The Philippines’ campaign to reach the finals of the Men’s World Floorball Championships 2024 in Malmö, Sweden, has come to an end, but their journey has been nothing short of historic. Though they fell to Latvia in the quarter finals, the team achieved their highest-ever placement in the tournament and qualified for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.
A thrilling 4-3 victory over Canada in the group stage secured second place in Group C and sent the team into the play-offs for the first time. Despite the challenges posed by Latvia’s precision and experience, the Philippines displayed determination, teamwork, and grit throughout the match.
The team now sets its sights on the placement matches, where they have the opportunity to secure a ninth-place finish. Already – with at worst a 12th place finish – they have surpassed their previous best results—14th in 2020 and 15th in 2022— which is a demonstration of the steady progress of Philippine floorball on the international stage.
Beyond the immediate goal of finishing ninth, the team’s achievements this year have broader implications. Their performance has already secured them a spot in The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, as the highest-placed Asia-Oceania team. This qualification underscores the growing presence of Philippine floorball in the region and provides an opportunity to further develop the sport at home.
As the tournament progresses, the Philippines remain focused on finishing strong. Regardless of the final outcome, their journey this year will serve as a foundation for future success and an inspiration for the next generation of Filipino floorball players. While their immediate goal is a ninth-place finish, their long-term vision is to continue elevating their game and making their mark on the world stage.
The story of the Philippines at the 2024 Men’s World Floorball Championships is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: they are a team on the rise, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.
Photos: IFF/Marion Rachlinger
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