KUWAIT CITY, April 16, (KUNA):  Franz Reindl, a council member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), commended the Kuwait Winter Games Club for its exceptional readiness to host the upcoming World Ice Hockey Championship Division IV tournament, which kicked off today. The tournament has received acclaim for its outstanding organization and technical standards.

In an interview with KUNA, Reindl praised the club's provision of top-tier facilities for teams, referees, and IIHF officials, along with its adherence to internationally recognized standards at the ice rink. As the chairperson of the championships committee for the 2024 World Ice Hockey Championship Division IV, Reindl emphasized the shared objective of elevating the sport's quality and expanding its global presence.

Acknowledging the impressive progress made by teams in Divisions III and IV in recent years, Reindl specifically commended Kuwait for its significant advancements. He expressed his delight at being in Kuwait and extended gratitude on behalf of the International Ice Hockey Federation to Kuwait and the organizing committee for their collaboration and outstanding contributions.

The tournament, hosted at the Kuwait Winter Games Club's ice skating rink in the Bayan area, will kick off with two matches. The opening fixture will see Mongolia facing off against Indonesia, followed by Kuwait taking on Malaysia. The opening ceremony preceding the second match marks a pivotal moment, as the victorious team will secure advancement to Division III in the subsequent tournament.