Kyrgyzstan plans to enter a team in Kazakhstan League

03 Apr 2011 | Davide Tuniz

After the victory in Asian Games, country looking for new challenges to raise level of its hockey

According to Kyrgyzstan Hockey Federation Vice-President Ramiz Toktaliev, from next season a Kirghiz team most likely will play in Kazakhstan league.

In an interview to Kazakh newspaper Vremja, Toktaliev spoke about situation of hockey in the country and future plans for developing icehockey

"After the Asian Games, where Kyrgyzstan won gold in Premier Division (the tornament reserved to weak countries) in its first appearance in an international tournament, passion for hockey exploded in the country" - said Toktaliev - "and our league increased from 6 to 8 teams registered (two weren't allowed in domestic league for lack of regular equipment). Teams have amateur status and are financing by private sponsorship, but this season every team have the obligation to register itself as legal entity. The majority of our hockey players began playing bandy, so we'll need foreigners to raise the level and progress our skills. In May will begin the building of an indoor arena because at moment league is played at an outdoor rink in capital Bishkek. But we need to learn playing hockey and our neighbours, with a remarkable tradition in hockey, are the best chance we have. So in May a new team will be formed with sponsorship of Canadian mining company acting in the country - we have a verbal agreement with Vice President Andrei Sazonov - and coached by national team coach Sergei Shavernev. At the point we'll submit application to play in next Kazakhstan league. "

Kazakhstan Federation CEO Yuri Zverev commented his colleague statement:
"If a club from Kyrgyzstan want to play in our league - it's welcomed! There are no obstacles we can't adjust if they are able to confirm the entry fee and a financial guarantee of the club. To play in our league, teams have to be an annual budget of not less than $ 1,5 - $ 2 million"

2010-11 Kyrgyzstan domestic league was played at begin of March as tournament with 6 teams splitted in two groups. In the final Gornyak Ak Tyuz ( a suburb of capital Bishkek) defeated 15-2 title holder Khan Tengri Bishkek, winning its first title. Previous two were grabbed by Khan Tengri