Kazakhstan wins first-ever IIHF Asia Championships title

Kazakhstan beat Japan in the last game to win the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey Men's Asia Championship in Almaty, Sports.kz reports.

The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey Asia Championship came to a close on Saturday in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with the host team claiming the title after beating Japan 5-1 in the final game. 

Captain Yevgeni Rymarev ignited the offense of Kazakhs, scoring twice in 8^th and 28^th minutes, while Egor Namestnikov (30^th minute), Vladimir Grebenshchikov (45^th minute) and Yevgeniy Korolinskiy (59^th minute) scoring one goal each. Taiga Irikura of Japan had a one goal in the 43^rd minute.

Kazakhstan got the first place based on victory over Japan, after the two teams tied with each securing 6 points. Coming in third and fourth are South Korea and China with four and two points, respectively.