The International Skating Union (ISU) announced that all four world championships in ice skating, along with an annual awards ceremony, will be held together in Beijing in 2028 as a major showcase for the sport [1]. This event will bring together the disciplines of figure skating, speed skating, short track, and synchronized skating in a single city for the first time in ISU history [1]. According to ISU president Jae Youl Kim, this unified event will allow athletes, fans, broadcasters, partners, and stakeholders from every skating discipline to come together on one stage [1].
Beijing, which previously hosted the 2022 Olympics, will utilize its two Olympic skating venues as well as the National Indoor Stadium, which was used for ice hockey during the 2022 Games [1]. The event is set to take place six years after the Beijing Olympics and will serve as the midway point between the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games and the 2030 French Alps Winter Games [1]. While synchronized skating is not currently on the Olympic program, it will be included in this unified championship [1].
The specific dates for the 2028 Beijing championships have not yet been announced [1]. The ISU's decision to consolidate all world championships and the awards ceremony in one location is positioned as a significant milestone for the sport, aiming to enhance visibility and engagement across all skating disciplines [1].
CONCLUSION
The ISU's decision to host all ice skating world championships together in Beijing in 2028 marks a historic first for the sport. This unified event is expected to boost the profile of all skating disciplines and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders.