The Executive Committee of the Czech Curling Association (ČSC) acknowledges the decision of the Czech University Sports Association (ČAUS), dated 13 October 2026, under which curling will not be included in the Czech delegation to the 2027 Winter World University Games. As a result, the women’s team will not be able to represent the Czech Republic at this major international university sporting event.
Several related factors have led to this decision. One of them is the position of the Conference of Rectors, which considers it unacceptable to allow teams composed of Russian athletes to participate in the Winter World University Games while Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues. The Conference had already expressed its opposition to the participation of Czech university teams in the event and has now clarified that the same rules applied to ice hockey also apply to curling, the two team sports included in the Winter World University Games programme.
Another key factor is the decision adopted by the Executive Committee of ČAUS on 13 October 2026, which reflects the current positions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU) regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2027 Winter World University Games. Based on this decision, ČAUS ruled that sports whose respective international federations do not permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in their international competitions will not be included in the Czech delegation. In view of the World Curling Federation’s position regarding adult competitions, this decision also applies to curling.
The Executive Committee of ČSC respects this decision and the approach of putting pressure on sports authorities, as it shares the same values and views, including its opposition to the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions. At the same time, it deeply regrets that the consequence of this decision is the inability of the Czech women’s team to participate in the University Games. We are disappointed that the players are losing the opportunity to represent the Czech Republic at a major international event despite their preparation and hard work.
The Czech Curling Association will continue to support the development of university curling and to create opportunities for Czech female and male athletes to participate in international competitions.
