World Para Hockey Championship: Top Teams Battle in Astana for Paralympic Spots
The World Para Hockey Championship for Group B teams is underway in Astana, Kazakhstan. The top teams have a chance to qualify for the Paralympics. Six nations are competing at the 'Tarlan' sports complex, with the best two advancing to Division A and the last team moving to Division C.
The championship began with an opening ceremony led by Serik ZHARASBAEV, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports. It is the second time Astana hosts this event, following a similar tournament in 2023. Teams from Kazakhstan, Japan, Sweden, Italy, France, and Finland are battling for spots in the top division.
Each team will play five games against all opponents. The top two teams will advance to Division A and participate in qualification matches for the XIV Winter Paralympic Games in Milan-Cortina 2026. Meanwhile, the last-place team will be relegated to Division C. Despite the search, specific details about the two teams advancing to Division A remain unknown.
The World Para Hockey Championship in Astana is supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Akimat of the city of Astana, the National Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sport Qory, and JSC 'Samruk-Kazyna'. The tournament offers a pathway to the Paralympics, with the top teams set to compete in Division A and the qualification matches for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games.
