Experts praise Games' ice quality

The ice conditions at the Heilongjiang Ice Training Center have been hailed as "high quality" by experts from home and abroad.

"The ice is perfect for short-track speed skaters to achieve great results," said Xu Xun, a technical representative from the Asian Skating Union.

He noted that the ice temperature, indoor temperature and humidity all meet international standards, allowing athletes to perform at their peak.

Xu, working alongside Kim So-hee of the Republic of Korea, a technical representative appointed by the International Skating Union (ISU), emphasized the meticulous preparations for the competition.

"Our main responsibility is to ensure that all technical requirements for short-track speed skating are met, including the ice conditions, venue facilities, athletes' lounges and mixed zones. We'll fully record the relevant data and check everything," Xu said.

Harbin has a long history of hosting top-tier skating events, with its ice-making team boasting more than 40 years of experience. The team has worked on major international competitions, including the World Cup and World Championships.

According to Yu Jinqiao, who has maintained ice rinks since 2009, the ice surface at the Heilongjiang Ice Training Center is kept between — 6 C and — 7 C, with a thickness of 3.7 centimeters. The indoor temperature remains around 15 C, and humidity is maintained at 35 percent — all in line with ISU standards.

"Our team resurfaces the rink multiple times a day using triple-filtered purified water, and each resurfacing takes around 20 minutes," Yu said. He added that, unlike traditionally fuelled machines, the event is using electric ice resurfacers for a more eco-friendly approach.

With the competition already underway, teams from the ROK, Kazakhstan, India, and China were well-prepared after training at the venue.

"Many athletes tell us that the ice is perfect," Yu said.

Kazakhstan's short-track speed skating team, consisting of six athletes, were at the Center several days before the Games started.

"The rink is very good, and the ice is of high quality and fast. I think the athletes will achieve good results," said Petr Gamidov, head coach of Kazakhstan's short-track speed skating team.

"Our goals are, of course, medals, and we hope the athletes will have an intense and fair competition," Gamidov added.

Park Ji-won, a gold medal favorite on the ROK team, told Maeil Business Newspaper that he felt comfortable on the ice.

"I think the ice suits me well. I believe I have a better control and understanding of the ice than anyone else. I don't worry much about the ice, because I believe in myself," Park said.

With short-track speed skating involving aggressive, high-speed racing, ice quality is critical.

"During the relays, up to 20 athletes can be racing on the rink at the same time, which can damage the ice surface," Xu said. "Therefore, technical representatives will ensure that referees inspect the surface before every race to maintain competition fairness."

The short-track speed skating program got underway Friday morning and will finish on Sunday.

XINHUA