MKS sports capital of China, Jan 31, 2023. Photo:Xinhua" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2023/2023-01-05/a66c2657-ca00-470b-8b1c-289e8f7c5c39.jpeg" />

People enjoy creative ice-and-snow activities at Big Air Shougang in Beijing, capital of China. Photo:Xinhua

Beijing will host three major international winter sports events from late November to early December, the ISU Speed Skating World Cup, the FIS Snowboard and the Freestyle Ski Big Air World Cup, and the ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup, officials said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Olympic champion Fan Kexin will make her return at the ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup (Beijing leg), significantly boosting the team's strength and competitiveness. 

"With time, the dynamics of short track speed skating have changed considerably, and many new talents have emerged from various countries," Fan told reporters. "We need to adapt and rise to the challenges of competing against these strong opponents." 

After returning from the World Cup, the Chinese team has been training in a highly positive atmosphere, with everyone actively adjusting their mind-sets and training intensity, Fan said.  

"The 2024-25 season is the final full season before the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, and national teams across all winter sports disciplines are going all out to prepare," said Xing Shuo, a deputy director of the Winter Sports Administration Center at the General Administration of Sport of China.  

Xing revealed that this season, China will host 28 international winter sports competitions, including eight ice events and 20 snow events, 16 of which are classified as international A-level events. Half of these competitions will take place at Beijing Winter Olympics venues.  

The FIS Snowboard and Freestyle Ski Big Air World Cup will be staged at the Big Air Shougang, with the Chinese team fielding five snowboarders, including Olympic champion Su Yiming, and eight freestyle skiers. Su will once again aim for the gold, while many younger athletes, aged between 16 and 18, will make their World Cup debuts.  

The Big Air World Cup, hosted by the International Ski Federation, is an A-level international competition and qualifying event for the 2026 ­Milan Winter Olympics, with results contributing to athletes' world rankings. Around 200 athletes are expected to compete for spots in the 2026 Winter Olympics.  

"We are committed to implementing the spirit of managing and leveraging the legacy of the ­Beijing Winter Olympics," said Guo Jun, a deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports. 

"By hosting world-class winter sports events, we aim to drive the sustainable development of winter sports and the ice and snow industry," Guo added.  

Guo stressed that as the world's only "dual Olympic city," Beijing boasts state-of-the-art sports facilities, a seasoned event management team, and extensive experience in event operations. The city is dedicated to creating a fair, comfortable, and safe environment for all participants.  

Since the 2022 Winter Olympics, Beijing has fully utilized its Olympic venues, such as the Ice Ribbon (National Speed Skating Oval) and Big Air Shougang, opening them to the public. 

These iconic venues have become popular winter tourism landmarks, attracting numerous visitors for ice skating, skiing, and other activities. This integration of professional sports with public life highlights the growing accessibility of winter sports.