Figure Skating World Championships in the Czech Republic again after 32 years? Prague is running
In 1993, ice legends Kurt Browning and Oksana Bajulová or the dance couple Usovová and Žulin excelled in the Prague Sports Hall. Since then, the European Championships have been held twice in the Czech Republic, in 1999 in Prague and 2017 in Ostrava, but the world championship could return only now.
“The experience with Ostrava helps us in our candidacy, because the European Championship was successful there and we convinced the management of the International Skating Union that we are good organizers in the Czech Republic,” said Stanislav Žídek, chairman of the figure skating association.
“In Prague, in the form of the O2 arena, we have not only a high-quality stadium, but also a new hotel right on the premises. Now we are trying to deal with those who can influence the choice, “he added.
It is not known which countries will be rivals of the Czechs yet, the International Skating Union ISU has not yet published a list of candidates. They had the opportunity to apply until April 15.
“But we have no doubt that there will be a number of candidates,” Žídek said.
So far, the costs of the whole event are only indicative.
“I can start around 150 to 200 million crowns. The world is a degree higher than Europe and the O2 arena is something other than the Ostravar Arena. But the world championship also offers far more options when it comes to sponsors. “
If the Czechs succeed, the current stars Nathan Chen, Shoma Uno, Kaori Sakamoto or even the dancing couple Papadakisi, Cizeron could introduce themselves at O2, if they decide to extend their work.
ICE KING. Nathan Chen, three-time world champion and this year’s Olympic champion
Prague was already thinking about hosting the 2024 World Cup, but the original plans were canceled by the covid period, during which the 2020 World Cup in Montreal was canceled.
Canada was then given a replacement championship for 2024. In that year 2023, figure skaters will be welcomed by Japanese Saitama.
Ostrava’s candidacy for the European Championship 2024 was also considered.
“But it fell through because there are plans for a major reconstruction of the Ostrava hall. So we could not get a guarantee that it would be available, “Žídek explained. “The opportunity to hold this championship in Brno also fell because it does not suit the hall. That’s why we are fully fulfilled. “