Czechs Played a Historic Ball Hockey Game on the Aletsch Glacier at Nearly 3,000 Meters Above Sea Level

Czech ball hockey players faced Canada at the World Championship in the Swiss canton of Valais. This time, however, it wasn't in an arena, as the match took place in the unique setting of the Aletsch Glacier. The game was held on the Eggishorn mountain at an altitude of 2,869 meters above sea level.

Record Ball Hockey Match in Visp and Raron

From June 21 to 29, the towns of Visp and Raron are hosting the international ball hockey elite, with over 600 athletes from 16 countries in attendance. The organizers prepared an extraordinary experience: a game at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level on the Aletsch Glacier, featuring the two best teams—Czechia and Canada. The Czech team, currently the second-best in the world, faced the reigning champions from Canada against the picturesque backdrop of Eggishorn.

David Kestens from Aletsch Arena expressed his excitement about the exhibition game in the heart of UNESCO: “Aletsch Arena, with the longest glacier in the Alps and views of forty peaks over 4,000 meters, is the perfect location for this special event.” He humorously added that perhaps this short training at high altitude would provide both teams with their final preparation before the decisive matches. Elio Pascuzzo, President of the International Street and Ball Hockey Federation (ISBHF), also expressed his satisfaction: “This is the best advertisement for ball hockey worldwide.”

Ball hockey combines athleticism, strength, and strategy. Approximately half a million players, including women, men, and children, participate in our sport across more than 60 countries around the world.