New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) The senior men's hockey team from Kazakhstan is presently in India for a high-performance training camp at the Sports Authority of India Northern Regional Centre in Sonipat, Haryana, running from March 10 to 21. This camp is a pivotal part of their preparations for the upcoming Asian Games Qualifiers 2026.

The facility, recognized as one of India's premier hockey training venues, boasts world-class synthetic turf and advanced conditioning amenities, providing Kazakhstan with an optimal setting to refine their skills in anticipation of this crucial continental tournament.

This initiative aligns with the ambitions of the Government of India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), and the Sports Authority of India to establish the nation as a global center for sporting excellence by hosting and aiding international teams. Furthermore, it embodies the values of the Olympic movement, fostering athlete development and international collaboration.

Commenting on their training experience in India, Kazakhstan's coach Olga Urmanova expressed, “We are thrilled to be at the Sports Authority of India Northern Regional Centre, Sonipat, where our team has received exceptional hospitality. India showcases a remarkably high standard of hockey, which is precisely why we chose this venue—to learn, adapt, and evolve. This marks our second visit to India following our participation in Rajgir, Bihar during the Hero Asia Cup 2025, and once again, the experience has been invaluable.”

Urmanova continued, “We have engaged in several friendly matches against local teams here in Sonipat, and the competition level has been outstanding, which is precisely what we need at this stage of our training. Everything has been organized to the highest standard, just as we anticipated when selecting India as our training base.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hockey India for their support and for enabling such high-quality training opportunities. I also wish to acknowledge our assistant coach Lenur Vishnyakov for his efforts in coordinating with Hockey India, ensuring a seamless process. Looking ahead to the Asian Games Qualifiers 2026, we find ourselves in a tough group alongside Oman, Indonesia, Thailand, and Hong Kong, and we are committed to delivering a strong performance. Our goal this year is clear: to achieve a top finish and secure our spot in the Asian Games in Japan,” she concluded.

Currently ranked 55th globally, Kazakhstan has made considerable strides in recent years. They left a significant mark at the AHF Cup 2025 in Jakarta, finishing in fourth place after stepping in as a late replacement. They also gained essential experience at the Hero Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, where they faced off against elite Asian teams, including India, Japan, and China.

This training period in India is crucial for Kazakhstan's aspirations to qualify for the prestigious Men’s Asian Games 2026, as the tournament serves as a pathway to the main event.

Hockey India has persistently hosted international teams for training camps, solidifying its role as a vital player in the global hockey landscape while enhancing sports relations among nations.

In response to this development, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey remarked, “We are excited to welcome the Kazakhstan Senior Men’s Hockey Team to India. Such training interactions not only foster the growth of hockey on a global scale but also reinforce international sporting bonds. India has always been a frontrunner in promoting hockey, and providing world-class facilities to visiting teams is part of our commitment to the sport’s advancement. We wish the Kazakhstan team the best in their training and upcoming events.”

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “It is heartening to see teams like Kazakhstan selecting India as their preferred destination for high-performance training. The exposure to quality infrastructure and competitive conditions here will undoubtedly augment their preparations for the Asian Games Qualifiers. Endeavors like these highlight India’s growing stature as a global hockey hub and reinforce our dedication to contributing positively to the international hockey community.”