Makhachkala

Makhachkala is the capital and largest city of Dagestan, Russia. It has a population of around 596,000.

In 2011, Dagestani First Vice Prime Minister Rizvan Kurbanov, meeting the former hockey player Alexander Kozhevnikov in Makhachkala, said Russian Republic would open a regional ice hockey federation. According to Kurbanov, who was tabbed to head the federation, Dagestani’s practice and respect “manly sports” like martial arts, so “ice hockey is just asking for it.”

There were plans to build a skating rink in central Makhachkala. “It will cost us about 7 million rubles and we can set it up in just two-three days. But imagine how much joy it will bring to those who will skate on it,” Kurbanov said. "We are very pleased that Russian Hockey Federation has paid attention to Dagestan. I believe that this kind of sports will develop here. I’m sure that Dagestani businessman will also help to develop hockey in the republic.”