Skien 2024: Get to Know Kazakhstan

The 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships B-Pool will take place from 15-20 April in Skien, Norway. It will be the 10th edition of World Championships B-Pool and first time Norway will play host. Six teams will compete, with the top two finishers advancing to the A-Pool for next season and the bottom finisher being relegated to the C-Pool. 

Follow along as we break down what you need to know about each team. 

Background

In 2022, four years after starting a programme with the help of equipment from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)’s Agitos Foundation, Kazakhstan claimed the silver medal at the World Championships C-Pool. In 2023, the nation hosted the World Championships B-Pool and finished in fourth place with two victories in five games. 

Now, with two years of international experience under its belt, the central Asian nation will look to play for a podium spot and a place in the A-Pool for next season. 

World Championships History

2023: 4th place (B-Pool)
2022: Silver (C-Pool)

Athlete to Watch

Aidos Toktarbayev was born with cerebral palsy in a small village of 1,000 people, where he grew up watching KHL matches on TV. Now 25, he is the leader of Kazakhstan’s Para ice hockey squad and had a team-leading six points at last year’s World Championships B-Pool.

Coaching Duties

Timur Bixitov will lead Kazakhstan’s rise for another season as the nation looks to continue its quick ascend in the Para ice hockey world.

Matchup to Watch: Great Britain vs. Kazakhstan on 19 April 

This game will put the No. 4 seeds against the No. 5 seeds in a matchup that could end up determining the final spot on the podium. When the two teams faced each other last in 2023, Kazakhstan won 4-3 in a nail-biter.