Competitors vie for position during a speed skating race. [Photo/Hohhot Evening News]

Fans and competitors alike had a ball at the 14th National Winter Games mass competitions – held on Jan 13-14 in Hohhot, capital of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

The events attracted 410 athletes and coaches from 21 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and the China Petroleum Sports Association.

After two days of fierce competing, the Jilin provincial team triumphed in two championships in the snow events, while the Hebei team secured two championships in the ice events. The Inner Mongolia team achieved the runner-up position in the women's 4 x 1,000 m cross-country skiing relay.

The winter games marked the first inclusion of mass competition events and was also the first time that ice and snow events were held simultaneously.

The participants ranged from kids to 59-year-old veterans, featuring thrilling competitions across all age groups.