Czech Para-Hockey Team Eyes Historic Paralympic Medal at Milan 2026

Milan, Italy – The Czech para-hockey team is preparing for a historic opportunity at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan, aiming to secure their first Paralympic medal. Following a tradition of bronze medal contention at recent World Championships, the team faces a challenging opponent in China, a team they know well.

Czechs Focused on Tactical Approach Against China

Coach Jakub Novotný emphasizes a strategic approach, stating, “We have to score one more goal than the opponent to win.” The Czech team is familiar with their Chinese counterparts, having participated in a joint familiarization camp prior to the season. Captain Radek Zelinka adds, “We seek to play into their bodies, quickly approach the players to build them uncomfortable and then we can create pressure from that.”

A key element of the Czech strategy is to avoid matching the Chinese team’s speed. Novotný explains, “Especially, we must not compete with them, because they are faster and will start to outplay us. If we let them play their game, then we will secure into unnecessary trouble.” The team intends to leverage their hockey skills and teamwork, focusing on puck possession.

Understanding the Opponent: China’s Program and Style

Defender Pavel Kubeš notes the intensity of the Chinese training regimen, describing it as “crazy, twice a day on the ice, then the gym and on and on like that.” Even as acknowledging the demanding program, Kubeš expresses satisfaction that the Czech Republic employs a different, more player-friendly approach.

China is led by Russian coach Nikolai Sharshukov and brings a history of success, including a bronze medal at the 2022 home Paralympics, defeating South Korea 4-0. Assistant coach Jiří Bříza highlights China’s strengths: “They are strong, prompt and successful in finishing. We have to prepare well tactically and introduce elements into the game that they will not like.”

Czech Team’s Preparation and Mindset

The Czech team completed their final training session in a positive mood, with Bříza expressing optimism about their preparation and desire to win the first Paralympic medal for Czech para-hockey. They recognize the importance of mental fortitude, given the close contests for bronze at previous World Championships.

Bříza explains, “Matches for bronze at the World Cup have always ended in a goal in recent years, and it will be important how emotionally and psychologically we withstand this match. It will be about strength of spirit and, of course, consistency in defense.”

Paralympic Context and Competition

The 2026 Winter Paralympics, taking place from March 6 to 15, will feature a record 24 Czech athletes competing in para hockey, para biathlon, alpine skiing, and cross-country skiing. The Czech para-hockey team is ranked among the top four contenders for a medal.

The tournament will also see the United States vying for their fifth consecutive Paralympic gold medal, while Canada aims to add to their single gold medal win from the 2006 Turin Games. The bronze medal match is scheduled for Sunday evening at the Santa Giulia Arena in Milan.