Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka faces backlash from athletes and cabinet colleagues after calling hockey ‘a men’s sport’ in remarks opposing Russian players

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka has faced criticism after saying hockey is a men’s sport while opposing the participation of Russian players in a junior world championship hosted by Czechia. His comments drew rebukes from women and men in sport, as well as the country’s sports minister, bringing attention to the distinction between his objection to Russia competing and his remarks about women’s hockey.

Macinka said he could not imagine Russia’s anthem being played in Czechia during the war and referred to Russian women players as “mannish”. Czech women’s national team manager Tereza Sadilová said her players would stand up for girls pursuing hockey, while other athletes voiced support for women’s sport. The Court of Arbitration for Sport cleared Russian players to compete in world championships in late October; the International Ice Hockey Federation said it disagreed with the ruling but would try to comply.