Hockey is developing in Uzbekistan, characterized by the appearance of new ice rinks, an increase in the number of young hockey players, and the activity of adult national teams. One of the hockey clubs in Tashkent currently has about 120 athletes, the youngest of whom is only four years old.
When the sports school first started operating, it had only 15 pupils. Ilya Nazarevich, the head coach and a school alumnus, noted that most children continue to participate in sports because they choose this specific sport. He emphasized that hockey is not an easy sport, and the key factor is the child's desire; if there is a strong urge to try something new, everyone has a chance to start.
Specialists from Russia, including professional hockey players who competed at various levels, work among the coaches. These specialists pass on their experience to the younger generation. Nazarevich stated his desire to make his sport more well-known to prove that talented hockey players capable of achieving victories in games can be trained, even under current conditions.
The school's pupils hope that the next stage of development will involve participation in competitions in one of the strongest hockey countries in the world—Russia. However, for the system to function fully, covering the period from youth hockey to the senior national team, stable ice infrastructure is necessary.
Normunds Seiyas, the head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, believes that building a hockey complex in the Olympic City of Tashkent will significantly expand sporting opportunities. Such a rink will create conditions for regular training and camps, and most importantly, for the constant use of the ice by hockey players.
As noted by the national team player, Javohir Rasulov, Uzbek hockey is in a transitional period. On one hand, children's interest is growing, and new schools are opening. On the other hand, for this growth not to stop, problems related to infrastructure must be solved.
Recent years have demonstrated how quickly hockey is developing in Uzbekistan. Since 2019, clubs, youth schools, and youth and national teams have been formed in the country. In particular, in 2024, the men's national team of Uzbekistan became the champion of the III Division Group B of the world and gained the right to participate in Group A.
Rasulov added: 'From the perspective of sporting results, we are advancing very quickly. But now we face an even more complex task—stabilizing this system. We need to ensure constant ice surfaces and a clear pathway for young players to transition into the senior hockey league.'
Thus, the next stage for hockey in Uzbekistan is not just about new victories. The main mission is to transform the current interest of children into a sustainable system that leads them to professional hockey.
The second day of men's artistic gymnastics competitions in the Uzbekistan Cup has concluded. The following winners were determined during these contests.
