What is the most popular sport in Finland?
The most popular sport in Finland is ice hockey. This is due to many factors, such as the sport’s long history in Finland, its success at the international level, and the sport’s wide fan base. The following article discusses in more detail why ice hockey is so popular in Finland.
History of ice hockey in Finland
Ice hockey arrived in Finland in the 1920s, and the first official match was played in 1928. The Finnish Ice Hockey Association was founded in 1929, and since then the sport has grown steadily. In the 1950s, ice hockey began to gain more popularity, and in the 1960s, Finland participated in the ice hockey world championships for the first time.
Success at the international level
Finnish national ice hockey team, nicknamed “Leijonat”, has achieved significant victories in international tournaments. Finland has won the ice hockey world championship several times, the first time in 1995 and the last time in 2019. In addition, Finland has won several Olympic medals, which has increased the popularity of the sport even more.
Amateur base and junior activities
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Finland. There are thousands of hockey clubs and teams in Finland, and enthusiasts of all ages participate in the sport. Junior activities are particularly active, and many children start playing hockey at an early age. This creates a strong foundation for the continued popularity of the sport.
Ice hockey’s impact on culture
Ice hockey is deep in Finnish culture. Major ice hockey events, such as the World Cup and the Olympics, gather huge numbers of spectators both on the spot and in front of the television. Ice hockey matches are also popular social events where families and friends gather to cheer on their favorite teams.
The most popular ice hockey clubs
Finland has several popular ice hockey clubs that play in the SM league, the country’s highest league level. These clubs include:
- Helsinki IFK (HIFK)
- Tappara
- TPS
- Flies
- Jokers
These clubs are known for their success and large fan base.
Sources
You can read more about the history and popularity of ice hockey in Finland from the following sources:
