locked down their seeding. The Czechs will encounter Australia in the quarterfinals, who squeezed out France 100-98 to top Group L and sent its opponent to the duel with Team USA. In the classification round, Montenegro crushed Japan 80-65 and New Zealand edged Turkey 102-101 in Group O. Jordan overcame Senegal 79-77 while Germany beat...

Czech Republic Into FIBA World Cup Last 16 With Turkey Win

The Czech Republic made history by advancing to the second round after a 91-76 upset victory over Turkey on Thursday. In their first-ever FIBA Basketball World Cup, they join the USA to make it out of Group E. The Czech Republic were led by Vojtech Hruban, who had 18 points, and Ondrej Balvin, who added 17 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Both teams began the game having recorded one win and one loss, with the winner guaranteed a ticket to the tournament’s second stage. “Our team played really amazingly,” said Czech coach Ronen Ginzburg. “They did what I asked and more. They are lions. We will celebrate this win for a long time, personally and as a country. Against Turkey we won the ball and didn’t let them run.” “During the game, we tried to do lots of things but they pushed hard to play against us with a tough defense,” said Turkey assistant coach Recep Sen. “We tried to come back and we did but they answered. We are sorry for our fans.” Although Cedi Osman had a game-high 24 points for Turkey, five Czech players managed double-digit points for their victory, with Ondrej Balvin notching 17 points...

Slavia Prague to face Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and Internazionale

28 Arrested in Football Match riot in Prague

Police arrested 28 fans of Banik Ostrava in a riot after their team lost a match in Prague on Sunday afternoon. At Sparta football arena, the fans attacked the organizers and firefighters and they took beer barrels from a fast food stall and threw them at other spectators. Five organizers and one policeman were injured and one of the organizers had to be sent to the hospital, according to a report of Czech News Agency. Banik lost the first football league 2019 match against Sparta Praha 0:2 Sunday afternoon. The matches between Sparta and Banik were considered risky because of possible fights between the fans. Before the game, the fans of Banik Ostrava marched to the stadium with the accompany of police. The march and the match itself passed without serious problems. The riot began after Sparta won the match. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại bóng đágiải ngoại hạng...

Palmeiras Defeat Sparta Prague to Win Their Second CEE Cup

After the exciting group phase and ranking matches, the CEE Cup came to a close today with the much anticipated Final match between last year’s winners, Palmeiras, and the home team of Sparta Prague. The Brazilians sailed through Group B with ease, winning all three games. As for the Czechs, the road to Dolicek was slightly more complicated. At the 50th, Palmeiras broke through when Gabriel Goes let off a shot from outside the box, which was somehow picked up by Fabricio, who scored an easy goal up close. The Brazilians found their second and winning goal at the 85th, and what a fantastic goal at that. Rian Roberto let off a powerful shot from the right-hand side against which Benada was unable to do anything. In the last five minutes, plus in the six added as overtime, things began to get heated once more, with many spats breaking out here and there, but the final whistle brought an end to all that. The 9th edition of the CEE Cup truly was a success for every football lover out there. The level and quality of all the teams involved was simply spectacular, with the cherry on top that was the...

Football Scouts From Various Clubs Head to Prague

The Prague CEE CUP is about to kick off its 9th edition on July 24th. This time around, a myriad of football scouts will be present at the U19 football. Besides the local Sparta and Slavia players, they will also get to see other interesting talents from abroad. According to the first names reported, it is expected that a number of representatives will be in Dinamo Zagreb, Beşiktaş Istanbul or Shakhtar Donetsk, which are Sparta’s rivals in Group A. For example, the Zagreb team is the home of the offensive midfielder Edin Jularjija, a Croatian youth who is one of the youngest players in the line-up that helped push Dinamo’s promotion to the Youth League quarterfinals. The fast-paced South American footballers should once again amaze the spectators in the matches of Palmeiras, which is one of Slavia’s rivals in Group B, which will be complemented by the English Burnley and Turkish Altinordu. In this group, Brazilian striker Fabricio, who, according to overseas media is threatening Sao Jesolo’s goal record set by Gabriel Jesus (currently a Manchester City player), should be among the most-watched players. We will present a wider list of players, who should not fail to get the attention of...

