IIHF President Luc Tardif, IIHF General Secretary Matti Nurminen and IIHF Council Member Marta Zawadska with Chinese Ice Hockey Association representatives at the 2023 IIHF WWIA in Shenzhen, China.
photo: © Chinese Ice Hockey Association
The 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship Division I, Group A in Shenzhen successfully concluded the 2023 IIHF Championship Season. IIHF President Luc Tardif praised the cooperation and efforts from side of the Chinese Ice Hockey Association during his official visit in Shenzhen, China.
“As we do with all IIHF Member National Associations (MNAs), we are offering our support to develop the sport at the domestic and regional levels, and in close cooperation with each MNA, in this particular case with the Chinese Ice Hockey Association. The development discussions started in connection with the IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship Division I, Group A and lead to the signature of the agreement between the IIHF and the Association (more information IIHF - Championship updates). The organization and environment which was prepared for all participants demonstrated the potential of China and recognized Shenzhen as the new ice hockey town in China. In Shenzhen, but also in many other cities in China, many development opportunities exist” said IIHF President, Luc Tardif.
“As we do with all IIHF Member National Associations (MNAs), we are offering our support to develop the sport at the domestic and regional levels, and in close cooperation with each MNA, in this particular case with the Chinese Ice Hockey Association. The development discussions started in connection with the IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship Division I, Group A and lead to the signature of the agreement between the IIHF and the Association (more information IIHF - Championship updates). The organization and environment which was prepared for all participants demonstrated the potential of China and recognized Shenzhen as the new ice hockey town in China. In Shenzhen, but also in many other cities in China, many development opportunities exist” said IIHF President, Luc Tardif.
IIHF President Luc Tardif with the President of the Chinese Ice Hockey Association Wang Xuan at the 2023 IIHF WWIA in Shenzhen, China
photo: © Chinese Ice Hockey Association
In his meeting with the General Sport Administration of China and the Chinese Ice Hockey Association, in which IIHF Vice-President for Asia and Oceania, Aivaz Omorkanov and IIHF General Secretary Matti Nurminen also took part, Luc Tardif mentioned that: “The commitment we are seeing today and the positive steps that have been taken are undoubtedly behind the turnaround that was needed. With the success of China in this event, the 2022 Olympic Winter Games have ultimately been given meaning and the legacy has become visible.”
Beside the 2023 IIHF WWIA, the IIHF also supported a special Coaching clinic in which the IIHF President encouraged all participants to further expand their knowledge: “Grassroots and coaching programs are very essential to further develop the sport. We know that China has a lot to do here and we are ready to work closely together, as well as on a global scale with all IIHF MNAs”.
In order to do so and establish closer contacts with all IIHF MNAs, the IIHF Development Department based in the headquarter in Zurich was created about one year ago with an IIHF Asia and Oceania Office located in Abu Dhabi which offers a close contact to review, adjust or implement required development programs and initiatives in Asia and Oceania together with the MNAs.
Beside the 2023 IIHF WWIA, the IIHF also supported a special Coaching clinic in which the IIHF President encouraged all participants to further expand their knowledge: “Grassroots and coaching programs are very essential to further develop the sport. We know that China has a lot to do here and we are ready to work closely together, as well as on a global scale with all IIHF MNAs”.
In order to do so and establish closer contacts with all IIHF MNAs, the IIHF Development Department based in the headquarter in Zurich was created about one year ago with an IIHF Asia and Oceania Office located in Abu Dhabi which offers a close contact to review, adjust or implement required development programs and initiatives in Asia and Oceania together with the MNAs.
IIHF President Luc Tardif, IIHF General Secretary Matti Nurminen and IIHF Council Member Marta Zawadska with participants of the Coaching clinic at the 2023 IIHF WWIA in Shenzhen, China
photo: © Chinese Ice Hockey Association
All future activities and development programs will also target grassroots and, most importantly, sustainable development programs. “With everything we discussed here in China, I am very optimistic. It is also important in all our cooperations we have around the world and with our MNAs, that all cards are on the table. It is only when we know where we are and once we have defined the challenges and opportunities, that we can ensure future growth” said IIHF President.
Luc Tardif’s official visit to Asia concluded with meetings of representatives from the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association, the Macau Ice Sports Federation and government officials in which further cooperation possibilities, the current organizational and development status were discussed to take the next required steps towards a sustainable future of ice hockey in Asia.
Luc Tardif’s official visit to Asia concluded with meetings of representatives from the Hong Kong Ice Hockey Association, the Macau Ice Sports Federation and government officials in which further cooperation possibilities, the current organizational and development status were discussed to take the next required steps towards a sustainable future of ice hockey in Asia.