Chinese Curling Duo Clinches Mixed Doubles Win at Asian Winter Games

In an exciting start to the 9th Asian Winter Games, the Chinese team of Wang Zhiyu and Han Yu recorded an impressive 11-5 victory over Kazakhstan in the mixed doubles curling round-robin competition. The pair quickly established control over the game by leading 10-1 after the first five ends, and despite a late surge from the Kazakh team in the sixth end, the Chinese duo maintained their advantage to secure the win. This match also marked the debut of the mixed doubles curling event at the Games and the international debut for this newly paired team.

Both athletes bring a wealth of experience to the ice; having competed in separate men's and women's events at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Wang and Han have shown that their extensive background contributes directly to their seamless teamwork and precise shot-making abilities. In pre-match comments, Han noted his ability to quickly reduce his heart rate after intense physical exertion during sweeping, while Wang attributed his technical prowess to fourteen years of dedicated curling practice where his movements have become second nature.

The event, part of a broader curling competition featuring 16 teams, has drawn attention not only for its competitive spirit but also for the innovative arrangements at the venue. Originally an elementary school ice hockey rink, the location has been cleverly repurposed with classrooms serving as athletes' resting areas to ensure a cost-effective and efficient setup. The Asian Winter Games this year has also expanded its scope, introducing new competitions like ski mountaineering and synchronized aerial freestyle skiing, and setting records in participant numbers and competition scale.

Beyond curling, the overall Asian Winter Games program is experiencing a boost in activities with multiple events including ice hockey, where both men's and women's tournaments are underway. The organizers, by focusing on detailed planning—from food offerings that ensure adequate nutrition for athletes to unique memorabilia like limited-edition badges—are aiming to provide an enhanced experience for everyone involved, highlighting the event’s role in promoting winter sports development both domestically and internationally.