Kauhajoki was named sinsalla (a local name of rosolli) and charred Baltic herrings. Sports Today sports in Kauhajoki is mostly famous for the basketball team Karhu Basket. Karhu Basket has been the most successful team in Finland for years winning the national league in 2018, 2019 and 2022. On year 2021 Karhu Basket was second and year 2020 the season was interrupted because of the Covid-19 pandemic. On season 2022 – 23 Karhu Basket plays also in the FIBA Europe Cup. The home venue of Karhu Basket is the IKH Areena. IKH Areena can hold 3600 customers, which is more than a quarter of the inhabitants of Kauhajoki. Some internationally successful Kauhajokian sports figures include: Jouko Salomäki, the 1984 Olympic Champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, was born in Kauhajoki. Kaarlo Maaninka, the 1980 Olympic silver and bronze medalist in long distance running, lives in Kauhajoki. He also represented the town's sports club Kauhajoen Karhu during his career. Vesa Hietalahti, the 2003 World Championship silver medalist in biathlon, was born and lives in Kauhajoki. He also represented the town's sports club Kauhajoen Karhu throughout his career. Heli Koivula Kruger, the 2002 European Championship silver medalist in triple jump, was born in Kauhajoki. She also represented the town's sports club Kauhajoen Karhu throughout her career. Jani Haapamäki, the 2009 European Champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, was born in Kauhajoki. He also represents the town's sports club Kauhajoen Karhu. See also Kauhajoki Airfield References External links Town of Kauhajoki – official site Cities and towns in Finland Populated places established in the 16th century