Kazakhstan Men's Hockey Team Trains in India Ahead of Asian Games Qualifiers
Kazakhstan Hockey Team's Training Camp in India
Hockey India has warmly welcomed the Kazakhstan Senior Men's Hockey Team, which is currently in India for a high-performance training camp at the Sports Authority of India Northern Regional Centre in Sonipat, Haryana. This camp runs from March 10 to 21, 2026, as part of their preparations for the upcoming Asian Games Qualifiers 2026.
Taking place at one of India's top hockey training facilities, the camp features world-class synthetic turf and advanced conditioning amenities, creating a competitive atmosphere that is ideal for Kazakhstan to enhance their preparations for this important continental event. This initiative is in line with the Government of India's vision, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), and the Sports Authority of India, aiming to establish the country as a global center for sporting excellence by hosting and supporting international teams. It also embodies the Olympic movement's principles, fostering cross-border collaboration and athlete development.
Insights from Kazakhstan's Coach
Kazakhstan's coach, Olga Urmanova, expressed her satisfaction with the training experience in India, stating, "We are very pleased to be here at the Sports Authority of India Northern Regional Centre, Sonipat, which has been extremely hospitable to our team. Overall, India offers a very high standard of hockey, and that is exactly why we chose to come here—to learn, adapt, and grow. This is our second visit to India after competing in Rajgir, Bihar, during the Hero Asia Cup 2025, and once again, the experience has been invaluable."
Urmanova further noted, "We have already played several friendly matches against local teams here in SAI Sonipat, and the level of competition has been very high, which is exactly what we need at this stage of our preparation. Everything has been organized at the highest level, just as we had planned when selecting India as our training base."
"We are sincerely grateful to Hockey India for their support and for facilitating such quality training opportunities. I also want to thank our assistant coach Lenur Vishnyakov for all the documentation work and coordinating with Hockey India, thus making the process smooth. Looking ahead to the Asian Games Qualifiers 2026, we are placed in a competitive group with teams like Oman, Indonesia, Thailand, and Hong Kong, and we are aiming to deliver a strong performance. This year, our goal is clear—to achieve a top finish and qualify for the Asian Games in Japan," she concluded.
Kazakhstan's Ambitions for Asian Games Qualification
Currently ranked 55th in the world, Kazakhstan has made notable strides in recent years. The team showcased their talent at the AHF Cup 2025 in Jakarta, finishing fourth after stepping in as a late replacement. They also gained valuable experience at the Hero Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, where they faced top Asian teams including India, Japan, and China. This training period in India is expected to be pivotal for Kazakhstan's aspirations to qualify for the Men's Asian Games 2026.
Hockey India's Commitment to International Collaboration
Hockey India has a history of hosting international teams for training camps, reinforcing its role as a significant player in the global hockey landscape while enhancing sporting ties between nations. Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey remarked, "We are delighted to welcome the Kazakhstan Senior Men's Hockey Team to India. Such training engagements not only contribute to the growth of hockey globally but also strengthen international sporting relationships. India has always been at the forefront of promoting hockey, and providing world-class facilities to visiting teams is part of our commitment to the sport's development. We wish the Kazakhstan team the very best for their preparations and upcoming competitions."
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, "It is encouraging to see teams like Kazakhstan choosing India as their preferred destination for high-performance training. The exposure to quality infrastructure and competitive conditions here will certainly benefit their preparations for the Asian Games Qualifiers. Initiatives like these also reflect the growing stature of India as a global hockey hub and reinforce our efforts to contribute meaningfully to the international hockey community."