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Lenka Kocková Sr. makes her refereeing debut at the World Championships in Japan — 1

Referees27.09.2026

Lenka Kocková Sr. makes her refereeing debut at the World Championships in Japan

Although none of our athletes compete in the disability and senior categories, Slovak colours are represented at the tables by referee Lenka Kocková Sr. Yesterday's and today's programme belongs to the bouts of athletes with disabilities and the main senior categories. Lenka Kocková Sr., mother of our junior medallist Lenka Kocková, is taking part as well. A first world championship in the striped shirt For Lenka Kocková Sr. this is her first world championship as a referee. During the first two days she helped record the winners of individual bouts — the so-called "clicking" of results. She then also took her place at the competition table as a side referee, overseeing compliance with the rules and the fair course of the bouts. Her world-championship debut has thus gained another valuable experience. The Kocka family in Japan in several roles While her daughter Lenka won bronze with the left arm and silver with the right in the U18 category, her mother contributes to the successful running of the event from the refereeing side. The Kocka family thus leaves its mark at the championship not only through competitive results, but also through work at the tables. We thank Lenka Kocková Sr. for representing Slovakia and wish her every success in the referee's shirt!

Silver for Lenka Kocková! Slovaks add four more medals in Japan — 1

Silver for Lenka Kocková! Slovaks add four more medals in Japan — 2

Silver for Lenka Kocková! Slovaks add four more medals in Japan — 3

National team25.09.2026

Silver for Lenka Kocková! Slovaks add four more medals in Japan

Another competition day, more medal success! The Slovak representatives fought with the right arm as well at the IFA World Championships in Tsuchiura, Japan. The Kocka siblings took two silvers, while Maximilián Macsai and Peter Racek added bronze. Lenka says goodbye to the U18 category with silver Lenka Kocková concluded her campaign among juniors under 18 with a silver medal. After bronze in the left-arm competition, she stepped one podium place higher this time and bid farewell to the U18 category in grand style. From next year, new challenges await her among older competitors in U21. Her younger brother Michal Kocka Jr. achieved an equally great result, taking silver in the U15 category. Miško thus repeated his left-arm placement and leaves Japan with two silver medals. Macsai adds bronze, Oravec takes fifth place Maximilián Macsai also extended the medal haul. He fought superbly in the U21 category, adding right-arm bronze to his left-arm silver. Marek Oravec claimed an excellent fifth place in tough competition. Adam Ranuša finished ninth, his performance hampered by an injury that complicated his fight for a better result. Racek on the podium despite a not fully healed arm Peter Racek won another valuable medal for Slovakia, taking bronze in the Grand Masters category. After his left-arm gold, he once again stood on the podium. His result is all the more valuable as he competed with an arm not yet fully healed. The bronze is an encouraging sign ahead of the upcoming World Team Championships. The championship continues with more bouts Tomorrow the World Championships will continue with left-arm competitions for athletes with disabilities and in the main senior categories. We congratulate our representatives on four more medals!

Peter Racek defends his world champion title! — 1

Peter Racek defends his world champion title! — 2

Peter Racek defends his world champion title! — 3

National team24.09.2026

Peter Racek defends his world champion title!

The Slovak delegation celebrates a gold medal at the IFA World Championships in Japan. Peter Racek won the left-arm competition in the Grand Masters up to 95 kg category and successfully defended last year's title from Baku. After the morning junior bouts, our representatives in the veterans' categories took to the tables. Peter Racek performed best of all and once again climbed to the top step of the podium. Racek golden again In the Grand Masters up to 95 kg category, Peter Racek was unbeaten and claimed another world champion title. He followed up his gold from last year's championship in Baku with the same success in Japan. Michal Kocka finished tenth The afternoon programme also featured Michal Kocka Sr., who competed in the Masters up to 95 kg category. He finished his left-arm campaign in tenth place. We congratulate Peter Racek on defending his title and thank both representatives for representing Slovakia!

