China's Record Haul at Asian Winter Games Amid Calls for Improvement

China secured the top spot at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin with 32 gold medals, doubling the tally of South Korea. However, delegation head Zhou Jinqiang emphasized the need for improved standards to compete globally. The success in snow sports marked a pivotal shift in China's winter sports development.

China emerged as the dominant force at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, ending the event with a record-breaking total of 32 gold medals, which was double the tally of closest competitors, South Korea. In addition, the host nation secured 27 silvers and 26 bronze, setting a new high in medal collection for the Games.

Despite this impressive achievement, Zhou Jinqiang, the head of China's delegation and vice president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, underscored the necessity for improved standards to meet global competition head-on. Zhou highlighted weaknesses in training, talent development, and coaching systems as areas needing urgent attention before the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The shift in China's victories, with 19 golds coming from snow sports over the traditional ice sports, signifies a broader development effort since their successful bid for the Beijing Winter Olympics. Japan took third, with Kazakhstan fourth after securing four golds, while the Philippines celebrated their first Asian Winter Games victory in men's curling.