Slovenia to Host the IPCH Qualification Tournament 2027

The International Powerchair Hockey (IPCH) is delighted to announce that the 2027 IPCH Qualification Tournament will take place in Laško, Slovenia, from 13–17 April 2027.

Organised in partnership with the Slovenian Paralympic Committee and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), the tournament represents another significant milestone in the continued growth of international Powerchair Hockey. The event will provide emerging nations with the opportunity to compete for qualification while strengthening the sport’s presence across Europe.

The Road to the European Championship

The IPCH Qualification Tournament (QT) serves as the official qualification event for the next IPCH Regional Competition, the 2028 European Powerchair Hockey Championship, which will be held in Arnhem, the Netherlands, in June 2028.

The tournament will offer eligible Member Nations the opportunity to compete for a place at Europe’s premier Powerchair Hockey event. The winning nation of the Qualification Tournament will earn the sporting right to qualify for the 2028 European Championship, joining the nations already qualified under the IPCH competition regulations.

A Compact and Accessible Event

Located in the heart of Slovenia, Laško is widely recognised for its commitment to accessibility, wellness and sport. With excellent transport connections, fully accessible infrastructure and extensive experience in hosting para sport activities, the city provides an ideal setting for the Qualification Tournament.

All matches will be played at Dvorana Tri Lilije, a modern, fully accessible sports hall featuring a high-quality parquet floor and excellent spectator facilities. The venue is located just a short distance from the official tournament hotel, allowing teams and officials to move easily between accommodation and competition.

Delegations and IPCH officials will stay at Laško Health Resort, creating a compact event environment where accommodation, meeting facilities and competition services are all within easy reach.

Growing the Powerchair Hockey Family

A minimum of five participating nations, including host nation Slovenia, is required for the tournament to take place.

“The Qualification Tournament is much more than a pathway to future championships. It is one of the most important development tools we have as an international federation,” said Danni Mogensen, IPCH Chairperson and Development Officer.”We hope to see emerging Powerchair Hockey nations, such as Slovakia and Estonia, competing in Slovenia and taking another step in their international journey. Every new nation that joins our competitions strengthens our community and creates more opportunities for athletes across Europe. We are proud that Slovenia embraced the idea first discussed during the Qualification Tournament in De Rijp in 2023. Thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of the Slovenian Paralympic Committee and the local Powerchair Hockey community, that vision has now become a reality. This tournament is another important milestone in the continued development of our sport.”

A Proud Opportunity for Slovenia

For the Slovenian organisers, hosting QT2027 is an opportunity to showcase both the country’s organisational capabilities and its commitment to developing inclusive sport.

For Slovenia, hosting QT2027 is much more than organising an international tournament. It represents an opportunity to reignite our passion for powerchair hockey, inspire a new generation of athletes and volunteers, and begin a renewed journey on the international stage. — commented Damijan Lazar, President, Slovenian Paralympic Committee / Local Organising Committee – We hope this event will leave a lasting legacy for our sport and demonstrate the values of inclusion, determination and excellence that powerchair hockey represents.”

Looking Ahead

Planning is already underway between IPCH and the Local Organising Committee. Over the coming months, participating nations will receive the Official Invitation, Preliminary Entry information, accommodation details and competition schedule.

The Qualification Tournament promises to be not only an exciting international competition but also a key milestone in the strategic development of Powerchair Hockey, providing new nations with a platform to compete, connect and become an integral part of the global Powerchair Hockey community.

IPCH looks forward to welcoming athletes, officials and supporters to Laško, Slovenia, in April 2027 for another memorable chapter in the sport’s international journey.