China's Skaters Aim for Gold at Asian Winter Games Ahead of Olympic Run-Up

China’s short track speed skating team is entering the Asian Winter Games with high energy and determination. Positioned as a significant milestone before the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, the team sees this event as a perfect opportunity to sharpen their competitive edge and secure gold medals. The Games will kick off on Friday, with the mixed team relay event scheduled for Saturday potentially awarding the first gold of the competition.

The team’s roster includes top athletes such as Olympic champions Liu Shaolin, Liu Shaoang, Lin Xiaojun, and 2024 World Championships 1,500m winner Sun Long leading the men’s side, while the women’s team is headlined by Olympic gold medallist Fan Kexin and 2024 worlds champion Gong Li. In preparation for the upcoming challenges, the squad has been engaged in rigorous strength and ice training sessions at the Heilongjiang Ice Sports Center, meticulously planning their strategy for the competition ahead.

Expressing their commitment, head coach Zhang Jing emphasized the dual purpose of the Games—to polish their performance and to challenge their traditional rivals like South Korea, as well as emerging contenders from Kazakhstan and Japan. Veteran athlete Fan Kexin and rising star Sun Long shared their personal motivations, with both athletes underlining the importance of teamwork and individual focus as they prepare to overcome pressures and excel on the international stage.