Chinese athletes cemented their status as winter sports powerhouses on Day 2 of the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, claiming seven gold medals across freestyle skiing, cross-country events, and short track skating. The victory surge highlights China’s growing influence in winter athletics following its successful 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Freestyle Skiing Takes Flight
Olympic champion Xu Mengtao claimed gold in women’s aerials with a near-flawless 90.94-point performance, while teammates Chen Xuezheng (silver) and Li Xinpeng (men’s aerials gold) underscored China’s aerial dominance. A historic podium sweep in men’s aerials saw Li Xinpeng, Yang Longxiao, and Qi Guangpu secure all medals.
Cross-Country Conquest
China dominated the women’s 5km cross-country freestyle, with Bayani Jialin (gold), Dinigeer Yilamujiang (silver), and Chi Chunxue (bronze) locking out the podium. Ski mountaineering events followed suit, as Cidanyuzhen (women’s sprint) and Xinjiang’s Buluer (men’s) led clean sweeps for Team China.
Short Track Drama
Fan Kexin anchored China’s women’s 3,000m relay team to gold against fierce South Korean competition, while a controversial men’s 5,000m relay finale saw China claim bronze after South Korea’s disqualification. Kazakhstan and Japan capitalized on the chaos to take gold and silver.
With the Games continuing through February 7, all eyes remain on China’s bid to top the medal tally while showcasing Harbin’s winter sports infrastructure to a global audience.
Reference(s):
China continues dominance with strong displays at Asian Winter Games
cgtn.com
