The RIHF and the CHAMPIONS Group signed a memorandum of cooperation

During the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Russian Ice Hockey Federation (RIHF) and the CHAMPIONS Group from India signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of scientific-technical partnership with the target of creating the foundations for joint projects, research and developments.

The first such project will be the cooperation in the field of high-speed amphibious airboats of a new generation, as well as the exchange of design and operational data in order to conduct technical and economic analysis for their full use in various regions of Russia and CIS countries. Furthermore, the parties will also jointly carry out scientific-technical activities to introduce technological developments and products in Russia.

Unlike conventional boats, these airboats are equipped with aviation-grade propellers, engines and a dynamic air cushion, possessing the ability to move on ice and snow. Therefore, they can be intensely used for winter navigation in Russia. They will also become indispensable when floods occur.

On 15 December 2023, the RIHF and the CHAMPIONS Group signed a memorandum of cooperation in the field of sport, which consequently resulted in a hockey school opening in India. The organisations will further develop their cooperation.

Roman Rotenberg, First Vice President of the RIHF:

- Here at the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, we’re acting both as managers of Russian ice hockey and entrepreneurs. We’ve organised a joint venture between the Red Machine and CHAMPIONS Group companies, our cooperation is already very strong. It is being undertaken in the field of ice hockey and technology. The spread of airboats in Russia is a breakthrough for transport on water. All of the boats in Russia will be sold under the Red Machine brand. As a consequence of this, we will further popularise ice hockey. This is an integration of business in sport.

Sukrit Sharan, Advisor to the Chairman of the CHAMPIONS Group:

- I'm pleased with how our cooperation with the RIHF is developing. At the end of last year we started discussing joint work, and now we're already launching specific projects and investing in them. And this is just the beginning! There are many interesting technologies and innovations which India is ready to share with Russia. And we are happy that the Red Machine brand, a successful brand of winners, is now our partner. We want to expand our joint production as well as invest in the development of sport, especially ice hockey. Field hockey is already a national sport in India, so now it's time to turn our attention to ice hockey. And here we will need all the experience, all the wisdom of Russian specialists and scientists. And the brilliant competencies and leadership qualities of Roman Rotenberg are a guarantee that all of our joint projects will develop successfully.

The CHAMPIONS group is engaged in the design, development, production and releasing of dynamic amphibious airboats (with aircraft-grade propellers and engines) for sport, transport, oil and gas industries, tourism, environmental monitoring, disaster relief and excursions.