Chinese Athletes Conquer Ski Mountaineering at Asian Winter Games, Inspiring Future Generations

Chinese Athletes Dominate Ski Mountaineering at Asian Winter Games

Chinese athletes have made a strong statement at the ongoing 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, by claiming all six podium positions in the ski mountaineering competition. This marks the debut of the sport in the Games, and the dominance of Chinese athletes sends a clear message that the nation's ski mountaineering team is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

In the men's ski mountaineering sprint final, Buluer, from the Mongolian ethnic group, clinched the gold medal with a time of 2 minutes 22.29 seconds. His compatriot Zhang Chenghao took silver, while Bi Yuxin secured the bronze.

In the women's event, Cidan Yuzhen, from the Tibetan ethnic group, triumphed with a time of 2 minutes 55.88 seconds. Yu Jingxuan claimed silver, while Suolang Quzhen, also from the Tibetan ethnic group, finished third.

These athletes believe their achievements will inspire more young people from different ethnic groups, especially those living in mountainous areas, to participate in the sport.

Buluer, who grew up using fur skis in the Altay Mountains, hopes his performance will encourage young people from the Kazak and Mongolian ethnic groups to take up the sport. He believes they have the natural grit and passion for mountain life and sports.

Cidan Yuzhen, who grew up in the foothills of snowcapped mountains in the Xizang autonomous region, also believes that young people from her region will find ski mountaineering interesting and rewarding. She emphasizes the importance of conquering mountains and witnessing breathtaking scenery, as well as the adrenaline rush of going down after a hard climb.

The inclusion of ski mountaineering in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics adds further significance to the sport. The Asian Winter Games serve as a vital testing ground for athletes in the run-up to this highly anticipated global event.

The Chinese ski mountaineering team, established in November 2022, has already achieved historic performances at the 2024 Asian Ski Mountaineering Championships, claiming a record seven gold medals. The Tibetan duo of Cidan Yuzhen and Suolang Quzhen, along with Buluer, are among the most promising contenders for podium finishes at the 2026 Winter Olympics.