Beijing, China, March 9, 2022: Chinese Para ice hockey player Yu Jing had an International Women’s Day she will never forget - playing for the men's team at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics.
The 38-year-old forward made her Paralympic debut in China’s 6-0 victory over Italy in the preliminary round of the men’s Para ice hockey tournament on Tuesday, March 8. Yu had a total time of 5 minutes 19 seconds on the ice.
As she walked into the post-game media interview zone carrying a bouquet of roses, Chinese journalists ran towards her. Not a single male player on the roster got as much attention.
“I am feeling really good right now,” said Yu. “I was able to compete against Italy on this special day. It makes me feel meaningful as well. This is a perfect day for me.” After missing the first two victories against Slovakia and Czech Republic, Yu got the chance to show her skills in front of the home audience at the National Indoor Stadium.
“I played wheelchair basketball before and then a friend introduced me to Para ice hockey. At first, I didn’t have any idea about the sport, but when I tried it for the first time, it really made me happy. That is why I continued to play it.”
Although she is the only female player at the Games, Yu is not the sole Para ice hockey player in China.
“There are many girls in China who would like to join the sport and there are many who play it. I am the representative of these female players in this team. I got the chance to play for the national team and be on this stage to show the power of Chinese women to the world.”
Yu is just the third woman to play Para ice hockey in the Winter Paralympics – after Norway’s Brit Mjaasund Oeyen at Lillehammer 1994 and Lena Schroeder at PyeongChang 2018.
Being on the team with 17 male players is not an issue for Yu.
“They treat me like their little sister,” she said with a big smile on her face. “They are taking care of me and protecting me on a daily basis. I feel like a giant panda that everyone takes care of.”
Source: International Paralympic Committee