On April 15th, an international ice hockey tournament featuring club teams from 10 countries will kick off in Ashgabat. The tournament aims to strengthen friendship, promote sports, and engage the youth in healthy activities. Turkmenistan's eight-time national champion team, "Galkan," will represent the host country.
In the preliminary stage, "Galkan" will compete in Group A against teams from Iran, Oman, Bahrain, and Uzbekistan. Group B includes teams from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tatarstan (Russia), and Turkey. The winners of each group will compete for the main prize on April 20th, while the second-placed teams will battle for the bronze.
Despite being a relatively new phenomenon in Turkmenistan, ice hockey has been gaining popularity. The country boasts three indoor ice rinks with four skating rinks each in Ashgabat. Additionally, a winter sports complex in the Avaza National Tourist Zone can accommodate nearly 3,000 visitors.
The development of ice hockey in Turkmenistan received a significant boost in 2012 with the first President's Cup tournament. Subsequently, the competition gained international status, and in 2015, Turkmenistan became an associate member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The country's teams have achieved notable success in various international competitions, including winning bronze medals at the World Championships.
The progress of Turkmen ice hockey continues with junior teams excelling in regional and international tournaments. The future looks promising for Turkmenistan's ice hockey, with hopes high for a successful outcome in the upcoming international tournament in Ashgabat.
