Sumy is the field hockey centre of Ukraine. Located near the border with Russia, it was in the danger zone from the start after the invasion of 24 February 2022. An occupation was narrowly avoided, but more than three years later the city is still regularly bombarded. The tragic low point was the massacre that the Russians caused on Palm Sunday 13 April by firing two ballistic missiles into the city centre.

In the midst of this war violence, it is incredible and inspiring to see that the ladies of the local hockey club, who actually became European indoor field hockey champions in 2025, ‘simply’ continue to live and train there. And a little less than a week after the massacre they arrived in the Dutch town of Den Bosch to be able to play the finals of the European Hockey League (EHL).

What a heroes!

You can read more about their situation and achievements in this article on the Dutch news website nos.nl.