Jessheim 2025: Kazakhstan’s Path to Milano Cortina

When the puck drops at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Tournament, six teams will skate for the final two slots up for grabs at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. Taking place in Jessheim, Norway from 5-10 November, the tournament will feature: Slovakia, Korea, Norway, Japan, Sweden and Kazakhstan. The USA, Canada, Czechia, China and Germany have already secured their tickets to join hosts Italy at the Paralympic Winter Games by finishing in the top five at the A-Pool Worlds.

Here’s an inside look at Team Kazakhstan heading into the Qualification Tournament.

How they got here

Kazakhstan, which finished in fourth place at the most recent World Championships B-Pool, took the final spot at the Qualification Tournament after Italy — already guaranteed a place in Milan as the host nation — declined its option to participate. For Kazakhstan, this tournament represents more than just a chance to qualify—it is an opportunity to make history. The central Asian nation has steadily grown its Para ice hockey programme in recent years, emphasizing skill development, international competition experience, and strategic coaching.

Winter Games history

If Kazakhstan were to qualify for Milano-Cortina 2026, it would mark its Paralympic Winter Games debut in the sport.

Roster

Forwards: Aidos Toktarbayev, Kairat Sabirov, Kuat Karipbayev, Alexandr Paskhalidi

Defenders: Zhanibektarkhan, Korgan Konkulov, Sundet Shormanov, Dmitriy Bondarenko, Yerlik Bokanov

Goaltenders: Oleg Basmanov, Mukhtar Koilybayev

Head Coach: Elda Abdulayev

🏒 This morning's Opening Ceremony welcomed Kazakhstan’s first children’s para ice hockey club, founded in this year.

The Captains gathered for a photo for 5 days of tough competition here in Astana!#ParaIceHockey | #Astana25 pic.twitter.com/evIxjlbQuu

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) September 6, 2025

Keys to Victory

Kazakhstan’s path to qualification will rely on disciplined defence, opportunistic scoring, and strong goaltending. Limiting turnovers in the defensive zone and capitalizing on power plays will be crucial, especially against more experienced squads. Team chemistry and mental resilience are also expected to play a decisive role, as it faces the highest stakes the program has ever faced.

Game Schedule

Wednesday, 5 November @ 15:30 vs. Slovakia

Thursday, 6 November @ 19:00 vs. Norway

Friday, 7 November @ 15:30 vs. Japan

Sunday, 9 November @ 12:00 vs. Korea

Monday, 10 November @ 12:00 vs. Sweden