Source: Xinhua
03-02-2009 16:10
Special Report: Harbin 24th Winter UniversiadeHARBIN, Northeast China, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- First-time host China made the history of winning the medal race for the first time as the 24th Winter Universiade concluded here on Saturday.
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| Liu Peng (Front R) , director of the General Administration of Sports of China declares the games close during the closing ceremony of the 24th World Winter Universiade in Harbin, capital city of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 28, 2009. (Xinhua Photo) |
Liu Peng, director of the General Administration of Sports of China, declared the Games close, before the lowering of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the extinguishing of the flame.
Sending most of its top athletes in winter sports to compete with second-string competitors from abroad, China collected 18 golds, 18 silvers and 12 bronzes to edge traditional powerhouse Russia to the second place, bettering its best previous finish of a third at the Tarvisio Universiade in 2003.
As Chinese skaters and skiers enjoyed golden harvest in speed skating, short track, freestyle aerials and figure skating, the most exciting victory came from the Heilongjiang Skating Gymnasium, where the Chinese women beat title favorite Canada in the curling final for their first international team title in winter sports.
The Chinese women's ice hockey team also made historical breakthrough despite a brave 3-1 loss to Canada in the final. The silver medal was their best finish at any international tournament.
