Snow and ice sports forge warm bilateral relations

The 2025 China-Russia International Winter Sports Series kicked off on Feb 22 in Heihe city, Heilongjiang province, and Blagoveshchensk, Amur Oblast, Russia. Serving as an outstanding platform for athletic competition and cultural exchange, the event underscores the deepening ties between the two nations through winter sports.

Pang Da, vice-chairman of the Heilongjiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, highlighted the competition's role in fostering China-Russia cooperation. "As a key sports event between Heilongjiang and Amur Oblast, the series will further promote cultural and athletic exchanges while driving deeper integration across multiple sectors," he said.

He expressed confidence that the event would inspire greater public interest in winter sports and sustain enthusiasm for ice and snow activities. "We sincerely hope that athletes from both countries will give their all, demonstrating resilience, sportsmanship and competitive excellence while also learning from one another beyond the arena," Pang added.

Amur Oblast Governor Vasily Orlov emphasized the long-standing tradition of sports collaboration between China and Russia. "For years, our two regions have hosted events such as ice hockey friendship matches and international ice and snow car challenges on the Heilongjiang River, which have become emblematic of our cities. I wish the athletes success in showcasing their skills, fostering camaraderie, and strengthening the friendship between our peoples," he said.

Ahead of the opening ceremony, dignitaries and 20 volunteers took part in a creative ice and snow postcard painting activity, adding an artistic dimension to the festivities. The ceremony was followed by an exhilarating ice hockey friendship match, complemented by cultural performances from Chinese and Russian artists, which imbued the competition with a lively and festive atmosphere. A dedicated food zone at the main venue offered spectators a selection of authentic delicacies, enhancing their overall experience.

A centerpiece of the event, the China-Russia Heilongjiang International Ice Hockey Friendship Match, has been held six times since 2017, while the China-Russia Heilongjiang International Ice and Snow Car Challenge has taken place twice.

This year saw the introduction of a new competition — the Zeya River International Winter Swimming Event. Spanning two days, the series brought together more than 200 athletes and international visitors, offering a dynamic showcase of winter sports and cultural exchange.

In recent years, Heihe has prioritized China-Russia cultural and sports collaboration, organizing signature events such as the China-Russia Cultural Fair and the cross-border swimming challenge. Looking forward, the city aims to leverage its ice and snow resources to develop the China-Russia Winter Sports Series into a globally recognized platform for international exchange, enhancing its status as a key cultural and sports hub.

The year 2024 marked the 75th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations and the inaugural year of the China-Russia Cultural Year. Since 2006, the two nations have alternated hosting thematic years, including the Year of the Russian Language, the Year of the Chinese Language, the Year of Youth Friendship and Exchanges, and the Year of Tourism. More recently, 2020-21 was designated as the Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation, while 2022-23 focused on sports exchanges.