The central division of the 2026 Heilongjiang Border Sports Games commenced on Friday atop the frozen expanse of Xiuen Lake in Jiejinkou Hezhe Ethnic Town, Tongjiang City. This event forms a crucial segment of the broader Heilongjiang Ice and Snow Sports Super League, which is structured into eastern, central, and northern divisional competitions.
The opening ceremony in Tongjiang drew six competing teams representing border regions including Tongjiang, Fuyuan City, Raohe County, Suibin County, Luobei County, and Jiayin County. The games uniquely blend competitive athleticism with cultural celebration, featuring a diverse program of activities.
Competitions include popular community-based winter sports like snow soccer alongside traditional ethnic games that preserve local heritage. Notable traditional events featured deer hairball, a game with deep cultural roots, snow rabbit hunting simulations, and precision archery contests. These activities showcase the rich cultural tapestry of the region’s Hezhe ethnic community while promoting winter sports participation.
The sporting festival will continue through February and March with additional competitions scheduled in Mishan and Mohe, where teams from other border areas of Heilongjiang province will form delegations to participate in the remaining divisional events of the league.