Beijing, the host city of the 2022 Winter Olympics, continues to thrive as a hub for international winter sports events. A packed schedule of competitions is set to take place in the upcoming weeks, showcasing the enduring enthusiasm for winter sports following the success of the Winter Olympics.
Li Yang, vice chief of China’s winter sports governing body, emphasized the utilization of the Winter Olympics’ legacy, stating that the accumulation of major competitions underscores the growing popularity of winter sports. Winter sports have not only maintained their appeal but have grown even more popular since the Winter Olympics, highlighting the sustained interest and passion among sports enthusiasts.
The National Speed Skating Oval, lauded as the “fastest ice” due to its cutting-edge ice rink conditions, is set to host the 2023-24 ISU World Cup Speed Skating from November 17 to 19. This venue witnessed the establishment of three new world records during the 2022 Olympics, underscoring its world-class facilities. The ice rink has been regenerated since the Olympics to maintain its top-tier quality.
Chinese star athletes, including Lin Xiaojun, Liu Shaolin, and Liu Shaoang, have contributed to the popularity of the short track speed skating competition, scheduled from December 8 to 10. The competition features a star-studded lineup, leading to high demand for tickets, with sales for the penultimate and ultimate days sold out in a matter of days.
The National Sliding Centre in Beijing’s suburb Yanqing will host the bobsleigh and skeleton World Cup concurrently with the speed skating races. The Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final will also coincide with the popular short track World Cup race, illustrating the crowded schedule of winter sports events in Beijing.
The impact of hosting the Winter Olympics extends beyond the capital city. Southern regions of China, such as Chongqing and Shanghai, have already hosted skating competitions, signaling a shift in the geographical spread of winter sports. Harbin, in the northeast, secured the hosting rights for the 2025 Asian Winter Games, further fueling the popularity of winter sports in the region.
The Winter Olympics has ignited a passion for winter sports, with 300 million people participating in ice and snow activities across China. This surge in interest and participation has expanded the footprint of winter sports to southern provinces and regions. For the first time in history, provinces like Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guangdong have formed their winter sports teams, aiming to compete at the National Winter Games in 2024.
Mao Jiale, a sports commentator, emphasized that the growing popularity of winter sports, especially among the younger demographic, paves the way for broader talent development in China’s winter sports. Hosting the Winter Olympics marks the beginning of China’s ascent in winter sports, with the massive attention generated during the Beijing Olympics energizing a wide fan base across the country. This popularity is expected to continue growing in the years to come.
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