The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) is increasingly turning its attention to Asia. One example is its decision to award the title of IIHF World Ambassador to the Queen of Thailand, Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana. This highly honorary title, awarded for the first time by the international body, was presented on Sunday, October 6 by IIHF President Luc Tardif, on the sidelines of a women's hockey exhibition match between Thailand and China, played in Bangkok (photo above). The IIHF explains in a press release: Thailand and China are now among the fastest-growing ice hockey markets in the world. Thailand participates in all five IIHF World Championships, in the men's, women's and junior categories. An example that, the body suggests, can motivate other nations in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. As for China, the host country of the last Winter Games, it has maintained very close relations with the IIHF since last year. Promoted in August 2023 to the first division, the Chinese women's national team will host the Division IA world championship in April 2025 in Shenzhen.
