Among local athletes who have been playing hockey since childhood, one student from Indonesia decided to challenge herself on the ice in Tomsk. Annisa Lifazulfianati, better known as Ann, will begin her studies at the Institute of Biology of Tomsk State University in the upcoming academic year after completing the University's Preparatory Department. Although she has been playing hockey for less than a year, she is already training with one of Tomsk's hockey clubs.
For Ann, the journey into hockey did not begin in Russia. Back in Indonesia, she first took up figure skating as a hobby. However, a suggestion from a friend completely changed the direction of her interest.
"I've actually been playing hockey for less than a year. At first, I tried figure skating. Then a friend told me that hockey suited my personality better. So I decided to give it a try, and I realized I enjoyed hockey much more than figure skating."
Photo: ILyas Muhammad Adzkari
After arriving in Tomsk and studying at TSU's Preparatory Department, the opportunity to continue her hobby came unexpectedly. While skating at the Parus ice rink during the winter, Ann met someone who introduced her to the local hockey community. That encounter eventually led her to join the Армеец (Armeets) hockey club. In addition to training with the club, she has also taken part in activities with the АВРиС (AVRiS) hockey community and the Аэропорт (Airport) team.
According to Ann, joining a Russian team was a completely new experience. Besides adapting to a new environment, she also had to get used to a more demanding training routine and a hockey culture very different from what she had experienced in Indonesia.
"The hardest part is keeping up with their level. I still have to improve my physical strength and train a lot to catch up with them. When I first joined the team, I felt a little awkward, especially when meeting everyone for the first time. But they were very welcoming and supportive, so little by little I became much more comfortable."
In the near future, Ann will begin her studies at TSU's Institute of Biology. She realizes that university life will bring new challenges, so she plans to prioritize her studies while continuing to train whenever she has free time.
"My studies will always come first. I want to adapt to university life first, and whenever I have free time, I'll keep playing hockey. During the summer, I also hope to train more seriously."
Although Ann has been playing hockey for less than a year, she already has a big dream. She hopes to compete in tournaments one day, win a medal, and make Indonesia proud through the sport that has become an important part of her life.
Text and photo: ILyas Muhammad Adzkari
