On October 22, during a press conference, it was announced that the inaugural IIHF Asian Women’s Ice Hockey Championship will take place in Beijing from October 31 to November 3. The tournament will feature four of Asia’s elite teams: China, South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan.
This event marks the first international ice hockey competition held in Beijing since the Winter Olympics, and it is also a key initiative by the IIHF to establish a premier ice hockey event in the Asian region. The goal is to provide a competitive platform for the best ice hockey players in Asia and to promote the sport’s further development across the continent.
The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with a total of six games scheduled. Japan’s women’s team holds the seventh position in the world rankings and consistently competes at the highest level in IIHF World Championships. South Korea’s team is ranked 18th globally and has emerged as a rising force in Asian ice hockey, particularly strong since the PyeongChang Olympics. Kazakhstan’s women’s team, once a dominant force, currently ranks 23rd in the world but has experienced a slight decline due to roster changes.
Wang Xuan, president of the Chinese Ice Hockey Association, shared that the Chinese women’s team is currently ranked 12th in the world. Following adjustments made after the Beijing Olympics, the team has integrated several young players and has shown promise in World Championship performances. The upcoming Asian Championship serves as a crucial opportunity for the Chinese team to prepare for the Harbin Asian Winter Games and the Milan Olympic qualification. This tournament will help the team refine their roster, enhance their competitive form, and develop their tactical framework.
Preparations for the event are progressing smoothly, with ice preparation at the Shougang Ice Hockey Arena nearly complete. Kazakhstan’s team is expected to arrive in Beijing on October 25 to begin pre-competition training, and they plan to hold a friendly match against the Chinese team on October 27. Japan and South Korea will also arrive in the competition area on October 30.