Slovak juniors win three medals at the World Championships in Japan — 1

Slovak juniors win three medals at the World Championships in Japan — 2

Slovak juniors win three medals at the World Championships in Japan — 3

Slovak juniors win three medals at the World Championships in Japan — 4

Slovak juniors win three medals at the World Championships in Japan — 5

Slovak juniors win three medals at the World Championships in Japan — 6

Slovak juniors win three medals at the World Championships in Japan — 7

Slovak juniors win three medals at the World Championships in Japan — 8

National team24.09.2026

Slovak juniors win three medals at the World Championships in Japan

Junior left-arm bouts brought Slovakia two silver and one bronze medal. The successes came from Michal Kocka Jr., Maximilián Macsai and Lenka Kocková. At the IFA World Championships in Japan, four of our juniors competed this morning. They brought joy to the Slovak colours with three podium finishes and one fifth place. Silver for Miško and Maximilián, bronze for Lenka Michal Kocka Jr. took second place in the U15 category and brings home a silver medal from the left-arm competition. Another silver was added by Maximilián Macsai, who finished second in the U21 category and extended the Slovak delegation's medal haul. Lenka Kocková also reached the podium. In the U18 category she claimed bronze after tough bouts, and the Kocka family celebrates two medal successes at once. Adam Ranuša finished fifth, rounding off a successful morning for our juniors. Afternoon: experienced representatives take the stage After the juniors, our representatives in the veterans' categories will take their turn. Slovakia will be represented by Michal Kocka Sr. and Peter Racek, who is defending the gold from last year's world championship in Baku. We congratulate our juniors and keep our fingers crossed for the Slovak delegation in the upcoming bouts!

IFA23.09.2026

Marian Čapla elected president of the IFA

Slovak armwrestling has achieved a major success on the international stage. At the IFA congress in the Japanese city of Tsuchiura, Marian Čapla, until now the federation's treasurer, was elected its new president. After the resignation of the previous president, Anders Axklo of Sweden, two candidates stood for the leadership of the IFA – the president of the Slovak federation Marian Čapla and the president of the Iranian federation Mohammed Tafreshiani. The vote produced a clear result in favour of the Slovak candidate. Marian Čapla will take over the leadership of the IFA after the ongoing World Championships in Japan conclude. Focus on growth and quality In a short speech after his election, Marian Čapla recalled his journey in armwrestling so far and set out his determination to develop the federation further. He pledged to do everything possible for the IFA to grow not only in the number of members and athletes, but also in the quality of its operations and events. His election marks a significant moment for Slovak armwrestling, which will now have its representative at the head of the international federation. Next year's World Championships go to Greece The congress also decided on the venue of the next world championship. The 2027 IFA World Championships will take place in Greece, in the city of Alexandroupolis. We congratulate Marian Čapla on his election and wish him much success, good decisions and plenty of energy in his new role!

National team23.09.2026

Slovaks pass the weigh-in, first bouts at the World Championships in Japan tomorrow

The Slovak representatives successfully completed the official weigh-in at the IFA World Championships in Japan. All of them met the weight limits on the first attempt and are ready to take their places at the competition tables tomorrow. The world championship began today with athlete registration and weigh-in. Our delegation handled this opening step without complications and can now fully focus on the competition bouts. Left arm comes first Tomorrow the left-arm events kick off, in which the Slovak representatives will fight for the best possible placements against competitors from all over the world. Free live stream, no registration required You will be able to follow the bouts via the online stream on the official IFA Facebook page. The stream is free and requires no registration. Do not click on links that ask you to register or pay to watch. We keep our fingers crossed for our representatives and will keep you updated on their results!

