China sets sights on 2026 Olympics following successful National Winter Games

The curtains have closed on China's 14th National Winter Games in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, marking the end of a truly extraordinary domestic winter sporting spectacle. The closing ceremony was a burst of energy, enthusiasm and pure joy, encapsulating the vibrant spirit of the event.  

By all accounts, the Games have been an overwhelming success. A remarkable total of 35 delegations from across China participated in this highly anticipated winter gala, following in the footsteps of the prestigious Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Notably, 30 of these delegations, including provinces as far south as Guangdong and Yunnan, achieved hard-earned success, securing medals for their outstanding performances.

Yu Haiyan, the deputy director of China's Winter Sports Management Center, hailed the Games as a living testament to the lasting legacies of Beijing 2022 in the country's winter sports development.

"The timing of the Games during the Chinese Lunar New Year and winter break period allowed an increasing number of people, whether present at the venues or glued to their TV screens, to once again experience the captivating charm of ice and snow sports," Yu observed.

"This powerful exposure is poised to further ignite the passion of individuals, particularly the younger generation, towards winter sports, nurturing their love and enthusiasm," she added.

"Moreover, with China's continuous economic, social and technological advancements, the infrastructure for ice and snow sports has expanded to the southern regions of the country. This progress assures me that the fervor and engagement in winter sports will continue to escalate in the south, inspiring a wider participation and interest among the populace."

The National Winter Games have also been a defining moment for China's finest athletes, including the illustrious Olympic champions like Su Yiming. His achievements in men's snowboard slopestyle and Big Air, clinching two gold medals in Inner Mongolia, have once again showcased his exceptional talent on the snow. 

Beyond their triumphs, these Games have served as a pivotal stepping stone in their rigorous preparation for the upcoming 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. The Games have encompassed all the events featured in the Olympics, providing these athletes with ample opportunities to develop and refine their skills.  

Moreover, the adherence to the same rules and regulations as the Winter Olympics further solidified the Games' significance, ensuring a seamless transition for athletes as they embark on their journey towards international glory.

"These Games have provided a centralized platform to exhibit the accomplishments of China's winter sports development in the post-Winter Olympics era," said Zhang Xin, an official with the General Administration of Sport of China.

"As the Games come to a close, we will proceed to enhance and refine relevant policies. By leveraging the guiding influence of these policies, we aim to encourage provinces, regions and cities to sustain their focus on the growth of winter sports.

"Our objective is to intensify the cultivation of indigenous talent, facilitate the orderly flow of talent, and strive for a continuous enhancement in the competitive level of winter sports disciplines."

Su, at just 20 years old, echoed the sentiment with unwavering determination. "My aspiration has never faltered," he declared. "It remains to elevate Chinese winter sports to the very pinnacle of the world stage."