Harbin, China, July 28, 2026: Harbin Vice Mayor Li Mian has pledged the full support of the host city during the 2026 OCA-ISU Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp.
The camp has attracted 39 athletes and 15 coaches from 15 National Olympic Committees and will run from July 28 to August 3.
Of the 39 athletes, 29 are female and 10 male, while there are 13 female coaches and two male coaches.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, July 28, Vice Mayor Li said: “Harbin is committed to providing comprehensive support in venue management, accommodation and transportation, and event services, creating a safe and comfortable training environment for all participants.
“We wish everyone a wonderful training experience in this ‘Ice City’. We warmly invite you to explore Harbin during your free time, immersing yourself in its unique cultural charm and local atmosphere.”
Harbin, China's renowned "Ice City" in Heilongjiang province in the north-east of the country, is the birthplace of modern Chinese ice and snow sports and a city that has produced Olympic champions.
“Since the successful hosting of the 9th Asian Winter Games in 2025, our city has fully leveraged post-event venue resources to advance the construction of a high-level training center for Asian winter sports,” the Vice Mayor added.
“We have hosted the inaugural 2025 Asian Youth Figure Skating Training Camp and the 2026 Asian Youth Short Track Speed Skating Training Camp, while promoting the regular implementation of the Olympic Council of Asia–International Skating Union youth ice and snow training program in Harbin.
“This initiative provides education, training and talent exchange opportunities for countries and regions across Asia.”
Looking ahead to the signing of the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation covering 2026-2027 between the OCA, ISU and Harbin Municipal People’s Government later in the day, the Vice Mayor described it as an upgrade from single-event collaboration to a long-term strategic partnership.
“In the future, the three parties will work together to introduce high-level international ice and snow exchange programs, using ice and snow sports as a bridge for opening up to the outside world, fostering people-to-people connectivity and mutual learning among civilizations, and jointly building a new pattern of comprehensive and diverse cultural exchanges,” he said.