3 Places to Watch Live Sports in Prague

Watching sports is always better with an energetic crowd and a large screen. These are three (and sure some more…) great places in Prague that play live sports from countries near and far. Whether it’s rugby, snooker or football that float your boat, you will find the sport you love and so much more at: 1. WingHaus Sports Bar: WingHaus Restaurant & Sports Bar is the place to have the best chicken wings, burgers, and salads in town. Served along with the chicken are several types of sauces including the extra spicy, as well as baked potatoes with dips. With two floors, two bars, 10 TV’s and a projector screen, you will never miss any match or event.  Address: Cimburkova 402/10, Prague 3 2: The Dutch Pub: The Dutch Pub is a stylish restaurant located in the heart of the historical center of Prague, offers a delicious steak & burger menu, an extraordinary interior in the Dutch style, a peaceful garden in the yard and a wide selection of beers. Watch Champions League, Europa League and a lot more other sports on 2 BIG screens! Address: Vladislavova 1390/17, Prague 1 3. James Joyce: On 5th of November 1993 at 17:59 hrs., the first pint of draught Guinness poured in the Czech Republic, was poured at the...

Global Goals World Cup for the First Time in Prague

In 2019, the Global Goals World Cup, a unique football tournament to support UN Sustainable Development Goals that inspires and engages women from all over the world is coming to Prague for the first time! Game of Thrones actor and UNDP Goodwill Ambassdor, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, will referee the tournament.  The Global Goals World Cup (GGWCup) is the first activist world cup for women. The kick-off event of Global Goals World Cup Prague was held on 8 March 2019, the International Women’s Day 2019. The tournament itself will take place at Wenceslas Square on 29 May 2019 with the participation of famous public figures from the world of sports, politics and also foreign guests. What is the goal of the World Cup World Cup in Prague? The Global Goals World Cup (GGWCup) is a game that changes the world. In the football tournament, more than 24 women’s teams will play for a better world. Each team represents one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The Global Goals and Agenda 2030 cover social and economic development issues including poverty, hunger, health, education, global warming, gender equality, water, sanitation, energy,...

Czech Republic Chosen To Host 2024 World Ice Hockey Championships

The cites of Prague and Ostrava have been chosen to host the 2024 World Ice Hockey Championships. The International Ice Hockey Federation said on May 24 that it had also chosen St. Petersburg for the 2023 championships, while the 2025 tournament will be co-hosted by Sweden and Denmark, though the host cities have yet to be determined. Same like in 2004 and 2015 the venues will be the O2 Arena in Prague and the Ostravar Arena in Ostrava where the Czechs successfully hosted two editions. The 2015 Worlds set a new attendance record four years ago with 741,690 fans (11,589 in average) coming to the games in the two Czech cities. For Ostrava, which will be the main venue of next winter’s 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, it will be the third IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in the city while Prague has previously also hosted in 1933, 1938, 1947, 1959, 1972, 1978, 1985 and 1992 during the Czechoslovak era. The Swiss cities of Zurich and Lausanne will host next year’s championships, followed by the Belarusian capital, Minsk, and Latvia’s Riga in 2021. Author: red xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá...

CrossFit in Prague: Our Top Picks

CrossFit is a word that I have heard a hundred times in the past few months. I never really paid attention to what exactly it means and why it is so popular, but after a couple of friends of mine literally didn’t shut up about it I decided to learn more about it. CrossFit is definitely no longer just a trend in the fitness world as I thought. It has now become a lifestyle. With over 15,000 gyms and thousands of trainers around the world, it has become very popular and you can find CrossFit gyms in any big city around the world. If you are thinking about starting with CrossFit here are the 4 most common reasons why you should. 1. Community The power of community in CrossFit is big and for many people, this is the key to their dedication. People in CrossFit are one big family that share not just a passion for fitness but also life stories. Everyone knows each other, and everyone is willing to help and support each other which is something you will not find in your regular gym.  2. Variety Most of the people that go to a regular gym can find CrossFit training...

