“Czech” the twins on the ice!

Teammates? Twin sisters? Call them what you want. They are the Halounova sisters playing for the Czech women’s ice hockey team.

If you check out their Instagram page (), you’ll see the Halounovas taking selfies, building snowmen, holding up trophies, and battling on the ice together.

Alexandra and Sandra both study at the University of West Bohemia. At 24 years old, they are in the final year of their undergraduate degree. They are also teammates on the school’s ice hockey team.

From their home campus to the rink at the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games competition in Palatazzoli, the siblings have shared many life journeys.

It all started in Torino!

“I’ve been playing hockey since 2006”, shared Sandra. “I started because of the Olympic Games here in Torino. So it’s pretty special to be here and play for my country.”

The Winter Olympics ignited their passion for the sport when they were just six years old. How wonderful that, 19 years later, the sisters are teammates on the Czech team, which triumphed over the USA in its opening game on Sunday 12 January.

Close battle

There’s no denying that the thrilling match between Czechia and the United States was a neck-to-neck battle.

After the teams exchanged the first four goals, Czechia ended the tug of war and took control with two quick strikes late in the second period, ultimately winning 6-3.

“We got some proper place, and we got to go from there. We tried to shoot as frequently as we could and screen in front of the goalie so she couldn’t see anything. That really helped us and put us in an advantage,” said Sandra, who contributed to the win with one goal.

The older sister makes the calls

Same university, but different faculties. Alexandra is studying political science, while her younger sister Sandra is a law student. From elementary to high school, “we were in the same classroom, always,” the sisters said.

It’s clear that their strong on-ice chemistry stems from their close bond. Whether it’s on or off the ice, Alexandra always takes the decisions. And Sandra fully trusts her choices.

“I’m just the clone,” Sandra laughed. “It [hockey] was really her [Alexandra’s] choice. I don’t think I would have chosen it, but I love it.” As for who chooses the ice cream flavours, which could be a key topic in Torino?

“I think she has much better taste than me, so I’m really envious when I see her food,” Sandra continued. “Maybe I’ll just do the same and split it. That’s it!”

Sharing special moments in life

As teammates and twin sisters, they feel a deep connection and are grateful to share these special moments in life together. “I think I wouldn’t be here without her, so that’s the best,” concluded Sandra.

Their next goal is academic – to graduate from college and then face the challenges of a master’s degree together. With the same life path, they are both shining in their own way. The story of these hockey sisters is still unfolding.

The take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on . Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Boyi Yang, FISU Young Reporter, China

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.