Two venues at the Heilongjiang Ice Events Training Center in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, are in final preparations for the upcoming 9th Asian Winter Games, involving efforts such as comprehensive renovation and athlete training.
The Speed Skating Oval and Multifunctional Hall at the training center will host three events -- short track speed skating, figure skating, and speed skating, with a total of 27 gold medals to be awarded.
At the Speed Skating Oval, many athletes are engaging in regular training. According to the staff, this venue has hosted major events such as the Asian Winter Games and Universiade. Following multiple rounds of test events, rehearsals, and regular training, the venue is fully prepared to welcome the 9th Asian Winter Games.
"As we participate in skating events, our requirements for the ice surface are very high. The ice is extremely thin and smooth, facilitating high speeds. I find the temperature within the venue and the smoothness of the ice surface to be excellent," said Gu Aofeng, an athlete.
"We have conducted a comprehensive renovation of the venue to enhance its operational and support capabilities. The ice-making system, sound, and lighting have undergone continuous upgrades and optimizations. At present, it can be said that this venue has reached the standards required for hosting international events. In both hardware and software aspects, we are fully prepared to host the Asian Winter Games," said Ma Jiao, deputy executive director of the venue operation team of the Heilongjiang Ice Events Training Center.
At the Multifunctional Hall, many members from the youth skating team are undergoing training sessions.
"While watching athletes on television during the 2022 Winter Olympics, I found their skating very thrilling. I am sincerely grateful to them for inspiring me to pursue this sport. I eagerly anticipate the day when I, too can achieve an Olympic gold medal," said Zhang Ruiji, an 11-year-old member of the youth skating team.
"I hope I can stand on the Olympic stage like Wu Dajing and Wang Meng," said Liang Ruichun, a nine-year-old team member.
"These members are part of the reserve group within the youth team. Short track speed skating is developing rapidly; at just 15 years old, one can already achieve an Olympic gold medal. Offering these young team members the chance to engage in more professional training is also aimed at cultivating more young athletes for our country's short track speed skating," said Li Bingzhe, a coach at the Heilongjiang Provincial Winter Sports and Reserve Talent Management Center.
The 9th Asian Winter Games will take place from Feb 7 to 14. The Games will feature six sports, 11 disciplines and 64 events. The ice events will be held in Harbin, using the existing venues from the 1996 Asian Winter Games, while the snow events will be in Yabuli, 193 kilometers from Harbin.
The Games will be staged in China for the third time, following the one in Harbin in 1996 and another in Changchun, capital city of Jilin Province, in 2007.
Venues in Harbin prepare for ice events of 9th Asian Winter Games
