CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- With ski poles in hand and cross-country roller shoes on their feet, young athletes shot forward like arrows at the referee’s signal, racing along the riverbank in Hechuan. On September 23, the "China Mobile Cup" Cross-Country Roller Skiing Race of the 7th Games of Chongqing (hereinafter referred to as the 7th Games) kicked off in Hechuan District. The event involved 168 athletes from 32 districts and counties across the city, who would compete for 12 gold medals in the following three days. As a sport event newly introduced in the Games of Chongqing, its exciting and thrilling scenes on the first day left a deep impression on many spectators.

The competition is divided into two groups: Youth Group A and Youth Group B, featuring four items: individual sprint (free technique), 5-km race (free technique), 2.5-km race (free technique), and team sprint (classic technique).

What's the difference between roller skating and snow skiing? Yang Guangjun, chief coach of the delegation from Hechuan District, explained: "Cross-country roller skating takes place on land, and its movement principles and technical requirements are almost identical to cross-country skiing. The key is that it makes winter sports possible during summer."

"By including cross-country roller skating as a separate event in the Games of Chongqing, we aim to provide more opportunities for youth across the city to participate in winter sports and promote this foundational sport, which will help lay a solid foundation for the development of cross-country skiing in Chongqing," said Zhang Ge, director of the Chongqing Winter Sports Center, stated. (Translated by Jane, Fathom Language Limited)