Match Highlights: GB vs Team World

Felicity Gregory etched her name into para-ice hockey history by netting both goals for Great Britain during their 2-1 victory over Team World. The tense match saw Japan's Akari Fukunishi temporarily equalize for Team World – a squad comprising athletes from nine nations competing in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Post-Match Reactions

"This win represents more than just three points," Gregory told BBC Sport. "For our new players making their global debuts and women's para-sport overall, this is a watershed moment. We've trained relentlessly to prove this division deserves Paralympic recognition."

Tournament Structure and Milestones

• Group Dynamics: GB faces Canada next in Group B, while Group A features powerhouses USA, Norway, and Australia
• Officiating First: Historic all-female officiating crew oversees tournament matches
• Participation Surge: Female athlete representation jumped from <1% (2022) to 20% since Beijing Paralympics

Paralympic Aspirations

The International Paralympic Committee's development program has accelerated growth, with 14 nations now fielding women's teams. IPC President Jürgen Padberg stated: "Our goal is Paralympic inclusion by 2030. Today's attendance figures prove the demand exists."

Upcoming Fixtures

• 28 August: USA vs Australia (Group A)
• 29 August: GB vs Canada (Group B) – Live on BBC Two
• 30 August: Classification matches begin

Statistics Source: IPC Global Participation Report 2025