• KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00200 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09163 -0.11%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28530 -0.14%
18 February 2025
30 January 2025

Kazakhstan to Reconstruct Medeu, the World’s Largest High-Altitude Skating Rink

@Depositphotos

Kazakhstan plans to reconstruct Medeu, the world’s largest high-altitude skating rink, in 2025, expanding its capabilities and modernizing its facilities. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced the initiative in response to a request from senators.

Medeu is a high-mountain sports complex located outside Almaty in the Medeu gorge, at an altitude of 1,691 meters above sea level.

According to Bektenov, the planned modernization will enhance the rink’s technical specifications, bringing it in line with International Skating Union (ISU) standards for hosting speed skating and figure skating competitions. Additionally, the Almaty City Council (Akimat) aims to expand Medeu’s functionality to accommodate ball hockey (bandy) tournaments, world championships in ice speedway racing, and various ice shows and mass sporting events.

Calls for Renovation

In late December, Kazakh senators urged the prime minister to take action, noting that Medeu is now 52 years old.

“Opened in 1972, it quickly became one of the best ice rinks in the world. In its first year alone, 249 of a possible 375 world records were set on its ice. The clean mountain air, rarefied atmosphere, and glacial meltwater used for ice resurfacing contributed to outstanding athletic performances. For two decades, Medeu led the world in speed skating. However, after the ISU introduced rules requiring competitions to be held in indoor arenas, outdoor rinks lost their prominence. Should we simply accept that a rink built for records is losing its significance? Medeu remains the world’s largest outdoor artificial ice rink, spanning 10,500 square meters and accommodating up to 8,100 spectators,” the senators wrote in their appeal.

Proposed Measures

To restore Medeu’s global sporting relevance, the senators proposed the following initiatives:

  1. Grant Medeu a special ISU status.
  2. Establish a high-altitude training center for athletes.
  3. Develop facilities for ball hockey (bandy) competitions.
  4. Utilize the arena for ice shows and performances by world-class figure skaters.
  5. Host stages of the world ice speedway championship.

With its historical significance and unique natural conditions, Medeu remains a symbol of Kazakhstan’s sporting legacy. The upcoming renovation aims to ensure it remains a world-class venue for both competitive and recreational ice sports.

Vagit Ismailov

Vagit Ismailov

Vagit Ismailov is a Kazakhstani journalist. He has worked in leading regional and national publications.

View more articles fromVagit Ismailov

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