Slovak delegation arrives in Japan: rest and acclimatisation ahead — 1

Slovak delegation arrives in Japan: rest and acclimatisation ahead — 2

Slovak delegation arrives in Japan: rest and acclimatisation ahead — 3

Slovak delegation arrives in Japan: rest and acclimatisation ahead — 4

National team18.09.2026

Slovak delegation arrives in Japan: rest and acclimatisation ahead

The Slovak representatives have completed their long journey to Japan. The delegation has settled in and, with the IFA World Championships approaching, is focusing on recovery and preparation for the competition. All team members handled the travel well and, upon arrival, were most looking forward to their first night in their temporary home. After the demanding transfers, rest and a chance to recharge were exactly what was needed. First look at the championship venue After a short rest, our representatives set out to explore the venue of the world championships. They toured the competition hall and its surroundings, gathering their first impressions of the setting where they will fight for world medals. Recovery, acclimatisation and weight control Over the coming days the Slovak team will focus mainly on recovery and acclimatisation. An important part of the preparation will also be monitoring weight, so that the athletes meet the limits of their competition categories. The official weigh-in is scheduled for Wednesday, 23 September 2026. Until then, our representatives have time to rest and fine-tune their form before the championship begins. We keep our fingers crossed for the Slovak team and will keep you updated as things unfold!

Slovak representatives depart for the World Championships in Japan — 1

National team16.09.2026

Slovak representatives depart for the World Championships in Japan

Today the Slovak armwrestling national team departs for the IFA World Championships in faraway Japan. Our athletes will compete at the federation's largest world championship to date, with 32 teams and more than 500 athletes registered. The Slovak delegation faces a long journey with several layovers. It begins in Bratislava, from where the representatives fly to Milan. After an overnight stay they continue the next day to Shanghai, China, and a third flight takes them to their final destination – Tokyo. The team is travelling early to allow enough time to acclimatise, adjust to the time difference and prepare as well as possible for the tough bouts at the competition tables. Six representatives in four age categories Slovakia will be represented at the championship by: U18 – under 18 Lenka Kocková Marek Oravec Adam Ranuša U21 – under 21 Maximilián Macsai Masters Michal Kocka Grand Masters Peter Racek Follow our representatives We will keep you regularly informed about the course of the championship and the results of our athletes. A link to the live stream will be published on the official IFA website and on the federation's Facebook page. We wish the Slovak delegation a safe journey and much success at the competition tables!

Armwrestling at the premiere NABBA Tour 2026 brings quality bouts and an attractive exhibition — 1

Armwrestling at the premiere NABBA Tour 2026 brings quality bouts and an attractive exhibition — 2

Armwrestling at the premiere NABBA Tour 2026 brings quality bouts and an attractive exhibition — 3

NABBA TOUR 202613.09.2026

Armwrestling at the premiere NABBA Tour 2026 brings quality bouts and an attractive exhibition

On 13 September 2026 the premiere NABBA Tour 2026 event took place at Zlaté piesky in Bratislava, with armwrestling as part of the programme. Competitors measured their strength in three men's and one women's weight category, on both the left and right arm. Besides domestic pullers, guests from Hungary also appeared at the tables. Although the number of entrants in each category was modest, there was no shortage of quality matches and tense moments. The first edition offered several bouts that showcased the strength, technique and fighting spirit of the competitors. Exhibition at full throttle One of the highlights of the programme was an exhibition by Slovak representatives Peter Racek and Michal Kocka. When they stepped to the table, they seemed to forget it was an exhibition. In three matches they went all out and treated the audience to attractive armwrestling with a serious dose of competitive intensity. Final of world champions A great climax to the competition was the final of the heaviest men's category over 95 kg on the right arm. It featured multiple world champions – Gyorgy Szász of Hungary and home favourite Stanislav Halama. Halama ultimately celebrated the victory, capping off his appearance at the event with a first-place finish. The premiere NABBA Tour 2026 showed that even a smaller starting field can deliver valuable sporting experiences. The participation of foreign competitors, quality final bouts and an exhibition by Slovak representatives laid a good foundation for future editions. Results Women – left arm Over 63 kg Viktoria Žáčiková – AWK Rival Vajnory Zara Racekova – AWK Rival Vajnory Women – right arm Over 63 kg Viktoria Žáčiková – AWK Rival Vajnory Zara Racekova – AWK Rival Vajnory Men – left arm Up to 78 kg Alexander Trautzsch – Hungary Martin Tranžík – AWK Rival Vajnory Up to 95 kg Peter Racek – AWK Rival Vajnory Peter Klamo – Slovakia Michal Kocka – AWK Senec Over 95 kg Peter Kopečný – AWK Rival Vajnory Kristián Ballon – AWK Rival Vajnory Men – right arm Up to 78 kg Peter Kopečný Jr. – AWK Rival Vajnory Marek Oravec – AWK Rival Vajnory Alexander Trautzsch – Hungary Martin Tranžík – AWK Rival Vajnory Up to 95 kg Peter Racek – AWK Rival Vajnory Peter Klamo – Slovakia Michal Kocka – AWK Senec Over 95 kg Stanislav Halama – AWK Rival Vajnory Gyorgy Szász – Hungary Peter Kopečný – AWK Rival Vajnory Kristián Ballon – AWK Rival Vajnory

