2024 World Junior Championship has officially started!

The 2024 Ball Hockey World Junior Championship held from July 4 to 7, 2024 in Žilina, Slovakia, has officially started! Six U18 and six U16 national teams will compete for gold medals at the Žilina Ice Rink. Ball hockey fans will also get the opportunity to watch several exhibition games between U18 women's and U14 boys' teams from Slovakia and the Czech Republic. An exhibition game between the Slovak national team and HBC 07 Žilina Legends will also be one of the tournament's highlights. (Photo: FB ISBHF)

All 12 teams were officially welcomed at the Mariánské Square by the Mayor of Žilina, Peter Fiabáne, who expressed hope that the participants would compete in a fair spirit and with full sportsmanship.

"I believe that Žilina has prepared well for hosting the World Championship and that we will show that. I'm glad that the World Championship can finally take place in Žilina (the 2020 World Juniors Championship did not take place due to the Covid-19 pandemic – editor's note), and that we can welcome ball hockey friends from all over the world, and show them our city and Slovakia. Žilina has a strong ball hockey tradition and hosting a tournament of this calibre significantly builds on it," Fabiáne said and followed: "I hope that the players and coaches will enjoy the tournament, give their best on the field, and fight for medals in the spirit of fair play. I also hope they enjoy our city, our people, and the environment we offer, and leave Žilina happy. If my work obligations allow, I would like to attend several games, on the opening day or during the medal matches."

Following Fabiáne, the ISBHF President, Elio Pascuzzo, also addressed the competing teams: "Welcome to Žilina, welcome to Slovakia! Ball hockey has a rich tradition in Slovakia, and we're glad we can organize the World Juniors Championship here for the third time. I want to thank the Slovak Federation and organizers team, and although I cannot name everyone, I thank you on behalf of the ISBHF for your work! A big thanks also goes to the Referees, who will make sure every match goes smoothly, and the Team Managers, who had to overcome difficulties to bring their teams here; to the Coaches and their Assistants, who prepare the players for victories in both games and life. Players, enjoy the tournament and the city, make new friends, and create lifelong memories! You will fight to become the world champions, but you all are already champions to me."

The ceremony concluded with the Captains of all national teams greeting the spectators and inviting them to watch the matches live at the stadium.