Qiao Xinyu, Chongqing's only national technical official (NTO) of ice events during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, now works in Chongqing's Winter Sports Administration Center. Serving as NTO of ice hockey during the Olympics, he officiated at 16 competitions.

An ice hockey competition is staffed by four court referees and 21 off-court referees, with the former working on the ice. Like court referees of football and basketball competitions, ice hockey competitions have to observe the players and call the violation promptly. Qiao Xinyu, as an off-court referee, worked at the stand on the second floor. He mainly took charge of recording the results of the two teams' athletes competing for the ball on the computer. 

Qiao Xinyu, as an off-court referee, worked in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. (Photo/ Chongqing Daily)

"I officiated at 16 competitions during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics," said Qiao. He said that he still felt tension besides pride during the competitions, though with previous experience in the test events. "Undoubtedly, the ice hockey competitions in the Winter Olympics are fiercer than the test events. We must keep an eye on the competitions and record the results of competing for the ball on the computer," said Qiao. He hardly got up from the chair during a single competition. That's why he always felt sore all over after each competition.

Despite the hard work, he felt very honored. "When the commentators analyzed a competition according to the data I offered, I felt proud. I also felt the meaning of my work. It helps more ice hockey enthusiasts to learn more about the sport."

Qiao Xinyu, as an off-court referee, worked in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. (Photo/ Chongqing Daily)

Qiao said that he feels most fortunate to officiate at the first Chinese men's ice hockey team competition in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and the competition between China and Canada for the top eight. "Though the results of the Chinese team in the two competitions were not so good, I feel hopeful about the future of this sport in China as the Chinese players' spirit of struggling really impressed me."

Besides, the experience of being a referee of ice hockey in the Winter Olympics gave Qiao some ideas of the sport's future development in Chongqing. "Chongqing has already owned a good foundation in ice hockey development, especially after the city won the second place at the 2021 Chinese Men's Ice Hockey Championship, which provided the city with a good opportunity to develop the sport," said Qiao. He added that after the end of the Paralympic Winter Games, he would share the feelings of officiating at the ice hockey competitions as an off-court referee. In addition, he would also organize various campus activities and lectures to get more people involved in ice hockey and feel the sport's unique charm.

Qiao Xinyu, as an off-court referee, worked in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. (Photo/ Chongqing Daily)