The Russian and Chinese ice hockey federations have signed a protocol of intentions

The Russian Ice Hockey Federation and the Chinese Ice Hockey Association have signed a protocol of intentions concerning the development of ice hockey. Representatives of both countries' ice hockey governing bodies held a meeting in Beijing, China, where Russian President Vladimir Putin was visiting.

The protocol includes cooperation agreements between the two countries in several areas. They include friendly matches, youth competitions, coaching and officiating development, health care and athletes' rehabilitation programs. Both parties support the project of Beijing Kunlun Red Star joining the KHL, and will assist the club with various matters including establishing its youth academy.

The protocol has initially been signed for a total of four years, and there is an automatic option for prolonging the agreement for the same period of time.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation president Vladislav Tretiak:

- This protocol is yet another step in the cooperation between our two counties. The agreement covers many areas: politics and the economy, culture and sport. Russia is rightly considered one of the largest ice hockey powers in the world, and through decades of experience we have gathered a wealth of knowledge that we are willing to share with our Chinese counterparts. This will in turn contribute to ice hockey's development not only in China, but in the whole of Asia.

The RIHF's first Vice President Roman Rotenberg:

- The process of international cooperation in the field of sport is constantly gaining speed, and it's natural to have the desire to find new partners and expand the scope of our activities. The Asia-Pacific region, in particular China, has great sporting potential, and this has been proved by their athletes' performances in major worldwide competitions. With its huge human resources and modern technologies, China will be able to achieve such progress in ice hockey as well. For its part, the Russian Ice Hockey Federation will be happy to act as a catalyst for this process and to become a pioneer in the Chinese ice hockey market, making it one of the most promising in the world. Let's not forget that the 2022 Olympic Games will take place in Beijing, and as a result, ice hockey's development in the country should receive an additional incentive.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation