William Pascalli (C) of the United States displays a souvenir set during the awarding ceremony for the Men's Inline Hockey at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

CHENGDU, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The United States edged the Czech Republic 4-3 in overtime to claim the inline hockey gold medal - the first roller sports title awarded at the Chengdu World Games - here on Monday.

Earlier in the day, Namibia defeated France 3-2 to secure the bronze medal. China finished eighth after completing its five inline hockey matches.

In the final, the U.S. took control early, opening the scoring in the sixth minute and closing the first half with a 2-0 lead, while the Czech Republic created only limited chances. In the second half, however, the Americans were unable to build on their advantage, allowing the Czechs to level the game at 3-3 by full time. The U.S. struck again in extra time with an unstoppable attack to seal the victory.

"We expect to win the gold medal. When it comes down to it, that is our expectation," said Kevin Mooney, a member of the U.S. team, adding that the venue was fantastic and the staff in Chengdu were amazing.

Originating in the United States, inline hockey is popular in North America and Europe. The event has been part of The World Games since 1981. Scott Burnett, manager of the U.S. team, noted that the sport is gaining momentum worldwide.

"China has a team that's getting better every single year," said Burnett, expressing his excitement about the growth of inline hockey in China.

Wei Yong, secretary-general of the China Roller Skate Association, acknowledged the considerable gap between China and the top teams. He said the host's participation was more about gaining experience.

Inline hockey is played on a flat, hard surface made of cement, wood or brick. Two teams of five players each, including a goalkeeper, wear single-row four-wheel skates, use curved sticks to control and pass a small hard ball, and aim to score by shooting it into the opponent's net.

Fang Wenhua, coach and player of China's inline hockey team, said the squad's average age is 23. "We hope that all team members can find gaps by seizing the opportunity to participate in The World Games," Fang said, adding that the goal is not only to improve technical and tactical skills but also to promote the sport in China.

The roller sports competitions at the World Games - comprising inline hockey, inline speed skating road and inline speed skating track - will conclude on August 17. ■

Nicholas Dellamorte (C) of the United States competes during the Inline Hockey Men's Finals Gold Medal Game between the United States and the Czech Republic at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Silver medalists team Czech Republic attend the awarding ceremony for the Men's Inline Hockey at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Pavel Strycek (L) of the Cezch Republic cheers up goalkeeper Daniel Brabec before the Inline Hockey Men's Finals Gold Medal Game between the United States and the Czech Republic at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Players of the Czech Republic react after the Inline Hockey Men's Finals Gold Medal Game between the United States and the Czech Republic at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Gold medalists team United States (C), silver medalists team Czech Republic (L) and bronze medalists team Namibia attend the awarding ceremony for the Men's Inline Hockey at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)