A fantastic atmosphere, brilliant sport, excitement and fun! That was the CSIT Catch’n Serve Ball Championships 2026 in Finland!

The standard of play varied widely. Highly experienced teams, some of whom had known each other for a long time, competed against one another, but they also played against teams that didn’t even have league experience in their own countries. Thanks to fair and friendly matches, however, no one was ‘taken down a peg’.

Naturally, every ball and victory was fiercely contested, and then celebrated with the opposing team.

On the first evening of the Championships, the very first practical International Referee Workshop took place. This followed an online training course, a written test and feedback some weeks ago. During the matches, the newly qualified referees were deployed and observed under supervision, and some were even able to complete their official training as international referees. Many thanks to ICSBF Head of Referees Svetlana Fedosteva, who put a great deal of thought into the concept, did a huge amount of preparatory and follow-up work, always had a friendly ear for everyone, and even refereed many matches herself.

CSIT-President Bruno Molea paid great tribute to the Catch’n Serve family by not only opening the Singles Championships, but also being present every day at all events and in all halls, sharing in the excitement. CSIT-Sportsdirector Georges Michel was also there throughout, showing great interest and enthusiasm.

Host Anu Rajajarvi, Vice-President of the organisers TUL, was not only constantly on the go as the event manager, but also wore ‘multiple hats’ with five ‘clones’ who seemed to be on the move simultaneously as CSIT- and ICSBF Vice-President, player, presenter oft he panel and tourist (sauna) guide.

Two United Mixed Teams were also back in action. The idea, conceived by ICSBF-Ambassador Anne Danenberg is to bring together women from different countries, cultures and backgrounds in these teams and to create a space where everyone has their place.

There were, of course, several side events as well. Although the Snowshoe Hike literally fell through due to high temperatures and was replaced by Nordic Walking, there was a proper cool-down in the lake at +3 degrees after the traditional Finnish (hot) sauna.

The panel discussion on the topic: "Domestic violence – what can we do about it at Catch'n Serve?" was both important and interesting.
Speakers included CSIT President Bruno Molea (Italy), Helena Marttila (Finland), Member of the Finnish Parliament and President of “Social Democratic Women in Finland” and ICSBF President and CSB Austria Secretary General Elisabeth Speiser-Havel (Austria). Organised and moderated by Anu Rajajarvi

Exciting quarter-finals and finals then took place on Saturday, with the players pushing themselves to their physical limits. Over the two days of the tournament, each team had to play an average of four matches per day. This was no easy task from an organisational point of view either. Thanks to TUL and Chairwomen Monica Zibellini and Secretary Anne Danenberg (CSIT Technical Commission).

In the end, the Helsinki Panthers from Finland secured the bronze medal, whilst in a thrilling final, Mitava from Latvia prevailed over the Mamasharks from Italy to win gold in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd!

All of this was also professionally documented by the company VSP – Virtual Sport Projects from Bulgaria. Nikolay Mihaylov and Silvia Yordanova, co-founders of VSP, filmed tirelessly themselves to help establish Catch’n Serve for future collaboration with the ICSBF and the development of a Catch’n Serve Ball video platform.

The atmosphere at the closing party was then exuberant, with wild dancing. We won’t reveal any more here....

“I am very proud of all the teams! Not just because of their performances on the court. With their positive and friendly nature, their understanding in challenging situations and their humorous interludes, they all created a fantastic atmosphere and great matches, and were role models for others!”, said ICSBF President Elisabeth Speiser-Havel.

The Fair Play Team Award went to:
AICS Volley Forlì – Marte&Co (Italy)

and the individual Fair Play Player Award went to:
Riitta Soner (Finland) – Catchy Ladies

CONGRATULATIONS!

For the rankings:

1. Mitava (LAT)
   2. Mamasharks (ITA)
   3. Helsinki Panthers (FIN)
   4. AICS Volley Forli-Venere (ITA)
   5. Ledenes (LAT)
   6. Riga (LAT)
   7. Odzes (LAT)
   8. AICS Volley Forli-Marte&Co (ITA)
   9. Flying Pingvins (AUT)
   10. Wings (FIN)
   11. Fi ren ze Rinascita (ITA)
   12. Csb Absam (AUT)
   13. Cachillas (GER), Osa Lomianki (POL)
   14. Osa Lomianki (POL), Cachillas (GER)
   15. STORM (FIN)
   16. Red Foxes (FIN)
   17. Swallows (FIN)
   18. Wild Cats (FIN)
   19. Csb Tirol (AUT)
   20. WSV Grimming Catchers Liezen (AUT)
   21. United Mix 1
   22. United Mix 3
   23. Catchy Ladies (FIN)