Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s junior ice hockey team made a spectacular debut at the U18 World Championship (Division III B) in Thailand, securing a historic victory. The team not only claimed the gold medals but also earned promotion to Division III A for the next season.

Uzbekistan dominated the tournament, winning all five matches convincingly. They defeated South Africa (12:0), Luxembourg (12:1), Turkmenistan (8:2), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (11:3).

The decisive match against the host team, Thailand, was a tough challenge. Uzbekistan clinched a hard-fought 3:2 victory, with team captain and top scorer Jasurbek Rustamkhonov netting the game-winning goal five minutes before the final whistle.

Rustamkhonov emerged as the tournament’s standout player, amassing 22 points (14 goals, 8 assists) in five games. Another key contributor was Salokhiddin Azimov, who, like Rustamkhonov, played in the Czech Republic last season. The rest of the squad represents "Tashkent Select," a team competing in Kazakhstan’s youth league.

The Uzbek junior team comprises players from the capital’s hockey clubs, "Humo" and "Binokor." Their success is a testament to the systematic efforts of the Uzbekistan Ice Hockey Federation, established in 2018.

Head coach Normunds Sejejs, along with assistants Abdumajid Nisirov and Roman Krivomazov, played a crucial role in preparing the team for this milestone achievement.

In April 2025, Uzbekistan’s senior national team will make its debut on the world stage, competing in Division IV of the World Championship in Armenia. The roster will feature experienced players alongside rising stars from the junior squad.

This victory marks a significant step forward for ice hockey in Uzbekistan, showcasing the country’s growing presence on the international sports scene. With their talent and determination, these young athletes have set the stage for even greater achievements in the future.