Czech Republic hoping to return to their beloved Olympic site

Volleyball in the Czech Republic has a very long tradition. Already in the common country of Czechoslovakia, they have achieved remarkable results. They have won three European championships, twice been world champions and won silver at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

After the collapse of the common country, the Czech Republic no longer played such a prominent role in world volleyball. But perhaps it can be this qualifying tournament, when they make the big result again and return to the same Olympic venue where they have won silver 56 years ago. Although that by CEV European Volleyball rankings (11th place) they are currently the lowest ranked national team, it is only one place behind Germany, who is by the Czech Head Coach Michal Nekola considered to be the favorite in this pool, amongst others also because they are the tournament hosts. “Of the eight teams in the tournament, we are the lowest ranked, so we can be a surprise as there are also many favorites. We go to Berlin to give it all we have. We will try to make it to the semifinals and we will do our best. ” said coach Michal Nekola before departure to Berlin.

The Czech Republic, who also participated in the last European Championship, traveled to Berlin without a few players, mainly due to injuries and illness. Adam Bartoš, Oliver Sedlacek and Honza Hadrava are missing for the latter reasons, while Donovan Javoronok and Pavel Bartoš are not with the national team due obligations in their club teams. “Despite having a younger team, the atmosphere in it is just as good as it was two years ago,” said the national team blocker Radek Mach, who is pleased that some of the younger players joined the team.

Photo Credit: Czech Volleyball Federation