Harbin winter sports athletes shine at domestic and international events

Winter sports athletes from Harbin, host city of the 2025 Asian Winter Games, shine both domestically and internationally, laying a solid foundation for outstanding performances at the future event.

In March, Harbin athletes conquered the National Figure Skating Championships in Yunnan province, despite challenges at high altitudes. Chen Xizi and Xing Jianing secured gold in ice dancing category, and Li Ze'en and Sun Youmei from Hebei, claimed silver in pairs skating category.

On April 7, Harbin's team, comprising Xu Jingtao, Wang Jingyuan, Ma Yanlong, and Ma Xiuyue, emerged victorious in the men's finals at the 2023-2024 National Curling Championships, outperforming 34 other teams. The women's team, with members Cui Xinran, Dong Ziqi, Mei Jie, and Yin Ziyi, lived up to expectations, securing a silver medal.

At the 14th National Winter Games in February, Harbin's Winter Sports Training Center sent 176 athletes and 31 coaches to compete in six categories, claiming eight gold, eight silver, and 11 bronze medals.

In late March, the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship (Division B) concluded in Spain, with the Chinese team, including goalkeeper Li Yazhou from Harbin's men's ice hockey team, remained undefeated to claim the championship title and secure promotion to Division A for next year's U18 World Championship, marking a historic achievement.

Meanwhile, the 2024 IIHF Women's World Championship top division is underway in Utica, USA. Among the 23 players representing China, nine athletes hail from Harbin, including Yu Baiwei, Kong Minghui, Fang Xin, Wen Lu, Qu Le, Wang Jiaxin, Yang Jinglei, Tian Yuwei, and Wang Yuqing.

Additionally, Harbin's star athletes, like Ren Ziwei, Zang Yize, and Wang Xinran, have showcased remarkable performances in the ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup, exemplifying the city's status as a "City of Olympic Champions".