Language/Standard-latvian/Culture/Popular-sports-and-events
Sports are an important part of Latvian culture, both professionally and recreationally. In this lesson, we will explore some of the most popular sports and teams in Latvia, as well as some of the biggest sports events and facilities.
Take a moment to explore these relevant pages as you conclude this lesson: Latvian museums and exhibitions & Latvia Timeline.
Latvian sports
Ice hockey
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Latvia, with the national team having achieved significant success in international competitions. Latvia also has several professional ice hockey clubs, such as Riga Dinamo and HK Mogo.
Here are some useful vocabulary words related to ice hockey:
| Standard Latvian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| hokejs | [ˈhɔkɛjs] | hockey |
| laukums | [ˈlaukums] | rink |
| somas bumba | [ˈsɔmas ˈbumba] | puck |
| vārtsargs | [ˈvaːrt͡sARGS] | goalie |
| sēdēt noziegumā | [ˈseːdeːt ˈnɔziɛɡumaː] | sit in the penalty box |
Basketball
Basketball is another popular sport in Latvia, with the national team having reached the semi-finals of the EuroBasket tournament several times. Some of the most successful Latvian basketball players include Kristaps Porziņģis and Andris Biedriņš.
Here are some useful vocabulary words related to basketball:
| Standard Latvian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| basketbols | [ba's`:ketbols] | basketball |
| laukums | [ˈlaukums] | court |
| bumba | [ˈbumba] | ball |
| kastīte | [kastiːte] | basket |
| notes | [ˈno:tɛs] | foul |
Football
Football (soccer) is also a popular sport in Latvia, with several professional clubs such as Riga FC and FK Liepāja. The national team has qualified for the European Football Championship once, in 2004.
Here are some useful vocabulary words related to football:
| Standard Latvian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| futbols | [ˈfutbɔls] | football (soccer) |
| laukums | [ˈlaukums] | field |
| bumba | [ˈbumba] | ball |
| vārtsargs | [ˈvaːrt͡sARGS] | goalkeeper |
| soda sitieni | [ˈsɔda ˈsitiɛni] | penalty kicks |
Motorsports
Motorsports are also popular in Latvia, with the country hosting several international racing events, such as the Rally Liepāja and the FIA European Rallycross Championship. Latvians have also achieved success in motorcycle racing, with former Grand Prix rider Kārlis Skrastiņš being one of the most notable Latvian motorcyclists.
Here are some useful vocabulary words related to motorsports:
| Standard Latvian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| rēķinu sporta automobiļu sacīkstes | [ˈreːt͡ʃinu ˈspɔrta ˈautɔmobiːɫu saˈtsiːkstes] | car racing competitions |
| motociklu sacīkstes | [mɔtɔtsiklu saˈtsiːkstes] | motorcycle racing competitions |
| rallijs | [ˈralːijs] | rally |
| nama sacensības | [ˈnama saˈt͡sensiːbas] | drag racing |
| braukšana ar kartingu | [braukˈʃana ar ˈkartingu] | go-kart racing |
Sports events and facilities
Latvia has several sports events and facilities that attract spectators and sports enthusiasts from around the world. Here are some of the biggest:
- Ice Hockey World Championships: Latvia has co-hosted the Ice Hockey World Championships several times, with Riga being one of the host cities.
- Olympic Sports Centre: This multi-purpose sports complex in Riga hosts various sports events, such as basketball games and figure skating competitions.
- Biķernieki National Sports Base: This sports facility in Riga includes a cycling track, a BMX track, a roller skiing track, and a cross-country skiing track.
- Mattāču Sports Park: Located in Jūrmala, this sports park includes a football field, a track and field arena, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.
- Latvijas Universitātes Stadions: The stadium of the University of Latvia located in Riga holds athletic track and field events as well as football.
Conclusion
Sports are an important part of Latvian culture, and offer a great way to stay active and socialize. Whether you prefer ice hockey, basketball, football, or any other sport, Latvia has plenty of options for both spectators and athletes. Don't be afraid to try a new sport or attend a sports event while in Latvia – you might just discover a new passion!
Having concluded this lesson, consider checking out these related pages: Modern politics and society & Latvian music and dance traditions.
Other Lessons
- Latvian nature and national parks
- Latvia Timeline
- Latvian holidays and celebrations
- Latvian music and dance traditions
- Modern politics and society
- Latvian museums and exhibitions
- Latvian cuisine
- Latvian cities and regions
- Nature and outdoor recreation