On June 20, the Asia Cup matches began at Tatneft Arena, with the men’s teams taking to the ice on the first day. The morning session began with amateur matches between teams from Russia, Iran, and Qatar.

The tournament opened with a match between Russia and Iran. It took just 50 seconds for the teams to score their first goal – Ruslan Nizameyev quickly put Russia ahead, and three minutes later, Robert Nurullin doubled their lead. Iran pulled one back in the second period, but in the final minute, Aidar Miftakhov and Adel Ziganshin extended Russia’s lead to three goals. Moreover, the team needed just 23 seconds to score both goals.

Iran set the final score at 2-4 in the 18th minute of the match.

In the second match, Russia faced Qatar, and after the first period, the score was 3-0. Qatar dominated the second period, scoring four goals, two of which were scored by Abdulaziz Al Fakhro. Russia responded with two goals. In the third period, the home team secured a decisive victory, finishing 7-5. Russian defenseman Airat Gilyazeyev finished the match with four goals.

The third meeting between the amateurs was also marked by a flurry of goals. Iran crushed Qatar 10-1. After two periods, the scoreboard read 6-0, and the Qataris scored the consolation goal in the 17th minute, converting a penalty shot. Defenseman Kiarasu Ruzibidgholi stood out for Iran, scoring a hat trick. Forward Arshia Ghafoori finished the match with three points (two goals, one assist).

The second half of the day saw the professional teams take to the ice. Uzbekistan, the youngest men’s team in the tournament by average age, took the most points from both matches, with both victories coming from behind. First, Uzbekistan overcame Kazakhstan, prevailing 9-5. The match against Kyrgyzstan was equally close, with the teams coming close to going into the tournament’s first overtime, but Uzbekistan snatched a 4-3 victory in the third period. Goaltender Rustam Irgashev played a significant role in the team’s performance. The day concluded with a 9-5 victory for Kyrgyzstan over Kazakhstan.

The men’s teams will play their second-round matches on June 21 at Tatneft Arena.