Chelsea Fans Denied Entry to Prague Match Over Alleged Racist Chant

Three Chelsea fans were stopped from entering Slavia Prague’s Eden Arena for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg after an alleged racist chant about Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was posted on social media, Sky Sports reported. A video, apparently filmed by the fans themselves, was broadcast on social media on Thursday, surfacing before the first leg of the quarter-final against Slavia Prague. The 19-second clip showed a small group of fans gathered in a bar in Prague singing the derogatory chant.  Chelsea issued a statement on their website condemning any form of discriminatory behavior. “Chelsea FC finds all forms of discriminatory behavior abhorrent and where there is clear evidence of Chelsea season ticket holders or members involved in such behavior, we will take the strongest possible action against them. “Such individuals are an embarrassment to the vast majority of Chelsea supporters who won’t tolerate them in their club.” Former Chelsea player Salah is of Muslim faith. The anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out tweeted: “It’s not on the terraces, but it’s still a disgrace. We don’t want fans like that anywhere near our game. “We will be liaising with @ChelseaFC to ensure those involved are identified and punished swiftly and effectively.” Liverpool also issued a...

‘Equality All The Way’: Czech Tennis Player Jokes About Urinals in Women’s Locker Room

Czech tennis player Andrea Hlaváčková has ridiculed the organizers of the ongoing top tennis event, the Miami Open, revealing that urinals were installed in women’s locker rooms alongside traditional toilets. The 32-year-old posted a picture on Instagram showing her and her doubles partner Barbora Strýcová pretending to use the urinals in a standing position. ‘Equality all the way in Miami,’ the player wrote in the caption, which gained more than 1,500 ‘likes’ in less than 14 hours. Hlaváčková, who announced that she was pregnant in February, froze her WTA ranking with one eye on a return to professional tennis after giving birth to her baby. The former doubles world number three produced a stunning performance last season together with Strycova, winning two titles at the Connecticut Open and China Open, a result which allowed them to qualify for the WTA Finals in Singapore. Are you a tennis lover? Here you can buy some of the best racquets on the market! xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề...

Petra Kvitova Reaches First Grand Slam Final Since Knife Attack

Petra Kvitova has reached the first grand slam final of what she is calling her “second career” after defeating Danielle Collins at the Australian Open. In what was an eventful match, with play suspended and the Rod Laver Arena closed during the first set because of extreme heat, Kvitova triumphed over the unseeded American 7-6 (7-2), 6-0. The eighth-seeded Kvitova will face US Open champion Naomi Osaka in Saturday night’s final, with the winner to be crowned the women’s world number one. In 2016, the Czech player’s career was derailed when a man attacked her with a knife in her own home, causing serious injuries to her hand. Kvitova was told she only had 10% chance of playing at an elite level again, but is now poised to add to her two majors and become the world No 1. Doctors feared Kvitova would never play tennis again but she made her return at the French Open the following year and is now in her first major final since winning her second Wimbledon title in 2014. “I think not very many people believe that I can do that again, to stand on the court and play tennis and kind of play on this...

Brazil to Meet Czech Republic in Prague

The Brazil Global Tour will resume in March with a rematch of the 1962 World Cup final, at Eden Park Stadium in Prague on March 26. Brazil will meet their hosts in one of their first two matches of the year. The other fixture during the March 2019 FIFA International period will be announced in due course. The matches will provide Brazil’s players with one of their last chances to impress coach Tite before he picks his squad for the Copa America in Brazil. The world’s oldest continental football tournament – which will include each of the 10 member nations of the CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation) plus Japan and Qatar – is scheduled for June 14 to July 7. A draw to determine the group phase fixtures will be held on January 24. Author: red xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại bóng đágiải ngoại hạng anhSeagametap chi bong da...

Petr Čech to Retire at End of Season

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Čech is planning to retire from soccer at the end of the season, ending the career of one of the best netminders in the Premier League. “This is my 20th season as a professional player, and it has been 20 years since I signed my first professional contract, so it feels like the right time to announce that I will retire at the end of this season,” Czech said Tuesday in a statement. The 36-year-old goalkeeper has a record 202 clean sheets in his 15 seasons in the Premier League since joining Chelsea in 2004 from French club Rennes. At Chelsea, he won the Champions League, four Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and one Europa League. Čech’s career was in doubt in October 2006 when he required surgery for a skull fracture after a collision with Reading’s Stephen Hunt. The keeper was out for three months and has since worn a protective headguard during games. After 11 years at Stamford Bridge, Cech moved to Arsenal in 2015. At the beginning of the current season, Čech became the first choice for Arsenal manager Unai Emery. But after seven games he picked up a hamstring injury...

