Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 28/06/2026 21:39 · 34 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Sport

View all1910 stories
Sport

Real Madrid Denies Pursuit of Bayern Munich's Olise

Real Madrid has denied reports that the Spanish football giant is attempting to sign Michael Olise from Bayern Munich. The denial comes as the club, one of the most decorated in world football, undergoes a period of change following an underwhelming season in which it failed to meet its usual high expectations. Olise, a French winger who joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace in 2024, had been linked with a potential move to the Spanish capital, but Real Madrid moved to quash the speculation.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

Tomáš Varga Elected New President of the Slovak Olympic Committee

Tomáš Varga has been elected as the new president of the Slovak Olympic Committee (SPV — Slovenský paralympijský výbor or Slovak sports governing body), describing his feelings upon election as "amazing." Delegates attending the congress also voted to fill six seats on the Executive Committee, selecting Branislav Delej, Miroslav Dráb, Henrieta Farkašová, Gabriela Ižariková, Jakub Krak, and Juraj Medera as its members. The Slovak Olympic Committee is the national body responsible for overseeing and coordinating Slovakia's participation in the Olympic Games and supporting the country's athletic programs.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

Slovakia Bids to Host 2029 European Figure Skating Championships

Slovakia has formally submitted a bid to host the 2029 European Figure Skating Championships, with Bratislava emerging as the likely venue. However, the candidacy faces a potential scheduling complication: the Ice Hockey World Championship is already set to take place in Bratislava in May 2029, which could create conflicts over arena availability and logistical resources. The European Figure Skating Championships, organized by the International Skating Union, is one of the continent's premier winter sports events, typically drawing top competitors and significant international media attention. Slovak skating officials are pressing ahead with the bid despite the overlap, though the competing demands of two major international ice sports events in the same city within the same year may prove a significant challenge for organizers.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

USA Clinch Group D Title Early at Home Tournament

The United States secured first place in Group D ahead of schedule, wrapping up the victory in Seattle during the first half of their match. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino described the result as 'fantastic,' as the co-host nation continued their strong showing at the tournament on home soil.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

50 Years On: The Iconic Panenka Penalty That Changed Football Forever

Fifty years have passed since one of football's most celebrated moments — the 1976 European Championship final played in Belgrade, where Czechoslovak midfielder Antonín Panenka invented the audacious chipped penalty kick that now bears his name. The June 20 anniversary marks half a century since Panenka coolly chipped the ball down the centre of the goal as the goalkeeper dived away, sealing Czechoslovakia's victory over West Germany in the shootout and giving birth to a technique that has since been replicated by some of the world's greatest players, including Zinedine Zidane and Andrea Pirlo. A notable detail revisited on the anniversary: had the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology existed in 1976, a foul in the build-up to play during that final might have altered the course of the match entirely — meaning the legendary Panenka moment might never have occurred. The 1976 final remains one of the most iconic matches in European Championship history, and Panenka's penalty is widely regarded as one of the most daring and influential acts in the history of the sport.

Dennik N
|
Sport

World Cup Day 9: Racism Case Involving Vinícius Júnior Yields Historic Red Card Ruling

A racism incident involving Brazilian footballer Vinícius Júnior at the FIFA Club World Cup has produced what officials describe as the first red card of its kind in football history. The case, which Vinícius helped bring to prominence through a public protest earlier this year, resulted in a landmark disciplinary outcome. Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, one of the tournament's most popular players, was booed by stadium crowds despite his high-profile status at the competition. The development marks a significant moment in football's ongoing effort to combat racism, as governing bodies move toward stronger on-field sanctions for discriminatory behavior directed at players.

Dennik N
|
Sport

Douglass Breaks World Record in Women's 50m Butterfly, Surpassing Sjöström

American swimmer Kate Douglass set a new world record in the women's 50-meter butterfly, breaking the previous mark held by Swedish star Sarah Sjöström. The 24-year-old, a five-time Olympic medalist with two gold, two silver and one bronze, also significantly improved her personal best of 23.91 seconds, which had previously stood as the American record.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

USA Beat Australia 2-0 at Football World Cup

The United States defeated Australia 2-0 in a Group D match at the FIFA World Cup, marking a strong start for the American side in the tournament. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine manager who took charge of the national team ahead of the tournament, has spoken of winning the title as an obligation for the host nation, setting high expectations for the team's campaign.

Dennik N
|
Sport

Slovakia Marks 50th Anniversary of Czechoslovakia's Historic Euro 1976 Final Victory

Fifty years ago, the Czechoslovak national football team achieved one of the greatest moments in Central European football history, defeating West Germany in a penalty shootout to win the 1976 UEFA European Championship final in Belgrade. After the match ended 2–2 following extra time, Czechoslovakia prevailed 5–3 on penalties to claim the title. The victory, celebrated across what was then the unified state of Czechoslovakia, remains a defining moment in the football heritage shared by today's Czech Republic and Slovakia.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

