The 14th National Winter Games, leveraging the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Olympics, have significantly enhanced the popularity and standing of winter sports in China. The games, held in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, culminated in widespread acclaim after 10 days of thrilling competition.

For the first time, the games witnessed a diverse representation of China's demographics. Over 3,700 athletes from 35 delegations, including provinces from the warm southern regions, participated in the largest-ever staging of the event. Previously, the games had been primarily a regional meet for city teams from the snowy northeastern provinces.

The games also featured a record 176 medal events, reflecting China's efforts to align with the Olympic format and prepare athletes for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The expanded program and impressive performances by young athletes from emerging winter sports provinces showcased the progress of ice and snow sports in China.

The surge in participation and the success of athletes from non-traditional winter sports regions underscore the impact of the Beijing 2022 Olympics in fostering interest in winter sports. The National Winter Games provided an opportunity to sustain this momentum, particularly with regional supporters cheering on their local athletes.

According to Zhang Xin, director of athletic competitions at the General Administration of Sport of China, the expanded scale and inclusivity of the games demonstrate the influence of the home Olympics in promoting winter sports. The improved performances of athletes from regions with limited winter sports infrastructure highlight China's progress towards becoming a more balanced winter sports power.