Cheb Named European City of Sport 2026

At the end of July 2025, a group from the ACES Europe evaluation committee visited Cheb. The committee, led by President Gian Francesco Lupattelli and Secretary General Hugo Alonso, recognized the West Bohemian city as the European City of Sport 2026. During their visit, city representatives showcased Cheb’s sports facilities, local clubs, the support system for sports in the city, plans for upgrading existing sports venues, and ideas for building new facilities.

This designation will also encourage further enhancement of sports infrastructure. Cheb boasts around 3200 registered athletes and features many types of sports facilities, including an ice rink, a complex for football, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a modern athletics complex, and many other venues for less common sports.

Sports for Everyone!

The city’s goal is to create opportunities for all individuals to engage in sports, whether they prefer popular team sports or lesser-known activities. This applies to everyone, including mothers with children, elderly individuals, and active athletes. Besides supporting major clubs and elite athletes, the city aims to back activities like cycling. Plans also include upgrading the Lokomotiva stadium, building a new gymnastics hall, completing an archery range, and revitalizing the ice rink. Schools will receive strong backing to promote sports among children, as evidenced by over 700 kids in Cheb who participated in competitions last year!

Following the title award, Cheb intends to broaden the variety of sports events available. Along with traditional events, at least one larger regional event will take place. One example is the Cheb Sports Games, which remain a close-knit competition among local primary school students. This year, there will be significant changes as athletes from neighboring towns, including international competitors, will now participate.

Cheb already provides many options for sports and recreational activities. For instance, water sports can be enjoyed at the Skalka Dam, popular with windsurfers, paddleboarders, jet ski riders, and fishermen. Paddlers can navigate The Ohře Water Trail towards Kadana, while cyclists have access to EuroVelo 13 or the Valdštejn routes that connect Cheb to Marktredwitz or Waldsassen. To stay fit, there are facilities like the Trinity Ropes Centre, the discgolf course at Myslivna, and the Skate Plaza skatepark.