RIGA, Dec 17 (LETA) - Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs (Progressives) has pledged to support the hosting of the Ice Hockey World Championships in the capital in 2030, LETA was informed by the Riga City Council's Communications Department.

"We are committed to support and engage in ensuring that the 2030 Ice Hockey World Championships is held in Riga," Kleinbergs said.

The politician stressed that the capital city needs large-scale sporting events, not only for their contribution to the national economy and the city's economy, but also to strengthen the sense of community.

"Riga has already proved that it is capable of organizing large events, but we certainly have more to contribute, to show and to improve in organizing them," said the mayor.

As reported, the Latvian Hockey Federation (LHF) together with the Finnish Hockey Association has started the bidding process to host the 2030 Men's World Championships, the LHF said on Tuesday.

"The two countries are joining forces to host a tournament with the highest organizational standards, drawing on professional experience and excellent results achieved in previous championships," the LHF said in a statement.

According to the LHF, Latvia has proven its ability to host world-class hockey tournaments in recent decades by hosting the 2006, 2021 and 2023 Men's World Championships. The LHF particularly highlights the 2023 championships, which were attended by 160,000 spectators, including 42,000 foreign visitors. The Riga fan zone brought together 220,000 hockey fans and 270 media representatives from all over the world covered the tournament live.

The LHF estimates that the 2023 Championships contributed EUR 46.2 million to the national economy, of which EUR 43.26 million came from spending by foreign fans. The Latvian national team won bronze at the tournament, the biggest ever achievement in Latvian hockey history.

"Latvia has proven that it is capable of hosting world-class hockey tournaments professionally, safely, and with a unique atmosphere," said LHF President Aigars Kalvitis. "Together with Finland we are ready to organize another outstanding championship and once again prove that our countries are reliable partners to the international hockey community."

The Finnish Hockey Association says that cooperation with Latvia in 2023 was excellent and the association is looking forward to joining forces again.

Evaluation of Latvia and Finland's bids will proceed in several stages. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Council will analyze materials submitted by Latvia and Finland, hosting plans and infrastructure, while the final vote on the 2030 venue is expected at the 2026 IIHF Congress, which will take place during the World Championships in Switzerland.

The World Championships will be held in Germany in 2027, France in 2028 and Slovakia in 2029.