China brings biathlon to thousands through nationwide International Biathlon Day activities

The Chinese Biathlon Association successfully celebrated International Biathlon Day 2026 through a series of large-scale activities held across three regions of the country, engaging several thousand participants and introducing biathlon to new audiences beyond traditional winter sports areas.

The celebrations took place in Hefei, Anhui Province (25–27 May), Chongqing Municipality (28–29 May), and Quanzhou, Fujian Province (30–31 May).

Activities included introductory sessions on biathlon, the Olympic spirit, and winter sports culture, alongside summer biathlon experiences combining running or ski-simulating exercises with laser and safe target shooting. Participants also enjoyed fun competitions, relay events designed for beginners, demonstrations by coaches and experienced athletes, and community engagement activities involving parents, teachers, and local leaders.

Yang Jiang, B4A Project Coordinator in China, explained the approach behind the initiative:

“In all three locations, we focused on bringing biathlon ‘into campuses, into communities, and into rural areas.’ Local organizers worked with schools, community centres, and village-level organizations to design programmes that combined basic biathlon education with interactive experiences.”

The events formed part of a broader effort to increase awareness of biathlon among young people and the general public, particularly in regions where winter sports have traditionally had a limited presence.

"Feedback from participating schools and communities was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in hosting similar activities on a regular basis," - Yang Jiang, B4A Project Coordinator in China.

Through this nationwide celebration, China demonstrated how biathlon can be adapted to different environments and communities, helping to inspire new generations of participants while expanding the reach of the sport across the country.