Tashkent, Uzbekistan, August 7, 2023: The excellent cooperation between the Olympic Council of Asia and the International Ice Hockey Federation is set to bloom with top IIHF officials promising more joint efforts between the two bodies in a bid to promote the sport across Asia.
In a congratulatory speech on the final day of the inaugural OCA/IIHF U16 Asian Ice Hockey Youth Camp on Monday, Aivaz Omorkanov, IIHF Vice President for Asia and Oceania, had a heartening message for all.
“We will see each other again … at the next camp with the Olympic Council of Asia,” Omorkanov told the student athletes, coaches and game officials from 27 Asian National Olympic Committees, plus Australia and New Zealand.
“My hope is that we will stick together and grow together. This is only the beginning of our cooperation with the OCA. Ice hockey is not big in Asia but we will push ahead with our development plans and grow so that we will soon be playing at a top level,” Omorkanov added.
His words were echoed by Harald Springfeld, IIHF Sport Development Manager for Asia and Oceania, who has been in the thick of the organisational aspects of the intensive camp from August 1-7, helped by the OCA’s Tony Tarraf, Head of Athletes Development Department and Special Projects.
“It’s been a fantastic camp and we look forward to having many more such events in the future. This past week was just the starting point. It has been an historic collaboration with the OCA and, looking ahead, we will continue working with them in a bid to develop ice hockey in this region,” Springfeld said.
At present, the IIHF membership worldwide comprises 83 countries, of which 25 are from Asia, plus Australia and New Zealand.
The Abu Dhabi-based Springfeld believes Uzbekistan is perfectly placed to continue hosting future camps due to the magnificent facilities in place, including the 12,500-seater Humo Arena in Tashkent which has been the centre of the action.
“The infrastructure is in place. There are five ice rinks across Uzbekistan with the Humo Arena the jewel in the crown. There is a big future for Uzbekistan in ice hockey if they stay with their development plans for the sport,” noted Springfeld.
Referring to the partnership with the OCA, the Austrian-born Springfeld added: “It was a complete success, from the players, coaches and game officials’ development perspective. Also, all the four entities - OCA, IIHF, Uzbekistan Ice Hockey Federation and Uzbekistan NOC - worked smoothly together and we are very happy about this close cooperation.
“There is a lot of talent and potential in Asia and it was clearly evident at this camp. But the key to success is to find ways to unfold this talent and, if this is done, Asia will have a bright future – and the IIHF will be there to ensure this happens,” he added.
