Ivan Chodák

Ivan Chodák (3 February 1914 in Dolný Kubín – 14 February 1994 in Bratislava) was a Slovak footballer, coach, and doctor of medicine.

He participated in sports while a student at the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava. He earned his doctorate in 1938. In Bratislava, he was a well-known doctor specializing in otorhinolaryngology. For many years, people in Bratislava called him the "Mayor from Orava."

He began his footballing career for Dolný Kubín. In early 1935, he temporarily played for FC Vrútky and played for VS Bratislava in the autumn. He played his first league match in club colors of 1. ČsSK Bratislava on 1 December 1935 against Teplitzer FK. He took part in 193 league matches and scored 23 goals. Apart from being a goalkeeper, he played in every position. He represented Slovakia eleven times. He finished his active football career in 1946. Due to his fair-play attitude towards games, teammates, referees, spectators, and his rivals, he has been nicknamed the "Knight in Football Boots". He was never reprimanded during a match.

He also participated in other sports. He participated in running races ranging from 800m to 5000m and also practiced high jumping for VS Bratislava. He was also an amateur tennis player and swimmer. In 1934, he achieved the academic champion title of Czechoslovakia in cross-country skiing, which allowed him to participate in the Academic World Winter Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland. He reached third place in an 18 km running race.

As a student, he played ice hockey for VS Bratislava and SK Bratislava. He was a two-time finalist and champion of Slovakia. He was in the selected players team three times. He served as the first sparring partner in figure skating for Hilda Múdra, renowned for training Olympic gold medalist Ondrej Nepela. For over 25 years, he coached all Slovan teams, from the A-team to junior teams, including unregistered players.

Since 1994, the SFZ has announced 'The Dr. Ivan Chodak Fair Play Prize' every February, with the award ceremony held in Dolný Kubín. The football stadium in Dolný Kubín also bears his name.