NABBA TOUR 202631.08.2026

NABBA TOUR 2026 — home competition at Zlaté piesky

In just a few days we have another home competition — NABBA TOUR 2026, which will take place on 13 September 2026 at Zlaté piesky near Bratislava. All athletes can take part, competing in three men's and one women's category. Men will compete up to 78 kg, 95 kg and over 95 kg. Women will compete in an open-weight category. The competition is just one week before the departure for the World Championships, which this year will be held in faraway Japan. We also draw your attention to a spectator competition that will take place before the finals, in which all armwrestling enthusiasts can take part. It is possible that competitors from abroad will also appear at the tables, but this is not yet confirmed. In any case, we invite you all.

Senec Hand13.07.2026

33rd Senec Hand — a successful edition

The 33rd Senec Hand is behind us. I can proudly say it was a success — beyond the traditionally excellent level, we recorded several notable results from our representatives. I am glad they held their own in international competition and confirmed the growing strength of our national team. Medalists: Lenka Kocková — 3rd place U18, 63 kg, right Viktória Žáčeková — 1st place 63 kg left, 2nd place 63 kg right Lenka Kocková — 2nd place 63 kg left, 1st place 63 kg right Martin Tranžík — 3rd place U18, 70 kg left Marek Oravec — 1st place U18, 70 kg right Adam Ranuša — 1st place, U18, 86 kg left, right Dominik Merčiak — 3rd place, U18, 86 kg, right Matej Hodulík — 3rd place, U18, +86 kg left, 2nd place, U18, +86 kg right Peter Kopečný — 3rd place, 70 kg left, 2nd place, 70 kg right Marek Oravec — 3rd place, 70 kg right Adam Ranuša — 3rd place, 78 kg left, right Maximilián Macsai — 2nd place, 86 kg left, 1st place, 86 kg right Ivan Puškáč — 2nd place, +105 kg left Michal Kocka — 3rd place, M 95 kg left Ivan Puškáč — 2nd place, M +105 kg left Kristián Ballon — 2nd place, D +80 kg left, right

Referees17.06.2026

New international referees

At the European Championships in Codlea we expanded the ranks of our international referees. Lenka Kocková Jr. and Viktória Žáčeková successfully completed the seminar and earned their licenses. During the competition days they also tried their hand at the tables and experienced armwrestling from a different side. Lenka's mother, Lenka Sr., already proved herself as an experienced veteran and fit right into the refereeing family. The next competition where they will stand in stripes is the Senec Hand.

National team17.06.2026

Matúš Bartuš — 13th place at the Euros

The last representative of the Slovak team at the European Championships in Romania, Matúš Bartuš, finished 13th in his category.

National team16.06.2026

Stanislav Halama defends his title

In the masters categories today we filled four categories and won two medals. Stanislav Halama defended his European champion title and took gold. Peter Racek, after tough bouts in which he was reaching for gold, ultimately finished in second place. Results: 1st place — Stanislav Halama 2nd place — Peter Racek 4th place — Tibor Barborík 5th place — Peter Kopečný Sr.

