Makhachkala residents criticized the authorities' plans to build an ice arena.

THIS MATERIAL (INFORMATION) WAS PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE FOREIGN AGENT MEMO LLC, OR CONCERNING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FOREIGN AGENT MEMO LLC.

A hockey tournament was held in the Khunzakh District of Dagestan, with teams from several regions participating. Head of the Republic, Sergei Melikov, promised to build a modern ice arena, while residents of Makhachkala believe the money would be better spent on urgent needs.

"Caucasian Knot" reported that in December 2019, Dagestan authorities allocated 60 million rubles to develop a project to build an ice palace in Makhachkala. City residents questioned the need to develop winter sports in the southern republic. Activists believe that the money planned for the palace should be used for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities and the development of tourism potential.

A hockey tournament was held in the Khunzakh District, with teams from several regions participating. Dagestan's head, Sergei Melikov, called this event the beginning of "the active development of hockey in Dagestan" and promised to build a modern ice arena.

Similar plans were announced back in 2020, but the land approved for the ice palace, on the site of a former hippodrome between Makhachkala and Kaspiysk, was given over to high-rise development.

"We strive to create all the conditions for the upbringing of the younger generation. "At the present time, on my initiative, a plot of land has been allocated for the construction of an ice arena in the capital of our republic, Makhachkala," said Melikov, who was present at the hockey tournament.

"The hippodrome, instead of an ice palace, was given over to the construction of apartment buildings for their own developers. The finished ice palace project that Putin gave us was squandered, and now we're being told that hockey is loved in Dagestan and that, given its growth, a modern ice arena will be built in the republic. Judging by our ability to build large structures, this will be another long-term project: more requests for additional funding and another loan." "Or we'll wait three years, and then a fourth," stated a post on the Telegram channel "Ask Rasul" on January 31.

Earlier, in September 2023, the Telegram channel's author wrote that "the republic failed the Ice Palace project review." "Why do they need a palace when they can build the entire area with apartment buildings and a shopping center, where they might even find a corner for an ice rink. But that's not certain. So, instead of the Ice Palace we were promised next to the hippodrome, we'll probably get more high-rise buildings," the post stated.

The publication "Novoye Delo" recalled that in May 2025, in his address to parliament, the head of Dagestan announced the decision to develop the "Hippodrome" microdistrict in Makhachkala. "The project includes the construction of housing and social infrastructure - a clinic, a kindergarten, and a sports and fitness center. "The government of the Republic of Dagestan needs to oversee the creation of a comprehensive social infrastructure here, as well as the implementation of similar integrated development projects in other municipalities," the publication quotes Melikov as saying.

Makhachkala residents commented on the government's plans to develop hockey in the republic to a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. The survey is not representative and reflects only the personal opinions of residents.

Abduragim recalled that many grandiose plans in the republic remain unrealized. "Five years ago, there was a similar project that was never implemented. Why another one? The country's leadership won't ask why it was never built. It would be better to use the funds to improve the housing and utilities situation," he noted.

Kadi believes that mass sports in the republic should be developed, but with due consideration for the mentality and natural characteristics of a southern region like Dagestan. "We have popular martial arts, wrestling, and football. Building and maintaining an ice rink requires enormous resources. Where will they come from in a subsidized republic? Besides, hockey equipment is expensive; most parents won't be able to afford it," he said.

"We regularly hear the authorities promise to build something grand. Where are the promised waste processing plants? Why are thousands of people without power and heat every day? Direct these funds there." "The region has no time for hockey right now," says Mirza.