Free Sports Week Prague 2018: "Týden Sportu Zdarma"

For the 11th year in a row, Prague is hosting a ‘free sports week’ from December 25th until December 31st. The purpose of this event is to offer everyone a chance to try out a new sport or explore new sports venues. It will be possible to make reservations to certain locations from December 23rd.  During the last week of 2018, residents and visitors of the Czech capital will have the opportunity to try out new sports and disciplines as badminton, squash, beach volley, floorball, martial arts and bowling. To visit some facilities, it is recommended a pre-registration by phone or on the official website.  Author: red xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại bóng đágiải ngoại hạng anhSeagametap chi bong da the gioitin bong da lutrận đấu hôm nayviệt nam bóng đátin nong bong daBóng đá nữthể thao 7m24h bóng đábóng đá hôm naythe thao ngoai hang anhtin nhanh bóng đáphòng thay...

July 31: Kids' Football Day in Prague

Prague will host the 8th edition of the CEE Cup from July 25 to July 31. This is a prestigious tournament for young players coming from different football clubs all over the world. Everton (England), Beşiktaş (Turkey), Palmeiras (Brazil), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Nitra (Slovakia), and the traditional Prague clubs, Sparta and Slavia will all come together to start the season in the Czech Republic. The emerging Nigerian Academy Real Sapphire will also attend the competition.  CEE Cup’s core principles of the tournament are charity, youth football support, and football education. As part of their 8th edition in Prague, CEE Cup has partnered with Fotbalova Skola and Pro Futbol Analytics to bring Kid’s Football Day on July 31, 2018, at Ďolíček Stadium.  Tomas Jun, an ex-Sparta Prague player, will guide all the sports activities along with other professional and experienced football trainers. Kid’s Football Day also includes surprises and gifts for everyone at the stadium. Registration will also give free access to watch the Grand Finale of the CEE Cup 2018 for both kids and their families.  This event has limited capacity and registration only opens until July 27, 2018. All events are free except the last service that costs about 600...

Pavel Nedvěd to Play for Hometown Club Again

Pavel Nedvěd has come out of retirement to play alongside his son for Czech amateur side FC Skalna. Today, the retired Czech football legend will join the ranks of small hometown club Skalná 1.B in a match which could see up to 2,500 visitors. Nedved grew up in the Czech town and started his career at FC Skalna (he joined the local team at the age of five and went on to play at youth level for eight years), while his son, Pavel Jr, is already a registered player at the club.  The match, against Královský Poříčí B, will kick-off at 2 pm. The former Ballon d’Or winner, 45, hung up his boots in 2009 after a trophy-laden career which included spells at Juventus, Lazio and Sparta Prague. Author: red xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại bóng đágiải ngoại hạng anhSeagametap chi bong da the gioitin bong da lutrận đấu hôm nayviệt...

Petr Čech Wins Czech Golden Ball Award

Goalkeeper Petr Čech, 36, won the Golden Ball award for the best Czech footballer of the season for the 12th time, the poll organizers announced on Tuesday. This is the third time in a row for Čech, who plays for English Premier League giants Arsenal, to win this award.  Last season the Arsenal man became the first goalkeeper in the English Premier League to achieve 200 clean sheets. Though now retired from the international game, he is the most capped Czech ever with 124 appearances. Čech, former captain of the Czech Republic national team, won 919 points in the 22nd Golden Ball sport journalists’ poll. Midfielder Antonin Barak and defender Pavel Kadeřábek took the second and third place with 728 points and 657 points respectively. Author: red xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại bóng đágiải ngoại hạng anhSeagametap chi bong da the gioitin bong da lutrận đấu hôm nayviệt...

Jagr Confirms He'll Play 30th Season of Pro Hockey in Czech Republic

Jaromir Jagr will play his 30th season of professional hockey in the 2018-19 campaign for the Czech Republic’s Kladno Knights, he confirmed to the team’s website Tuesday according to Greg Wyshynski of ESPN.com.  Jagr currently serves as both the co-owner and team president for the Knights, who play in the WSM Liga. Jagr played 24 seasons in the NHL and is second all-time to Wayne Gretzky in career points (1,921) and third overall in goals (766). He played six more pro seasons overseas, in the Czech Republic and the Russian Kontinental Hockey League. There were reports in the Czech media that a German team was pursuing Jagr. Jagr hasn’t ruled out the chance to someday return to the NHL. “I would be happier if I was in the NHL now, but as a second option, this is the place I want to be,” he told The New York Times in April. Author: red xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng...