Turkmenistan’s national ice hockey team has entered a new phase with the appointment of Akhmet Gurbanov as head coach. Under his leadership, Turkmenistan will prepare for the IIHF World Championship Division III, scheduled to take place from April 13 to 19 in Cape Town, South Africa.

The tournament will feature national teams from Turkmenistan, South Africa, Turkey, Mexico, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Thailand, all competing for promotion to Division II. The coaching staff of Turkmenistan is focused on building a disciplined and mentally resilient squad capable of competing at a higher international level.

According to Gurbanov, success in this division largely depends on details such as tactical discipline, clear role distribution, and psychological stability. Preparation for the world championship will therefore emphasize teamwork and consistency.

Training sessions are being held at the “Galkan” Winter Sports Center, operated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan. The extended roster of Turkmenistan includes promising young players alongside experienced leaders who have represented the country on numerous occasions.

While a podium finish is considered the minimum objective, the primary goal for Turkmenistan is to win the division and secure promotion. The Ice Hockey Federation of Turkmenistan is also exploring opportunities to arrange friendly matches against foreign teams as part of the preparation process.

Akhmet Gurbanov, 32, is a well-known figure in Turkmenistan’s hockey community. He previously served as a national team player and captain, combining his on-ice career with early coaching responsibilities. Much of his professional journey took place in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation, where he graduated from Kazan Federal University with a degree in physical education and sports rehabilitation.

He has also completed IIHF coaching courses held in Tashkent with experts from Sweden, Finland, and other countries. One of the standout moments of his career came in 2023 at the international Kazan Hockey Cup, where he was named the most valuable player of his division and participated in the all-star game at Tatneft Arena.