**Interview with Ou Zixia, Captain of China’s Women’s Hockey Team: “Our Aspiration for the Championship is Higher Than Anyone Else’s”**

On October 8th, we had the opportunity to sit down with Ou Zixia, the captain of the Chinese women’s hockey team and the flagbearer for China at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, during the 2024 National Women’s Hockey Championships in Hangzhou, China.

When asked about the team’s spirit, Ou emphasized, “What really sets China’s women’s hockey apart is our fighting spirit. Our aspiration for the championship is stronger than anyone else’s. The impressive results we’ve achieved are a testament to our hard work.”

This nine-day tournament involves nearly 300 athletes and coaches from 11 teams across various regions, including Beijing, Tianjin, Inner Mongolia, and Shanghai. The Chinese women’s team, fresh off their silver medal win at the Paris Olympics, showcases key players like Ou Zixia and vice-captain Li Hong.

Reflecting on the competition venue, Ou remarked, “We’re back at Gongshu Canal Sports Park, where we celebrated our championship victory against South Korea at last year’s Asian Games. Returning here brings back great memories; the facilities are top-notch, and there’s a strong sense of belonging.”

After their Asian Games triumph, the team secured a spot in the Paris Olympics, where they reached the finals for the first time in 16 years. Although they lost to the Netherlands, their tenacity and resolve, embodied by the nickname “Iron Roses,” inspired many fans.

“When I think back on our journey to Paris, I can’t help but get emotional,” Ou shared. “This was my third Olympic experience, and I didn’t perform well in the previous two. Achieving second place this time was only possible because of my team, our coaches, and my amazing teammates. The Paris Olympics truly fulfilled my dream.”

Despite the late start of hockey in China, the women’s team has made remarkable progress. They claimed a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, proving their competitive ability against the world’s top teams. Although they faced challenges in later Olympics, their recent performance in Paris highlighted their strength and resilience.

Ou noted, “For the past two years, we’ve been training abroad. Initially, we had a gap between us and the world’s best, but through hard work and perseverance, we have significantly closed that gap leading into the Paris Olympics.”

Looking ahead, Ou is excited about the upcoming Women’s Hockey Super League in Hangzhou, which will feature teams from Belgium and Great Britain. “During the Olympics, we closely analyzed each team, and we felt confident going into our match against Belgium. They will definitely come ready to win at the end of the year; our goal is to continue our successful streak against them,” she stated.

As the tournament progresses, Ou Zixia and her team remain focused on their ambitious goals, driven by an unyielding desire for success.