KUWAIT: Kuwait National Ice Hockey team ended in second place of the World Cup Ice Hockey Championship Division four, which was concluded Friday with a match between Kuwait and Indonesia, that was won by Kuwait with the score of 8-7, leaving Indonesia in third place, meanwhile Mongolia became champions by defeating Malaysia 14-2 elevating them to Division III.

The match was very competitive and highly exciting during all its three periods with unprecedented support by fans of both teams, as they both exchanged leads before the decider and winning goal by Kuwait. Kuwait collected (6) points from two wins and one loss to the champions Mongolia. Indonesia remained with (3) points out of one win and two losses.

Meanwhile Mongolia won the championship by three consecutive easy wins the last against Malaysia (14-2), giving it the full mark of 9 points, while Malaysia could not collect any point after three losses. Chairman of the organizing committee, told journalists, that hosting this championship placed Kuwait Ice Hockey sport at the International path both technically and organizationally, and considered Kuwait winning of second place and advancement in its international ranking, as the team ended in third place in the previous championship, and the ambition is to win the title of the next championship.

Kuwait National Ice Hockey team with the trophy and officials.

KUWAIT: (From left) Kuwait Winter Sports Club Secretary Mishal Fulaiteh, Kuwait and Mongolian players with the trophy, IIHF representative Franz Reindl and Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Lena Maryana. – Photos by Yasser Al Zayyat

Kuwait ice hockey team celebrates with officials

Al-Ajmi lauded the performance of players in all matches, and appreciated the patronage of State Minister for National Assembly, Youth and Communications Affairs Dawood Maarafi of the Championship, and lauded the support of the Olympic Committee and Public Authority for Sport, which made the organization work easier and gained the IIHF satisfaction.

He said the championship’s success was the result of the board of director’s efforts, and thanked Kuwait fans who supported the team in all its matches.

Meanwhile representative of the IIHF supervising the championship said the Kuwait organizing committee gave an example for the organization aspect. He said the championship was at outstanding levels.

He said the IIHF will work on increasing the number of participating teams at this division to become 6 or 8 in the coming championships, which gives the teams additional international experience.