The International Skating Union (ISU) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have successfully concluded the 2026 OCA-ISU Asian Skating Youth Camps in Harbin, China, bringing together young athletes and coaches from across the continent for two weeks of training, skill development, and international exchange in Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating.

Closing Ceremony Ice Skating Show at the OCA–ISU Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp in Harbin, China. © OCA-ISU

Closing Ceremony at the OCA–ISU Asian Short Track Speed Skating Youth Camp in Harbin, China. ©  OCA-ISU

For the first time, Short Track Speed Skating and Figure Skating were delivered as part of a single development initiative, reflecting the ISU's and OCA's shared ambition to strengthen skating across Asia and create lasting pathways for the next generation of athletes. 

Former Olympic Pairs Figure Skater Wenjing Sui attending the Closing Ceremony of the OCA -ISU Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp in Harbin, China.  ©  OCA-ISU

The inaugural OCA-ISU Asian Short Track Speed Skating Youth Camp was held from 20–26 July, followed by the second OCA-ISU Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp from 28 July to 3 August, 2026. 

Training at the OCA–ISU Asian Short Track Speed Skating Youth Camp in Harbin, China. ©  OCA-ISU

In a video message shown during the closing ceremony, ISU President Jae Youl Kim congratulated the participants and highlighted the significance of this initiative for skating in Asia.

"Bringing these two disciplines together for the first time marks an important step forward for skating across Asia. Carry home the skills you have gained, together with the determination and friendships you have built here. These experiences will continue to shape your sporting journey. Until we meet again – skate on together." 

A long-term Commitment to Skating Development in Asia

A major highlight of the closing ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ISU, represented by ISU Council Member Wang Chunlu, the OCA and the Harbin Municipal Government. The agreement formalizes the parties' shared commitment to continue hosting the OCA-ISU Asian Skating Youth Camps in Harbin over the coming years.

Signatory ceremony between the ISU, OCA and Harbin Municipal Government in Harbin, China.  ©  OCA-ISU

The long-term partnership will provide sustained development opportunities for athletes and coaches across the continent while supporting preparations towards the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and beyond.

Training session during the OCA -ISU Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp in Harbin, China.  ©  OCA-ISU

Building Skills and a Community Spirit 

Throughout the two-week programme, participants benefited from world-class coaching, technical education and valuable opportunities to exchange experiences with peers from different countries and cultures. The camps embodied the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, while helping to build a stronger and more connected skating community across Asia.

Training at the OCA–ISU Asian Short Track Speed Skating Youth Camp in Harbin, China. ©  OCA-ISU

The ISU extends its sincere appreciation to the Olympic Council of Asia, the Harbin Municipal Government, the Harbin Sports Bureau, the Children of Asia International Committee, the Chinese Figure Skating Association, the Chinese Skating Association, as well as the ISU coaches and experts whose dedication and support made the camps a success.

Training session during the OCA -ISU Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp in Harbin, China. ©  OCA-ISU

Training at the OCA–ISU Asian Short Track Speed Skating Youth Camp in Harbin, China. ©  OCA-ISU

Outdoor Activity during the OCA -ISU Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp in Harbin, China.  ©  OCA-ISU