Bandy in Asia: Countries Building Momentum
You can already find real bandy clubs and national teams across several Asian countries. The sport moves fast on big ice with a ball instead of a puck. Here is where the momentum sits right now and what you can do about it.
Where the Ice Exists Today
Kazakhstan runs the strongest program. China added indoor rinks and youth teams in the last five years. Japan plays regular club matches in Hokkaido. South Korea and Mongolia field national sides at the Bandy World Championship B-group level.
These places use existing speed-skating ovals or build smaller dedicated rinks. Winters stay cold enough in the north, so outdoor play remains practical.
Kazakhstan Sets the Standard
The national team reached the top division at the world championships multiple times. Clubs in Almaty and Karaganda run full leagues with 11-a-side matches. Local players often train on 100 by 60 meter surfaces that match international specs.
- Watch their matches on the Federation of International Bandy stream when the schedule lines up.
- Youth academies accept players as young as eight and supply skates and sticks.
- Visiting teams from Russia and Sweden stop in Almaty for friendlies each season.
China Adds Indoor Options
Harbin and Beijing now host bandy sections inside multi-sport arenas. The Chinese Ice Hockey Association runs a small national league with four teams. They focus on under-17 tournaments to build numbers before pushing senior sides.
One practical route is the annual China Bandy Cup held in January. It draws university squads from nearby provinces and gives new players a first taste of 60-minute games.
Japan and South Korea Start Grassroots
In Japan, the Hokkaido Bandy Association holds weekend pickup games on public rinks in Sapporo. Equipment arrives through second-hand imports from Sweden. South Korea runs a single club in Seoul that practices twice a week and travels to Kazakhstan for matches.
Both countries list their schedules on simple Facebook groups. You message the page admin and they add you to the next session.
Quick Comparison of Current Programs
| Country | Active Clubs | National Team Level | Best Entry Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | 12+ | A or B division | Local club trials in Almaty |
| China | 4-6 | B division | University teams or Harbin winter camps |
| Japan | 3 | B division | Hokkaido weekend skates |
| South Korea | 1 | B division | Seoul club contact via social media |
First Steps If You Want to Play
- Find a nearby speed-skating rink that allows ball sports in winter.
- Contact the national bandy federation through their listed email or messenger.
- Start with basic gear: helmet, skates, and a stick under 1.4 meters.
- Join an existing session before trying to form a new group.
That route worked for the first players who showed up in both Harbin and Sapporo last season.
