Vyacheslav Mankos, the head coach of Krasnogorsk Zorkiy, stated in clear terms that mini hockey played with a ball originated in Russia, a claim he presents as a foundation for possible legal betting opportunities tied to the sport’s development. His remarks frame a broader conversation about how new formats can reshape traditional winter sports, suggesting a pathway where innovation and regulation move hand in hand to create a sustainable betting framework that aligns with contemporary sports audiences.
According to Mankos, Russia faces difficult economic realities, which he believes call for a strategic reboot of athletic programs and public interest. To spearhead this reboot, he and collaborators from the Federation proposed launching a collective version of mini hockey. The vision includes a compact playing area and a simplified set of rules designed to attract new fans while preserving the core excitement of the game. The plan envisions a hybrid form that blends elements of hockey with characteristics found in mini football, aiming to deliver fast-paced action in a more accessible platform. An international tournament is on the drawing board, with India positioned as a key partner in discussions that are actively ongoing as both nations explore a shared pathway to launch the event.
India is currently exploring a range of new sports experiments, and mini hockey with a ball is among the options being considered. While the exact start date for the tournament remains undecided, officials indicate the contest could unfold within the year, signaling a readiness to test cross-border collaboration and showcase a sporting format that appeals to diverse audiences in both countries.
On July 3, Roman Rotenberg, the head coach of Russia 25, spoke about the potential for his squad to travel to India to participate in field hockey. He also noted a reciprocal invitation extended to the Indian side to engage in an ice hockey exchange with the Russians, highlighting a mutual interest in broader bilateral exchanges that span different disciplines and formats.
Rotenberg is accompanied by representatives from Russia 25, the Saint Petersburg club SKA, and other officials who serve in governance roles for the sport. Among them, the first vice-president of the Russian Hockey Federation (FHR) is noted for coordinating development efforts and facilitating dialogues that connect national teams with international partners, underscoring a coordinated approach to expanding opportunities for competition and collaboration.
A former head coach of the Russian national ice hockey team dismissed any notion of an immediate friendly match with India, offering a skeptical take on how such an encounter might unfold. The remark reflects a cautious stance about scheduling and logistics, even as the broader interest in cross-border exchanges and hybrid formats continues to generate discussion among coaches, federation officials, and players who are eager to explore new formats and markets in the sport.