Tests for ice-based sports at the 2022 Winter Olympics are ongoing in Beijing, China. And ice hockey is also being tested in the ten-day testing activities.
"We arrange the whole competition procedures and services strictly based on regulations from the International Ice Hockey Federation. And we do our research and tests bit by bit on every detail," said Lei Ming, deputy operation director of the National Indoor Stadium.
Players from university teams in action during the ice hockey test games in the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, April 2, 2021. /CGTN
Ice hockey is one of the most eagerly anticipated events at the upcoming games. It will be held in two venues including the National Indoor Stadium, with advanced ice-making technologies.
As a legacy of the Beijing 2008 summer games, the venue has been renovated into an arena for some 18,000 spectators per game.
Tests on ice hockey competition are ongoing in the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, April 2, 2021. /CGTN
Modern technologies are being used, as broadcasting technologies like VR promise a more interactive experience at the games.
"That's to capture the original event from multiple directions. Later on we can synthesize a full 360 degree of viewing angles to give the viewers the freedom to view the event from all kinds of angles," said Chen Baoquan, a professor from Peking University, who is also the chief scientist of the Interactive VR Broadcasting Project in the stadium.
Above all else, the quality of the facilities will be judged by the experience of athletes for this test, who are from four universities in the Chinese capital.
Reporters and athletes are in separated space to conduct interviews to prevent possible transmission of COVID-19 in the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China, April 2, 2021. /CGTN
"The surface of the ice rink is really, really flat. It's in line with the top international standards and far exceeds those where we usually train on," Wan Haoyuan, a student from Tsinghua University.
"This is the most professional field of play I've ever even. And the referees and working staff here are also very professional. An extremely smooth experience," said Wang Lang, a student from Capital University of Physical Education and Sports.
The tests will last until April 10 and then a comprehensive assessment will be made on the venue.