People are skating on the ice at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing. Photo: VCG

The National Speed Skating Oval, known as the "Ice Ribbon," will host its first national-level short track speed skating competition from Friday to Sunday, as it welcomes the National Short Track Speed Skating Championships, according to Xinhua News Agency on Thursday.

The skating hall of the Oval boasts an ice surface of about 12,000 square meters, making it the largest speed skating stadium in Asia. During the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics speed skating events, the "Ice Ribbon" has set one world record and 10 Olympic records, earning the reputation of being the "fastest ice," Xinhua reported. 

The speed skating events have been primarily held in the outer track while the center of the rink includes a standard ice surface suitable for short track, figure skating, and other events. Meanwhile, the upcoming National Short Track Speed Skating Championships will utilize the central competition area.

At the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Chinese skater Gao Tingyu won the gold medal in the men's 500-meter speed skating event, marking China's first gold medal in men's speed skating at the Winter Olympics. 

While this time, approximately 160 athletes, including Chinese skaters Ren Ziwei, Zhong Yuchen, and Song Jiarui, will compete here, presenting audiences with another high-level competition at the "Ice Ribbon."

The three-day National Short Track Speed Skating Championships will include events such as the 500-meter, 1000-meter, 1500-meter, and relay races. 

Luo Le, a sports commentator based in Beijing, told the Global Times on Thursday that the main reason this competition is being held at the Ice Ribbon is due to the venue's advanced design and concept, which are well-suited to host such events. 

According to Xinhua, the venue is a sustainable venue equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including innovative energy-conservation and low-carbon emission techniques. It uses heat generated from ice-making to melt ice in the ice-melting cistern and maintain ice surface. These techniques will help to save about 2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year.

Luo pointed out that another primary reason is the intention to continue leveraging the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

"The utilization of venues after major competitions is a common problem for the whole world. The way we increase the utilization rate and diversify the use of high-level venues after major events is a great example for others," he said.

The "Ice Ribbon" has always continued to explore integrated development in multiple fields, enhancing the value of the "fastest ice" and allowing the Winter Olympics legacy to benefit more people.

For instance, the International Skating Union (ISU) Speed Skating World Cup in Beijing took place at the "Ice Ribbon" from November 29 to December 1, American skater Jordan Stolz won four gold medals and set new venue records in the men's 500-meter and 1000-meter events, while Ning Zhongyan of China secured the men's 1,000-meter bronze medal.

ISU President Kim Jae-youl praised Beijing's rich Olympic legacy and the excellent ice conditions at the National Speed Skating Oval and Capital Indoor Stadium. He also commended the high-level organization of the events and noted that China has many outstanding athletes who can inspire more young people to participate in the sport.

Since opening to the public in July 2022, the "Ice Ribbon" has hosted over 1.4 million visitors for tours, training, and skating experiences. The venue has offered practice classes and activities for all ages, allowing students to learn more about the Chinese technology and solutions behind the Winter Olympics, such as carbon dioxide ice-making technology and the cable structure of the building.

During the current national ice and snow season, the "Ice Ribbon" has presented a variety of cultural and sports events, including the premiere of a multimedia music drama dedicated to the renowned Dunhuang culture. In addition, following the National Short Track Speed Skating Championships, events such as the Fight King International Gold Belt Championship and New Year's Eve concerts will also be held at the National Speed Skating Oval.