Algeria Files Official Complaint Over Refereeing in Match Against Argentina

Algeria has filed a formal complaint over the officiating in its match against Argentina, citing an incident involving star forward Lionel Messi. During the game, in which Messi scored a hat-trick, his boot made direct contact with the calf of Algerian defender Aissa Mandi — a challenge that Algeria contends was not properly addressed by match officials. The complaint reflects growing frustration from the Algerian side over what they view as inadequate refereeing decisions during the contest.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

Czech Ultra-Cyclist Completes 1,000km Race Through Slovakia in Under 57 Hours

Czech ultra-endurance cyclist Michal Ozogán completed the Race Through Slovakia, a grueling 1,000-kilometer cycling competition, in 56 hours — missing first place by just 12 minutes. Ozogán, who said he needs no sleeping bag for a race of that distance, described Slovakia as "different, authentic, and wild" compared to other ultra-cycling routes. The Race Through Slovakia is a long-distance endurance event that challenges competitors to ride across the country without the comforts of conventional stage racing, testing both physical limits and navigation through Slovakia's varied and rugged terrain.

Dennik N
|
Sport

Slovak Goalkeeper Tujvel Stays at Budapest Club Honvéd

Slovak goalkeeper Adam Tujvel has extended his stay at Hungarian football club Honvéd Budapest. Tujvel first joined the Budapest-based club in 2019 and has since made 122 appearances in league competition, establishing himself as a key figure between the posts for the side.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

Barcelona Star Yamal Not at Full Fitness for Spain at Championship

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is carrying a left hamstring injury that is limiting his availability for Spain's opening matches at the current championship. The 18-year-old came off the bench in Spain's opening group stage game against Cape Verde, which ended in a 0-0 draw, with the youngster indicating it was not worth risking further injury by playing before he is fully fit.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

Slovak Hurdler Emma Zapletalová Makes History with World-Class Performance in Doha

Slovak athlete Emma Zapletalová has cemented her place among the all-time greats of her discipline after winning the Diamond League meeting in Doha, Qatar, with a performance that ranks sixth in the history of athletics. The result also makes her the best Slovak athlete ever in her event, surpassing the previous national record held by a predecessor named Tóth. The Doha victory was Zapletalová's fourth consecutive Diamond League win, following earlier triumphs at meetings in Rabat, Rome, and Oslo. The Diamond League is the top-tier annual series of international track and field competitions, featuring the world's elite athletes. Her winning time in Doha would, until recently, have constituted a world record, underscoring just how exceptional her current form is. The run of results marks a breakthrough moment for Slovak athletics on the global stage, with Zapletalová establishing herself not only as a national icon but as a genuine world-class contender in her event.

Dennik N
|
Sport

Slovak Pair Eliminated in Doubles Quarterfinals

Slovakia's doubles team fell just short of the semifinals after being eliminated in the quarterfinals. Adam Palušek paired with Flór to advance through the early rounds of the tournament, but their run ended at the quarterfinal stage, leaving them one win short of a semifinal berth.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

French Tennis Player Moutet Fined After Profanity-Laden BBC Interview at London ATP Tournament

French tennis player Corentin Moutet has been fined following a post-match interview at an ATP tournament in London in which he used the F-word seven times on live television. The expletives were broadcast during an interview with BBC reporter Jenny Drummond, who was forced to apologize to viewers after the incident. Tournament officials issued the fine in response to Moutet's repeated use of the vulgar language during the televised appearance.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

Slovak Skateboarder Tury Advances to Semifinal at World Skateboarding Tour in Rome

Slovak skateboarder Tury, a 33-year-old from the eastern Slovak city of Košice, has advanced to the semifinal round at the World Skateboarding Tour competition in Rome. After a difficult opening run in which he scored only 22.11 points, Tury recovered with a clean second run, finishing well enough to qualify among the top 16 skaters and secure his place in the next round.

TASR/Teraz
|
Sport

Hockey Legend Zdeno Chára Shares Leadership Philosophy and Life Lessons

Zdeno Chára, one of the most celebrated Slovak ice hockey players in history, has spoken about his approach to leadership, personal development, and family values. The former NHL defenseman, who spent much of his career as captain of the Boston Bruins and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to come from Slovakia, described leadership as requiring the ability to share — both credit and responsibility — with others. Chára, who pursued extensive self-improvement alongside his sporting career, completed financial and brokerage courses and studied at Harvard University alongside other professional athletes. He also identified four core values he instills in his children, though he has remained a public advocate for inclusion in sport, having been among the first NHL players to participate in the You Can Play campaign, which promotes acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes. Chára's post-playing profile has grown significantly, with his combination of athletic achievement and intellectual curiosity making him an inspirational figure well beyond the ice rink.

Dennik N
|
Sport

Hockey Legend Jonathan Toews to Announce Retirement

Jonathan Toews, one of the most decorated players in ice hockey history, is set to formally announce his retirement from professional hockey at a press conference. Toews is a member of the exclusive Triple Gold Club, an elite group of players who have won the three most prestigious titles in international hockey: the Stanley Cup — the championship trophy of the NHL, North America's top professional league — along with a World Championship gold medal and an Olympic gold medal. The Canadian center spent the majority of his career with the Chicago Blackhawks, winning three Stanley Cup titles with the club.

TASR/Teraz
|