哈尔滨日报 2026-03-26 15:36 热点 进入频道
Olympic gold medalist Ning Zhongyan has officially joined the Harbin team for the 2026 Northeast China City Football League (“Northeast Super”), officials announced Wednesday, March 26th. The surprising move brings the speed skating champion to the pitch as the league prepares for its inaugural season.
The “Northeast Super” league will kick off on May 23rd and run through October, featuring eight teams representing cities across four provinces and regions: Liaoning (Shenyang, Dalian), Jilin (Changchun, Yanbian), Heilongjiang (Harbin, Jixi), and Inner Mongolia (Hohhot, Tongliao). The competition aims to foster regional collaboration and boost the popularity of soccer throughout Northeast China.
Harbin team head coach Ding Bing emphasized the positive impact of Ning Zhongyan’s addition, stating that the Olympic champion’s dedication and competitive spirit will inspire the entire team. “Ning Zhongyan’s arrival not only embodies the patriotism and fighting spirit of an Olympic champion, but also demonstrates the commitment of Heilongjiang sports and promotes positive energy,” Ding said. “It will have a exceptionally positive and far-reaching impact on enhancing the city’s image and the influence of the event, and on supporting national fitness and the construction of a sports power.”
Ding Bing also highlighted the team’s progress during a training camp in Beihai, Guangxi province. He noted significant improvements in the players’ physical conditioning, tactical understanding, and teamwork. “The players’ physical condition, endurance, and competitive intensity have been effectively improved, allowing them to better adapt to the high-intensity game rhythm,” Ding explained. “At the same time, the team’s overall tactical system has become more mature, with improvements in offensive and defensive connections, positional play, and transition speed, and the tacit understanding between players continues to improve.” The team will continue to refine its strategy as it prepares for the next phase of training.
The league is envisioned as a catalyst for integrated development in culture, tourism, and commerce across the region. Fans are already anticipating the chance to see the Olympic speed skating champion compete in a new sport.
