(From L to R) Fan Kexin, Wang Xinran, Gong Li and Zhang Chutong of China celebrate after the women's 3,000m relay final match of the short track speed skating event at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on Feb 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 9th Asian Winter Games continued to deliver thrilling performances on Feb 9, with Qingdao athlete Gong Li playing a decisive role in securing China's first gold medal of the competition. In a gripping women's 3,000m short track relay final, Gong Li made a crucial pass in the final moments, helping the Chinese team cross the finish line first and claim gold.

This victory marks the first-ever gold medal for Qingdao in Asian Winter Games history, adding to the excitement as Gong Li also contributed to Qingdao's first-ever medal at the games the day before. During the relay semifinals, Gong Li took a strategic rest, allowing her teammates to advance to the final with a victory over Kazakhstan.

In the final, Gong Li was the second racer to compete. Teammate Fan Kexin led the team to an early advantage, but South Korea was close on their heels, even managing to overtake them at one point. With just two laps remaining, Gong Li took over, and in a thrilling final sprint, she surged past her South Korean competitor on the outside, crossing the finish line first with a time of 4:11.371.

Following the dramatic win, Gong Li and her teammates raised the national flag in celebration. The five-star red flag proudly flew above the ice rink, marking an unforgettable moment for both China and Qingdao at the Asian Winter Games.