Changchun 2027 Winter Universiade Set to Spotlight Global Ice Sports
The 2027 Winter Universiade will open its doors in Jilin, China, from January 15 to 25, 2028, marking the first time the multi‑sport event is staged on Chinese soil. Organisers say the Games will bring together thousands of student‑athletes from across the world for a celebration of sport and academic excellence.
Ice hockey will feature 18 teams competing for the gold medal, with men’s squads drawn from Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Slovakia and the United States. The women’s tournament will see South Korea and Great Britain represented, while reserve teams from Korea and Great Britain stand ready to step in should any nation withdraw.
Curling Brings a Record 30 Nations to the Ice
In the curling arena, a record 30 countries and regions will field teams, spanning men’s, women’s and mixed‑doubles competitions. Participants include Canada, Australia, China, Spain, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Germany, Japan, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the United States, among others, promising a truly international contest.
Student‑neutral athletes representing the Russian Federation are slated to compete in both curling and ice hockey, adding another layer of geopolitical nuance to the Games. Should any nation be forced to withdraw, the Universiade’s regulations provide for reserve teams to take their place, ensuring continuity of competition.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the event is being positioned as a showcase for China’s growing capability to host winter‑sport championships. Local officials say the Games will also foster cultural exchange and highlight Jilin’s winter tourism potential.