Case study: China demonstrates new pathways for growing biathlon beyond the snow

China has taken an innovative approach to expanding biathlon by using the 2026 International Biathlon Day as a platform to introduce the sport to communities far beyond the country's traditional winter regions. Presented by Yang Jiang, Team Leader of the Chinese National Biathlon Team and Biathlon 4 All Project Coordinator for China, the initiative showcased how dryland biathlon can create new opportunities for participation in areas with little or no snowfall.

Following the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, the Chinese programme focuses on making biathlon accessible through roller skiing and laser shooting, enabling schools and local communities across southern China to experience the sport without the need for snow. This approach addresses one of the country's biggest challenges: expanding biathlon beyond its traditional strongholds in the northern provinces.

To demonstrate the concept, three distinct activity models were implemented during the 2026 China Biathlon Activity Days.

In Hefei (Anhui Province), six schools took part in a large-scale school showcase that combined champion-led sessions with practical activities, successfully integrating biathlon into the educational environment. In nearby Linquan, the programme focused on rural outreach through a long-term support initiative that brought urban and rural pupils together in shared biathlon lessons, strengthening both sporting and social connections.

The city of Chongqing hosted its first-ever Biathlon Activity Day, welcoming families to an event featuring a launch ceremony, educational workshops, hands-on roller skiing and laser shooting, and a fun relay competition. Supported by five national biathlon athletes, the event introduced the sport to a completely new audience in one of China's largest metropolitan areas.

Meanwhile, Dehua in Fujian Province highlighted the inclusive values of Biathlon 4 All by organising an event where para-athletes and able-bodied participants competed on the same course. More than 1,200 participants attended, demonstrating how the sport can promote inclusion while reaching large community audiences.

The Chinese initiative concluded that the "Dryland + In Schools + For All" model has been successfully validated across multiple regions. By combining school-based education, community engagement and inclusive participation, China has demonstrated that biathlon can thrive even in zero-snow environments, providing a scalable blueprint for expanding the sport to new regions and inspiring future generations of athletes.

See the full presentation on IBU Learning Suite.