Ball Hockey Players, Welcome to the City of Tourism and Sport! Welcome to Poprad!

Poprad, nestled beneath the peaks of Europe's smallest high mountains - the High Tatras, opens its arms to all participants of the biggest ball hockey event in the U20 category. This city is not only home to ice hockey and ball hockey clubs that compete in Slovakia’s top leagues but has also recognized its own ball hockey club as the best sports team of 2024 at the Sportsman of the Year 2024 awards held in March 2025. This recognition is a testament to the fact that world-class ball hockey is coming to a place where the sport is not only well-known and popular but also highly successful.

Poprad’s ball hockey club earned this award for its outstanding achievements, particularly in youth categories, securing two national championship titles (U12 and U23), a third-place finish (U16), and two fourth-place finishes (U14 and men’s). Ball hockey in Poprad is not only renowned for its top-tier competitive success but is also experiencing a boom, with a steady increase in club membership across all age categories. This ongoing progress, recognized within Slovak ball hockey circles for several seasons, was the driving force behind the idea of hosting the World Junior Ball Hockey Championship in this beautiful city beneath the High Tatras.

A city with a rich sports history and a breathtaking Tatra panorama is more than ready to welcome the best junior ball hockey players the world has to offer. The championship will take place in beautiful sports venues with excellent facilities, ensuring both players and fans can enjoy thrilling matches filled with emotions and top-tier competition among elite nations and athletes.

Poprad is not only a city of sports but also a major hub of Slovak tourism. Nearby, you’ll find the stunning resorts of the High Tatras, the magical and mysterious Slovak Paradise National Park, and the historic gems of Kežmarok and Levoča. For those interested in history or relaxation, the city itself offers plenty, including Spišská Sobota, a municipal heritage reserve, and AquaCity, a renowned water park located right next to the ice arena, providing a perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Poprad offers both the thrill of sports and the relaxation that every successful athlete needs. The World Junior Ball Hockey Championship has found its perfect home, where players, coaches, officials, fans, and spectators will all have an unforgettable experience.

Known as the gateway to the High Tatras, Poprad was also named the European City of Sport in 2023. So, dear visitors, rest assured - you are not only arriving in a gateway to nature but also in a true city of sport.

Welcome to Poprad!

Photo: HK Poprad