Team China Readies for Asian Winter Games with Olympic Champions and High Ambitions

The upcoming Asian Winter Games, set to take place in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, will see a robust delegation of 257 athletes from China, including six champions from the Beijing 2022 Olympics. With just two weeks until the event begins on February 7, the team is eager to strive for outstanding performances in all 64 medal events, blending youthful energy with seasoned experience in ice and snow sports.

China's commitment extends beyond just competing; they also aim to foster integrity and sportsmanship while rekindling public interest in winter sports, building on the legacy left by Beijing 2022. Gao Zhidan, the director of the General Administration of Sport of China, emphasized the significance of this event as a way to highlight the country’s advancements in winter sports and to serve as an important preparatory stage for the athletes ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Chinese delegation, which is the largest ever at the Asian Winter Games, features 170 athletes, of whom 48 participated in the previous Olympics. Six Olympic gold medalists are a part of this team and are expected to significantly enhance China’s chances for success in Harbin, which has a historical connection to winter sports as it previously hosted the Games in 1996.

With a record of 34 participating countries and over 1,270 athletes, the competition is expected to be fierce, particularly from strong teams such as those from South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan in events like short-track speedskating and ice hockey. The Games represent the last major international event ahead of the next Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, with athletes and coaches viewing this as a critical opportunity to prepare and learn.

to secure every available gold medal while using the experience gained in Harbin to enhance their prospects at the upcoming Winter Olympics. Veteran short-track skater Fan expressed his determination to perform well on home ice, echoing the sentiment of many athletes that competing in their home province adds motivation, especially during the festive period of Spring Festival.

Star skier Gu, who became renowned for her achievements at Beijing 2022, is poised to compete for the first women's gold in freestyle halfpipe at Yabuli, a ski resort not far from Harbin. To ensure the athletes meet high international standards, the delegation has engaged 20 foreign coaches from various countries, aiming to refine their techniques and strategies in preparation for the Games.