The narrative of Czech volleyball has historically been defined by dedication, but the 2025 season wrote a new chapter: one of unprecedented global success. This exceptional year culminated not just in podium contention on the international stage, but in formal domestic recognition, as the men’s national team was officially named the Sports Team of the Year 2025 in Czechia.
This accolade, determined by the Sports Journalists’ Club, was a resounding endorsement of the team`s transformative performance, particularly their electrifying run at the World Championship. Coached by Jiří Novák and anchored by key players like Adam Zajíček, Patrik Indra, and Lukáš Vašina, the squad edged out formidable competition, including the mixed biathlon relay team and USK Prague basketball, to claim the highest sporting honor.
The Unexpected Ascent in Manila
The foundation for this award was laid during the World Championship held in the Philippines. Entering the tournament, expectations were tempered, yet the team exhibited a tactical resilience that quickly dismantled preconceived notions. While the opening stages saw a predictable loss to perennial powerhouse Brazil, the Czech team demonstrated their capacity for clutch performance by securing crucial wins against both Serbia and China.
The momentum continued into the knockout rounds. Against Tunisia and Iran—nations known for their fiercely competitive volleyball programs—Team Czechia prevailed, punching their ticket into the elite Final Four. This progression was, in itself, a historic achievement, marking one of the nation’s deepest tournament runs in decades.
The semi-final clash brought them face-to-face with eventual silver medalists Bulgaria. While the dream of gold was halted, the team demonstrated grit. The subsequent bronze medal match pitted them against the World No. 1 team, Poland. Though Poland ultimately proved stronger, securing fourth place cemented the Czech team’s status as a genuine global contender.
The return to Prague was not one of defeat, but of victory. A fourth-place finish, secured through defeating global heavyweights, translated into a massive boost in the FIVB World Ranking, propelling the team to 18th place by the season`s end. For a program seeking stable international relevance, this was an outcome of tectonic significance.
A Coach`s Gratitude and a Player`s Ambition
Accepting the prestigious award at the ceremony held in Prague, Coach Jiří Novák centered the recognition entirely on his players` efforts and commitment.
“I would like to thank my players, because this award is their result. I am very happy that we were able to make you happy during the championship and that we made you follow us on TV. I would like to emphasise that sport is not always about victories and losses, but also about memories. And I think that the memory of this beautiful evening will be unforgettable.”
— Jiří Novák, Head Coach
The sentiment was shared by the athletes themselves. Setter Luboš Bartůněk expressed the profound impact of the win on the team`s morale and future aspirations, recognizing the weight of being named the best among all Czech sporting disciplines.
Adam Zajíček, the team captain, embodying the collective spirit of the squad, stood as a symbol of this resurgence. The award acknowledged not just the statistical wins but the spirit demonstrated throughout a grueling international schedule.
More Than Just One Tournament
While the World Championship provided the dramatic headline, the team’s consistency throughout the season was undeniable. Earlier in the year, the Czech team secured a crucial silver medal in the CEV European Golden League, further proving their sustained competitiveness within the continental circuit. This achievement ensured their qualification for the CEV EuroVolley 2026, securing future visibility and opportunity.
The 2025 season serves as a powerful blueprint for national sporting programs: consistency, strategic coaching, and the collective synergy of core players (Zajíček, Indra, Vašina) can translate ambition into quantifiable, historic success. The Sports Team of the Year award is not an endpoint, but a formal recognition that Czech volleyball has fundamentally altered its trajectory, moving from an outsider status to a highly regarded competitor on the global stage.
