The International Bandy Federation (FIB) has decided to award Sweden the hosting rights for the 2025 Bandy World Championships. This means Sweden will organize both the men’s and women’s tournaments. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Swedish Bandy Federation and Villa Lidköping BK to co-host the championships, which will take place from March 24 to March 30, 2025.
The International Bandy Federation (FIB) has approved the Swedish Bandy Federation’s application to host the 2025 men’s and women’s championships. This highlights Sweden’s continued leadership in the international development of the sport and marks another dual championship where men and women compete on the same ice, under the same roof, and on equal terms.
– It is incredibly exciting to share this news. International bandy needs a strong driving force, and once again, Swedish bandy proves to be that engine. We are truly looking forward to hosting a championship where men and women compete in the same arena and under equal conditions, said Gisela Stockhaus, former president of the Swedish Bandy Federation.
The most recent World Championships were held in March/April 2023 in Åby, near Växjö. Sweden is the reigning world champion in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Ready to Take on the Challenge
The last time a World Championship was held in Lidköping was in 2022, when the U17 Women’s Championship took place at Sparbanken Lidköping Arena, with LAIK as co-organizer. This time, Villa Lidköping BK intends to serve as co-organizer and is already gearing up with preparations for the championship.
– Villa Lidköping BK is proud of the memorandum of understanding we share with the Swedish Bandy Federation regarding the organization of the World Championship. This agreement is a clear expression of our joint ambition to promote and elevate bandy to new heights. Together, we strive to work hard to create an event that engages and inspires people from Sweden and around the world. We look forward to hopefully welcoming participants and supporters to Lidköping and Sparbanken Lidköping Arena,” said Per Alexanderson, president of Villa Lidköping BK.
The International Bandy Federation (FIB) has also decided to award Sweden and Uppsala city the B-division men’s World Championship.