With the 2024 Winter Asian Games just around the corner, the Chinese curling team is in the final preparation stage, with athletes putting in hours on the ice in hopes of bringing home medals.
Curling is often referred to as "chess on ice" because of its high degree of strategy, precision and tactics. It may seem slow-paced at first glance, but the intensity and complexity of the game become quickly apparent. It's a test of both physical and mental strength, requiring skills like ice sweeping, fast recovery of physical strength, and strategic precision.
Chinese curlers Han Yu and Wang Zhiyu both have extensive experience in international competitions, including the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
During a recent interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), the athletes shared some of their daily training.
"After a round of ice sweeping, my heart rate peaks, reaching about 170 to 180 bpm. We do a lot of anaerobic training to improve our recovery. After sweeping the ice, it only takes about 10 to 20 seconds for me to recover," Han said.
"These 14 years have been about repetitive training. Over the past 14 years, we throw and slide every day. It's become muscle memory now," Wang said.
For the first time, the mixed doubles event will be featured in the 9th Asian Winter Games, which is scheduled to be held in Harbin City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, from February 7 to 14.
The athletes said they are ramping up efforts to hone their skills.
"During the training stage, we're both giving our best, working hard to make improvement where we are insufficient," Han said.
The curlers said the whole team is feeling a mix of excitement and determination, and with the games fast approaching, their goal is clear.
"I think everyone in the China Curling Team shares the same goal. That is to win the gold medal," Wang said.
"The ultimate goal is to qualify for the Milan (Cortina) Winter Olympics and to win medals," he continued.
China's curling team gearing up for upcoming Asian Winter Games
China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong has completed a significant upgrade and started underwater trials, according to the country's Ministry of Natural Resources.
The China-made underwater ship, named after a mythical sea dragon, is capable of diving to depths exceeding 7,000 meters. It has completed over 300 dives since its maiden mission in August 2009 and explored waters in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.
This latest upgrade, which began in November last year, aims to enhance its capabilities and support more frequent deep-sea missions.
According to the National Deep Sea Base Management Center, the upgrade focuses on critical components like the propulsion system and battery packs.
The propulsion system has been adjusted structurally to increase the speed from 2.5 to over three nautical miles per hour, with the replacement of three-bladed propellers with more efficient four-bladed versions.
The zinc-silver battery pack has been replaced with high-energy-density flexible lithium battery pack, which aims to improve the power reserve and reduce diving costs.
The submersible's observation capabilities have also been enhanced. An array of cameras, including high-definition video cameras and powerful lighting systems, are equipped to facilitate underwater exploration and resource assessment.
Further upgrades include two more LED light arrays at the front and three more lights at the rear and bottom, expanding the submersible's detection range and improving its ability to locate specific targets.
"This upgrade prioritizes enhancing our operational tools. We've upgraded the electrical systems, propulsion, mechanical components, observation, and communications equipment to cater to the needs of deep-sea exploration and improve operational efficiency," said Qi Haibin, a submersible pilot.
Following the underwater trials to test its stability, Jiaolong will undergo sea trials in the South China Sea in March to validate its enhanced capabilities.
"Jiaolong will be sent to the South China Sea to conduct deep-sea equipment verification. After completing the process, there will be extensive missions ahead of us," Qi said.
The submersible is scheduled for further scientific expeditions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans later this year.
China's manned deep-sea submersible completes major upgrade, prepares for exploration
