The Neutrality Cup hockey tournament, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, has kicked off in Ashgabat, bringing together eight teams. The event is organized by the National Ice Hockey Federation with the support of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sports, aiming to popularize this sport and promote a healthy lifestyle, The Golden age electronic newspaper reports.

The matches are being held at the Galkan Winter Sports Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan and at the Winter Sports Complex.

At the first stage of the competition, participants are divided into two groups. Group A consists of: Vatanchi (Military Institute of the Ministry of Defense), Merdana (Border Institute), Shir (Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations) and Oguzhan (Turkmengazawtomatika Department of the Turkmengas State Concern). Group B includes: Galkan (Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan), Nesil (Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs), Burgut (Sports School of the State Committee for Sports) and Alp Arslan (Transport and Communications Complex of Turkmenistan).

According to the tournament regulations, the winners of the groups will compete in the final for the main trophy, while the teams that place second will play each other for the bronze medal.

In the opening match Oguzhan defeated Merdana 5-1. In another game Burgut prevailed over Nesil 16-9.

Ahead of the tournament, which will conclude on December 16, a referee seminar was held at the Galkan Sports Center, organized with the support of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).