Czech news in brief for May 26: Sunday's top headlines

IIHF President Luc Tardif praised the 2024 World Championship in Prague and Ostrava for its excellent organization, atmosphere, and record-breaking attendance. He noted that with 765,385 spectators, the tournament surpassed the previous record from 2015. Tardif emphasized that "hockey won this tournament" due to the overwhelming support and suggested considering more frequent championships in the Czech Republic. "The fans here are incredible, showing that the Czech Republic is a true hockey country," he added.

The traditional Ride of the Kings took place in Vlčnov, in Czechia's Zlín region, led by nine-year-old King František Janča. Dressed in costume, Janča rode through the village with a group of young men, marking their transition into manhood. The event, a celebrated folklore custom, included a fair, music, and folklore performances. The Ride of the Kings, held annually in Vlčnov, is inscribed in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage and attracts hundreds of spectators yearly.

Czech hockey star Jaromír Jágr, along with Jaroslav Pouzar and Igor Liba, were inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame today ahead of the world championships in Prague. This brings the number of Czech inductees to 26. The ceremony also honored Sweden's Kenny Jonsson, Finland's Petteri Nummelin, Canada's Ryan Smyth, American Natalie Darwitz, and Canadian coach Mel Davidson. The Czech team that won the 1998 Nagano Olympics received the IIHF's Milestone Award.

Storms are forecast across the Czech Republic today from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with potential for heavy rain, hail, and wind gusts up to 65 km/h, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. The rain may cause rapid rises in small streams, particularly in western Bohemia. Drivers are advised to exercise caution. More storms are expected throughout the coming week.

Over three-quarters of Czechs support banning energy drink sales to children, with women more likely to agree and those under 34 less likely, according to an April survey by NMS Market Research. Additionally, 83 percent believe advertising for energy drinks should not target minors and should be state-regulated, while 87 percent support risk information on packaging. Despite widespread support and ongoing debates, no legislative proposal has been introduced in the Czech lower house.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský will call for increased NATO support for Ukraine to counter Russian aggression at a ministerial meeting in Prague next week. Reacting to a Russian air strike on Kharkiv, he urged allies not to believe Kremlin narratives. At least two were killed and 25 injured in the attack. Lipavský seeks to bolster Ukraine's defenses against further Russian advances.

Switzerland topped Canada 3-2 in an overtime shootout at the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships in Prague yesterday evening. The Swiss team will now take on the home team Czech Republic in the gold medal game this evening at 8:20 p.m. Canada and Switzerland will face off in the bronze medal game from 3:20 p.m. Both games will be projected live on a large screen at Prague's Old Town Square.

A rainbow parade celebrating the queer community crossed Brno with about 1,000 participants, marking the end of Brno Pride Week on Saturday. The week-long festival, held for the fourth time, featured over 30 cultural and social events. The parade, lasting 90 minutes, aimed to peacefully demonstrate queer visibility and rights. Organizers prioritized safety, citing past disruptions. Despite bad weather, the parade proceeded without incident.

A Czech bus carrying 42 tourists crashed on Austria's A2 motorway late Friday, colliding with a truck carrying liquid hydrogen cylinders. Four tourists, including a nine-year-old child, were slightly injured. None of the hydrogen cylinders exploded. Austrian police suspect the 30-year-old bus driver may have experienced microsleep. The injured child was hospitalized for observation, and the group continued their journey on a replacement bus after spending the night at a fire station.

A prosecutor seeks suspended sentences and fines for a man and woman who waved a Nazi flag during Pilsen's Liberation Festival celebrations on May 5. Charged with promoting a movement suppressing human rights and rioting, the pair could face up to five years in prison. The incident occurred during a convoy of over 300 historic American military vehicles, part of the festival commemorating Pilsen's liberation by the US Army at the end of WWII.