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Nikolay Shulga (7) has been a constant source of entertainment and a danger to the opponent's defense since the beginning of the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games ice hockey tournament.

Kazakh ice hockey player Nikolay Shulga has come to the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games with one goal in mind: entertain the fans at every match. Shula, as his teammates fondly call him, has done nothing but shine during the preliminary phase of the men’s competition at the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio in Pinerolo.

Two days after scoring twice in his opening match against Sweden on Sunday, 12 January, the rising star from Astana delivered a heart-stopping performance in a decisive 7-1 victory over Korea with a goal and an assist, just like teammate Andrei Buyalskiy. The result not only adds to Kazakhstan’s points tally but also significantly boosts the team’s chances of advancing to the next stage.

For Shulga, these achievements wouldn’t have been possible without his teammates. “Yeah, well, what other feelings could there be?” the 21-year-old asked. “It’s all very cool – who doesn’t like scoring? I just need to play right, and from there, the chances will come. I just need to hit the empty net. I have good partners; they give great passes, and that also makes it easy for me to score.”

Hard work and preparation are key

While the final score didn’t meet Korea’s expectations, the team was pleased with its improved performance. “Today’s game was better than the game we played against Canada,” offered forward Donghyun Shin. “Our team felt the tempo and pace of the game, which made our play better.”

To achieve this improvement, the Korean players analysed their previous matches with their coaches, identifying areas in need of development. “I’m happy that we managed to score – which was our objective – but I’m also a little bit sad because we scored so late in the game,” added the 22-year-old student at Yonsei University in Seoul. Shin also expressed confidence that Korea will not give up, promising they will regroup and prepare rigorously for their next game against Czechia.

If there’s one thing these two rival athletes can agree on, it’s that preparation and teamwork are essential for success. “Of course, it is,” agreed Shulga. “Every day is a little step forward towards first place. And so every day, you have to work and prepare, showing your best game to be in first place.”

On the road to Milano Cortina 2026?

For most athletes, the thought of representing their country on the international stage is a dream they constantly aspire to. Competing in the FISU Games gives these young players a vital stepping stone towards taking that dream to the next level – a tantalising taste of what lies ahead.

While he certainly shares the ambition of one day playing in the Olympics, Shulga prefers to stay focused on the present and on improving his skills. “Well, it depends on how I play. If I show a good game, I think it’s quite possible [to represent my country at a higher level]. And the desire is there, of course.”

Whether or not we’ll see them back on Italian soil next year, both Shulga and Shin agree on another thing: for now, they want to give their best and enjoy every moment of these FISU Games.

The  take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on . Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Veronica Andrea Garcia Sanchez, FISU Young Reporter, Mexico

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.

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