Daegu & Gyeongbuk Winter Sports: Short Track, Hockey & Curling Success

Gangwon Province secured its first overall victory at the 23rd National Winter Sports Games for the Disabled, concluding on January 30, 2026, according to a statement released by the Gangwon Provincial Government.

The competition, held from January 27th to 30th, drew approximately 1,000 participants, including 650 athletes and 350 officials and staff. Athletes competed across seven disciplines: alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, curling, and short track speed skating. Gangwon Province fielded a team of 51 athletes, the largest contingent in all seven events.

Despite facing larger delegations from Seoul (74 athletes) and Gyeonggi Province (70 athletes), Gangwon’s success was attributed to systematic training and strategic development, resulting in a balanced performance across all disciplines. The province’s para ice hockey team extended its winning streak to 17 consecutive victories, while the wheelchair curling team claimed its fourth consecutive title.

Governor Kim Jin-tae of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province stated that the victory was “the fruit of continued investment and cooperation,” and acknowledged the “sweat and effort of the athletes.”

The 23rd National Winter Sports Festival for the Disabled is a precursor to the larger National Winter Sports Festival, the 107th iteration of which is scheduled to grab place between February 25th and February 28th, 2026, in Gangwon Province. The Korean National Sports Festival, an annual event featuring approximately 20,000 athletes from 16 cities and provinces competing in around 40 sports, typically occurs each October and rotates among major cities like Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Incheon.

The Daegu delegation will participate in the upcoming festival, competing in alpine skiing, ice hockey, and curling with a total of 32 participants, including 18 athletes and 14 officials.