Kazakhstan Triumphs Over Japan to Win 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey Asia Championship

Almaty, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan emerged victorious in the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey Men’s Asia Championship, defeating Japan 5-1 in the final game held on Saturday in Almaty. The host nation clinched the championship title, finishing first based on their win over Japan, as both teams concluded the tournament with six points each.

Kazakhstan’s offense was led by Captain Yevgeni Rymarev, who scored twice in the 8th and 28th minutes. Egor Namestnikov followed with a goal in the 30th minute, with additional contributions from Vladimir Grebenshchikov in the 45th minute and Yevgeniy Korolinskiy in the 59th. Japan’s Taiga Irikura scored in the 43rd minute, marking the team’s only goal in the final game.

South Korea and China placed third and fourth, respectively, with four points and two points. The championship showcased competitive performances across Asia, highlighting Kazakhstan’s strength on home ice and further promoting ice hockey within the region.