Excitement sizzles for National Winter Games

Four-year wait nearly over, as locals and athletes get ready for action

HOHHOT, China — The countdown to China's 14th National Winter Games, which will open in Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Feb 17, has begun.

The four-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed for extensive upgrades to the venues and infrastructure, using the experience of the Beijing Winter Olympics as a reference.

The Inner Mongolia Ice Sports Training Center, the main venue for the Games in the host city of Hulun Buir, has undergone a series of upgrades to meet the standard for high-level competition.