Junior World Ball Hockey Championship 2025 in Hradec Králové: Global Talent to Celebrate City’s Anniversary

At the end of June 2025, Hradec Králové will become the center of world youth ball hockey. From Wednesday, June 25 to Sunday, June 29, the ČPP Arena will host the Junior Ball Hockey World Championship in the U16 and U23 categories.

Global Trust and Strong Local Support

"Youth championships simply belong in the Czech Republic. Hradec Králové offers ideal conditions – excellent infrastructure, two arenas in close proximity, ample accommodation, and strong municipal support," said Andrej Nemček, Technical Director of ISBHF, highlighting the Czech Republic's proud ball hockey tradition and proven experience in hosting major events.

According to Mayor Pavlína Springerová, the tournament is part of the city’s open and vibrant strategy: "The championship brings not only athletic excitement but also a boost to tourism."

Petr Koleta, Governor of the Hradec Králové Region, also welcomes the event: "An event like this can motivate children to get involved in sports. I especially appreciate the accompanying school program, which offers fun and engagement right at the games."

Championship Ambassadors and Tournament Program

The main ambassador of the championship is Petr Novák, a legend of Czech ball hockey, two-time world champion, and former national team captain. NHL defenseman Filip Hronek and footballer Adam Vlkanova are also official patrons of the event.

"Hradec is my city. I believe the tournament will be a major event and an inspiration for kids. It’s a chance to showcase the beauty of ball hockey live," said Novák.

The tournament will feature a packed schedule. In the U23 category, teams from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Canada, the USA, Great Britain, and the United Nations team will compete in a round-robin format. In U16, two Czech squads ("White" and "Red") will face teams from the USA, Slovakia, Great Britain, Canada, Switzerland, and Hungary.

In addition, the championship will include matches from the Czech U16 girls’ team and U14 boys, who will play friendly games against Slovak teams. Semifinals will take place on Saturday, with medal games and finals on Sunday.

Fan Zone, Side Events, and Tickets

Throughout the championship, a fan zone will be open at the ČPP Arena, offering activities for visitors of all ages, including:

• Mobile ball hockey shooting range

• Skill competitions

• Ball hockey workshop

• Training sessions with players and coaches from HBC Hradec Králové 1988

• Kids’ tournaments (U9, U11, U13)

• “Míchačka” tournament for U12 and U15 – mixed teams from across the Czech Republic

• Refreshments and partner presentations

A special school program will also run on Wednesday and Thursday, featuring organized activities for kindergartens and elementary schools, including games, contests, and cheering for Czech teams directly from the stands. Admission for schools is free.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s best in ball hockey action – tickets are on sale now at: https://hradeckr2025.enigoo.cz