Viktória Žáčeková wins silver in right-hand — 1

Viktória Žáčeková wins silver in right-hand — 2

Viktória Žáčeková wins silver in right-hand — 3

Viktória Žáčeková wins silver in right-hand — 4

Viktória Žáčeková wins silver in right-hand — 5

Viktória Žáčeková wins silver in right-hand — 6

National team15.06.2026

Viktória Žáčeková wins silver in right-hand

Today's program featured the right-hand categories. Among the juniors, the girls performed best, claiming one silver and two bronze medals. The competition was exceptionally strong and reaching the top was very demanding. For many of our boys it was their first experience on the international stage and we are proud they fought with everything they had. Results: 2nd place — Viktória Žáčeková 3rd place — Zara Raceková 3rd place — Lenka Kocková 5th place — Adam Ranuša 6th place — Dominik Merčiak 6th place — Matej Hodulík 10th place — Peter Kopečný 11th place — Marek Oravec 12th place — Dominik Brúder

National team14.06.2026

Matúš Bartuš — 10th place at the Euros

Our only representative in the seniors competition, Matúš Bartuš, finished 10th.

National team14.06.2026

Ceco keeps the gold

Peter Racek delivered a brilliant performance to win the gold medal in the left-hand discipline at the European Championships in Codlea, Romania. In a strong category he handled every opponent and left no doubt that he is the best in his class. The final was preceded by a hectic semifinal with simultaneous protests from both sides. Yesterday's nearly-not-on-weight Michal Kocka "broke loose" today and after an incredible performance secured a bronze medal, coming close to the final. A big surprise came in the heaviest category, where Peter Kopečný took bronze. Results: 1st place — Peter Racek 3rd place — Michal Kocka 3rd place — Peter Kopečný 5th place — Tibor Barborík 6th place — Ivan Puškáč

Euros 2026 — Juniors win two bronze medals — 1

Euros 2026 — Juniors win two bronze medals — 2

Euros 2026 — Juniors win two bronze medals — 3

National team13.06.2026

Euros 2026 — Juniors win two bronze medals

Our juniors competed today at the European Championships in the left-hand discipline. They held their own in tough matches and earned two valuable bronze medals. Results: 3rd place — Zara Raceková 3rd place — Viktória Žáčeková 4th place — Lenka Kocková 4th place — Adam Ranuša 6th place — Matej Hodulík 6th place — Peter Kopečný 7th place — Marek Oravec 11th place — Dominik Brúder Lenka Kocková Sr. also represented us successfully at the tables as a referee, establishing herself within the refereeing family.

National team12.06.2026

Euros 2026 — Slovak team weigh-in

Today's program at the European Championships features the weigh-in. The Slovak team was first on the schedule and almost everyone made weight and could head off to breakfast with peace of mind. Two are still "running it off" and we firmly believe they will also make weight.

National team10.06.2026

Slovak delegation departs for the European Championships in Romania

The Slovak delegation is heading to the European Championships in Romania. We wish them a safe journey and the best of luck. We will keep you regularly updated on the progress and results of our representatives. Stay tuned.

Senec Hand21.05.2026

33rd Senec Hand — registration is open

Registration for the 33rd Senec Hand is open. Click the image.

Referees18.05.2026

Lenka Kocková Sr. will referee the Euros

Lenka Kocková Sr., mother of our successful junior representative, will serve as a referee at the European Championships. We are glad our association is also strong in this field and that our refereeing school remains among the best. We believe Lenka will earn a good name and will also referee the September World Championships in Japan.

National team18.05.2026

Slovak team at the 2026 Euros

The Slovak delegation will travel to the 6th IFA European Championships in Codlea, Romania (12 – 21 June 2026). 17 representatives are nominated across 32 categories — from juniors U15 to Grand Masters.