Xinjiang holds winter sports to welcome New Year

(ECNS) -- Residents in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region held a variety of winter sports to celebrate the New Year and the upcoming Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

On the first day of the New Year, over 30 winter swimming amateurs embraced the Bosten Lake, the largest inland fresh water lake in China. After warm-up exercises, they jumped into the freezing water.

"I come to swim in the Bosten Lake every winter. We call on more winter swimming enthusiasts to join us. My words for Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics: Follow your passion and show your brilliance. Come on, Chinese athletes!" said Cui Yuli, a winter swimming amateur.

During a goat grabbing game in Toksun County, 10 horsemen were divided into two teams on the snow-blanketed land, and they raced each other for a goat.

Yarkant County has witnessed various winter activities, including a snow tug-of-war, five-a-side football, and sliding snow tube relay, bringing unique winter delight to residents in southern Xinjiang.