China's Olympic gold medalists will not attend the upcoming Winter Universiade in Harbin, the capital city of northeast Heilongjiang province.

The Chinese delegation was named yesterday in the chilly city, famous for its towering ice sculptures, which will play host to the biennial event from Feb 18-28.

Short track speed skating queen Wang Meng and freestyle aerial skier Han Xiaopeng, both champions at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, were forced to withdraw from the games due to injuries, officials said.

Wang Beixing, a rising star in the world of women's speed skating, will also be absent because of her overseas training schedule.

But the 359-member delegation still features some big names, including Olympic figure skating silver medalists Zhang Dan/Zhang Hao and women's free skiing aerials Olympic runner-up Li Nina.

Sending its largest delegation ever to the event, China has targeted six to eight gold medals for a top-three finish.

The 24th Winter Universiade will feature 12 sports divided into 82 disciplines. Up to now, over 3,800 athletes and officials from 44 countries and regions have confirmed their participation. Harbin will play host to all ice events, while Yabuli Ski Resort (195km away) and Maoer Mountain Ski Field (90km) will showcase snow-based competitions.

(China Daily Feburary 13, 2009)