The residents of Dolon village in the Tyup district of Issyk-Kul region in Kyrgyzstan play ice hockey on their frozen lakes in winter. Situated at the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains, Dolon Lake, which is 2.5 kilometers long, 350 meters wide, and 30 meters deep, has a wholly frozen surface, part of which is used as a field by the villagers who show great interest in ice hockey.

Edil Isakov, an ice hockey coach in the village, told an AA correspondent that he formed three teams of children, youth, and people over 40. Isakov, who said they train on the ice-bound lake for two to three hours daily to improve themselves, mentioned the need for player equipment. He also explained that they made the goalposts on the field with their means and expressed the need for barriers for the rink. Edil Isakov said, "Ice hockey is an expensive and exciting game but a sport for the brave." Isakov noted that interest in ice hockey in Dolon village is not new and that this sport is increasing daily. He mentioned, "Our President shows interest in this sport. This also motivates our youth."

Ice hockey player Chyngyz Musabaev said they play football in the summer and ice hockey in the winter in their village.

Marlis Suiurkulov, the 16-year-old goalkeeper of the team, expressed his dream of watching ice hockey matches in the USA.

- The village residents offer support
The village residents support the team's training on the natural rink formed on the frozen lake.

Retired teacher Shaiyrkul Osmonova said that the children's interest in ice hockey in the village is "wonderful." Osmonova believed that the teams formed in their town could succeed in national competitions with support.

82-year-old village resident Berdaly Turgunbaev reported that ice hockey is the most loved sport in the village. Turgunbaev stated that the youth in the town are pretty talented in sports, saying, "Our children know how to swim. They know how to skate with sleds. They show a great interest in wrestling, boxing, and hockey."

AA