Armenian and Czech National Hockey Teams Played in Gyumri

On February 21, Gyumri hosted the now traditional friendly ice hockey match between the Armenian national team and the Czech amateur national team. The game took place in Friendship Park and was organized with the support of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Armenia.

The match ended with a high-scoring victory for the Armenian team — 11:8. The Armenian squad was formed from players who are set to represent the country at the IV Division World Championship, which will be held in Kuwait in April 2026. Thus, the game in Gyumri became an important stage in the national team’s preparation for the international tournament.

Notably, while the main Czech national team was competing at the Olympic Games, Czechs were also “lighting up” the ice in Armenia — a bright and emotional contest unfolded at Friendship Park, giving spectators a true sporting celebration.

The event continued a good tradition: a similar Armenian-Czech hockey evening was held in Gyumri a year ago. This year, among the participants was the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Armenia, Petr Pirunčík, who not only attended the match but also took to the ice.

“Czechia has a strong national hockey team and rich traditions — it is the most popular sport in our country. However, Armenia also has an excellent men’s ice hockey team. During the Soviet years, Gyumri had its own hockey team, and today there is a need to once again popularize this sport among young people. With this game, we want to revive that tradition. This is my second time participating in a friendly match in Gyumri. The atmosphere is wonderful,” the ambassador noted, emphasizing that the main goal of the meeting was not victory, but the promotion of sport and strengthening friendship.

Participants of the event were welcomed by Shirak Province Governor Davit Arushanyan. He noted that Gyumri is capable of harmoniously combining sporting and cultural events.

“For us, it is a great pleasure to host this event. Such meetings are a wonderful opportunity to unite sport and friendship. Sport has long become a force that unites nations, shaping mutual respect and trust. Relations between the peoples of Armenia and Czechia have strengthened over the years thanks to mutual support and effective cooperation. Today, we once again confirm that these ties continue to develop,” the governor emphasized.

The evening was rich not only in sports but also in cultural programming. Before the match, the traditional dance ensemble “Hrayrk” performed national dances and held a master class for guests. The festive mood was supported by the young musicians of the “Kumayri” Children and Youth Wind Orchestra.

The hockey evening in Gyumri turned into a true celebration filled with adrenaline, vivid emotions, and excellent mood, accompanied by Czech cuisine treats. The event once again confirmed that sport remains a powerful bridge of friendship and cooperation between nations.