The State Defense Service and Hockey – jointly seeking solutions for the future

At the initiative of the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the National Armed Forces (NAF) Headquarters Battalion, in cooperation with the Latvian Hockey Federation (LHF), on August 4, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., an informative seminar on the opportunities of the State Defense Service (SDS) for young athletes will be held in the Daugava Stadium conference hall.

The aim of the seminar is to promote understanding of the SDS and discuss practical solutions for involving athletes, especially hockey players, in the service, while ensuring the opportunity to continue their sports career.

Representatives from the MOD, NAF, LHF, as well as other sports experts and club representatives will participate in the seminar. This is the first step in building closer cooperation between the defense sector and the sports community to seek sustainable and mutually beneficial solutions for integrating athletes into the SDS.

The LHF, together with other sports federations, has raised the issue of reconciling service duties with the daily lives of professional athletes. As one of the possible solutions, a cooperation program between hockey clubs and the NAF is being developed, within the framework of which athletes who have reached the age of SAD could integrate into the service, while continuing to train and play hockey at a professional level.

“The implementation of the National Defense Service requires a targeted and reasonable solution for young athletes. Having met with representatives of the NAF, we are pleased that a solution has emerged that could become part of the hockey development program. Although comprehensive regulation for athletes in relation to SAD is still at the development stage, the offer from the NAF is a significant step towards a practical and sustainable model,” says Edgars Buncis, sports director and national guard of the LHF.

Commander of the NAF Headquarters Battalion, Colonel Antoņina Bļodone: "Comprehensive national defense is our shared responsibility - there must be a place for everyone, including athletes. Sports build character, discipline and a sense of belonging to our country. We must be proud of our athletes and support them on their way to high achievements - both within our country and by carrying the name of Latvia in the world. At the same time, we must look for ways to ensure that they are knowledgeable and capable of defending their country. The Ministry of Defense and the NAF are ready to adapt, develop solutions and a specialized SAD program in cooperation with the sports industry, which would allow for the effective combination of athletes' careers with SAD."

During the event, practical examples of how existing athletes are integrated into the service will also be presented, there will be an opportunity to ask interesting questions to soldiers currently serving in the SAD and learn about the diverse career opportunities in the NAF, as well as an open discussion with those present about possible forms of cooperation in the future.