"China commence figure skating training program for Asian children"
Harbin Hosts International Figure Skating Training Camp for Young Athletes
The International Figure Skating Training Camp in Harbin took place from early August to August 18, 2025, bringing together young figure skaters from 20 countries. This camp was a platform for nurturing talents, promoting Olympic values, and fostering international friendships.
The training camp, a joint effort by several organisations including the CAIC, OCA, ISU, Chinese Olympic Committee, Chinese Figure Skating Association, government of Harbin, and Harbin Sports Bureau, was held in the city of Harbin. The camp provided comprehensive technical training on and off the ice, with training sessions under the guidance of experienced ISU instructors, off-ice lessons such as the OCA’s ‘Guarding the Asian Games’ initiative, and cultural and recreational activities to strengthen bonds and exchange experiences among the athletes.
The opening ceremony of the camp was marked by speeches from Wissam Trkmany, General Secretary of the CAIC and Director of Development of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Sherzod Asatullayev, Vice-President of the Asia Pacific Children's Games International Committee (CAIC), a representative of the International Skating Union (ISU) and head coach Julien Yee, and Mr. Bai Zhiguo, Director of the Sports Bureau of Harbin.
Sherzod Asatullayev expressed delight at creating an opportunity for children to grow and strive for Olympic heights. Visam Trkmany, General Secretary of the International "Children of Asia" Committee and Director of Development of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), expressed confidence that the camp will inspire athletes to reach new heights. Mr. Bai Zhiguo, Director of the Sports Bureau of Harbin, expressed gratitude for the support of several organisations and hoped that athletes will enhance their skills, foster friendly relations, and build a bright future for Asian sports.
A special moment during the opening ceremony was the parade of participating countries. Athletes from all Asian countries and regions were expected to participate in the camp, showcasing a diverse group of figure skating programs primarily from Asia but not limited to it.
The camp's key objectives were to provide comprehensive technical training on and off the ice, foster international athlete exchange and development in figure skating, especially in Asia, and inspire emerging skating nations. The camp was officially welcomed by the Olympic Council of Asia.
The camp concluded around August 18 with a closing ceremony. The International Figure Skating Training Camp in Harbin 2025 combined elite coaching, athlete development, and regional cooperation to support the growth of figure skating among youth athletes from multiple countries.
Educational courses on the Olympic movement, anti-doping, and other important topics for young athletes were conducted by the International "Children of Asia" Committee and OCA throughout the camp. Cultural and recreational activities were organised to further strengthen bonds and exchange experiences among the athletes.
The camp was supported by the Olympic Council of Asia, Olympic Committee of China, General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), and Chinese Figure Skating Association. The training camp in Harbin served as a platform for nurturing talents, promoting Olympic values, and fostering international friendships, setting a strong foundation for the future of figure skating in Asia.
Athletes participated in various sports, including figure skating, during the cultural and recreational activities at the International Figure Skating Training Camp. The diverse group of figure skating programs were not only limited to Asia, creating an opportunity for international friendships and exchange.
Sherzod Asatullayev, expressing delight, stated that the camp provided a chance for children to grow towards Olympic heights, suggesting an involvement in multiple sports.
